I think one's choice of beer (or to even be exposed to beer) is heavily influenced by their peers and family. I grew up with a dad who never seemed to drink more than a couple of Bud Lights, and usually only at crab feasts and BBQ's. My friends, when we were younger and broke, would always drink whatever was cheap, sometimes being lucky enough to catch a $1 pitcher of swill or $0.25 plastic cup o' pee-water.
So, I began my young drinking life not really liking beer very much. I hadn't at that point been exposed to anything other than the cheaper beers, and the few more-expensive beers I did try were a little too exotic for me - I had not acquired a taste at that point. For reference, I can count on two hands (and maybe a couple of toes for a few "heavy" years) the number of beers I had each year while in college.
It really wasn't until I got my first "real" job after college that I met a few beer snobs who continued to share newer and stranger beers. It wasn't long before I realized how much I liked hoppier, bitter(er) ales, and richer(er), creamier stouts. Not only did I acquire a taste for beer that made it palatable, but I began to actually enjoy immensely each new tasty beverage put forth, and even started looking for new beers to try myself.
I still don't consider myself a beer snob, but I like to try new things, and those new things are usually a little more expensive than the average Inbeverage. Ok, so maybe I am a beer snob, but, due to the higher alcohol content and fact that I don't pound back beers to get drunk, it doesn't really cost that much. IMO, it's like cheating on your diet by eating an entire box of store-brand Cheezits, when all you really wanted was a small slice of home-made apple pie a la mode! Why waste precious belly space (and calories) on more of something less satisfying?
Speaking of tasty beverages, I'm out. I'll have to remember to pick some up before the weekend. Hmmm, so many choices! I think I might be in the mood for some Well's Banana Bread Beer come Friday. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it (if you like beer and banana bread, that is.) It sounds odd, but it's one of the tastiest foofoo beers I've ever had!