The Price of Craft: Is That Expensive Beer Worth It?

As enthusiasts of craft beer, many of us have found ourselves captivated by the allure of unique brews, especially those with significant price tags. Recently, I embarked on an adventure that led me to spend an astonishing $47 on a single bottle of barrel-aged imperial stout. This particular stout had been aged in bourbon barrels for an impressive 18 months and was infused with Madagascar vanilla and Ecuadorian cacao. The staff at the bottle shop described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” and touted the brewery’s accolades, including a prestigious GABF gold medal.

Intrigued by their enthusiastic pitch, I quickly decided to make the purchase. Once home, I took the time to properly chill the beer and selected the appropriate glassware. I approached my tasting seriously, eager to savor what was promised to be an extraordinary experience.

To my surprise, while the stout was enjoyable, it resembled an upscale chocolate milk laced with a bourbon finish. Certainly tasty, but it left me pondering whether it was truly worth the $47 price tag. The price was so lofty that I realized I could have purchased a decent bottle of bourbon for the same amount.

Despite my initial excitement, I found myself grappling with the urge to convince myself of the beer’s magnificence. After sharing snapshots and poetic illustrations on platforms like Untappd, Facebook, and Instagram—highlighting the “complex flavor profile” and “exceptional barrel character”—I was merely trying to rationalize my investment.

This experience made me reflect on how easy it is to get swept away by hype and allow the price to dictate our expectations. I wonder: have others found themselves in similar situations? What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a single beer, and did it truly justify the cost?

As we delve deeper into the world of craft beer, it’s essential to balance excitement with discernment. After all, while some brews may be exceptional, others might just be overpriced hype waiting for us to figure it out.