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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
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- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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The Price of Perception: An Expensive Beer Experience
We’ve all heard the adage “you get what you pay for,” yet when it comes to craft beer, this statement can sometimes lead us down a slippery slope of expectation versus reality. Recently, I found myself in such a situation when I impulsively purchased a bottle of barrel-aged imperial stout for an eye-watering $47.
This wasn’t just any beer; it was a meticulous concoction, aged for 18 months in bourbon barrels, infused with Madagascar vanilla and Ecuadorian cacao. The enthusiastic recommendation from the bottle shop staff only fueled my excitement. They touted its accolades, including a prestigious GABF gold medal, and stressed the brewery’s commitment to excellence. I felt compelled to believe I was about to experience something extraordinary.
Once home, I ensured every detail was perfect: I chilled the beer to the ideal temperature and brought out my finest glassware. I took my time savoring each sip, only to discover that the experience felt oddly flat. It tasted like an upscale chocolate milk with the lingering notes of bourbon, a pleasant combination, but was it truly worth the hefty price tag? In hindsight, I realized it wasn’t even close—certainly not enough to warrant spending nearly $50 when I could have easily picked up a respectable bottle of bourbon for the same amount.
What left me feeling slightly empty was the internal dialogue I found myself having. I battled the urge to validate my purchase by glorifying it on social media. I posted lovingly crafted photos on Untappd, Facebook, and Instagram, highlighting its “complex flavor profile” and “exceptional barrel character” while secretly grappling with the reality that I was merely trying to justify my extravagant spending.
Reflecting on this experience, I recognize that I succumbed to the allure of hype and prestige, allowing the price to skew my perception of quality. It begs the question: have you ever fallen victim to this trap? What’s the most you’ve ever shelled out for a beer, and were you truly satisfied with the experience? Let’s share our stories and uncover whether extravagant craftsmanship always translates to exceptional taste.