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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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The High Price of Craft Beer: Is It Worth It?
In the world of craft beer enthusiasts, experiences can range from delightfully surprising to disappointingly overpriced. Recently, I found myself in the latter camp after paying a staggering $47 for a single bottle of barrel-aged imperial stout. Touted as an exceptional offering, this brew had undergone 18 months of aging in bourbon barrels and was infused with Madagascar vanilla and Ecuadorian cacao—a combination that certainly sounds tantalizing.
When I visited the local bottle shop, the staff couldn’t stop raving about this stout. They emphasized the brewery’s impressive accolades, including a gold medal from the Great American Beer Festival, and spoke of the care taken in selecting the barrels for aging. Their enthusiasm was contagious. It felt like I wasn’t just buying a beer; I was investing in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Eager to indulge, I hurried home, ensured the beer was chilled to perfection, and selected the appropriate glassware. With great anticipation, I took my first sip. The flavor was pleasant—reminiscent of rich chocolate milk with a hint of bourbon on the finish. While enjoyable, it was far from the unforgettable experience I had envisioned. In truth, it felt more like an expensive dessert than a standout beer worthy of its price tag.
In hindsight, I found myself grappling with buyer’s remorse. As I posted images and reviews on platforms like Untappd, Facebook, and Instagram, I couldn’t shake the urge to convince myself and others of the beer’s grandeur. I highlighted its “complex flavor profile” and “exceptional barrel character,” all while knowing deep down that I was trying to validate my hefty investment.
This experience led me to reflect on the fine line between genuine appreciation and the influence of hype. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a single beer, and did it meet your expectations? Let’s share our experiences and perhaps learn a thing or two about navigating the world of craft beer—where price doesn’t always dictate quality.