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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 Craft Beer: Is It Worth It?
We all love a good story that comes with our favorite brews, but what’s the line between excitement and reality when it comes to the price tag? Last night, I found myself investing $47 in a bottle of barrel-aged imperial stout that promised an extraordinary experience. This particular stout had been aged for 18 months in bourbon barrels and included enticing ingredients like Madagascar vanilla and Ecuadorian cacao. The sales representative at the bottle shop described it as “liquid gold.” With the added sheen of a GABF gold medal and meticulous barrel selection, it felt like a no-brainer — I had to make it mine.
Upon returning home, I followed all the rituals for indulging in this highly decorated brew. I chilled it to the perfect temperature, selected my finest glassware, and savored each sip. To my delight, the experience was pleasant, reminiscent of rich chocolate milk with a hint of bourbon at the finish. But as I reflected on the hefty price tag, a reality check set in — it was good, but was it really worth $47? Not in a world where a decent bottle of bourbon could have been purchased instead.
In an effort to convince myself of my wise investment, I took to social media. I posted pictures on Untappd, Facebook, and Instagram raving about the “complex flavor profile” and “exceptional barrel character.” Yet, underneath the glowing reviews, I sensed the unmistakable urge to justify my extravagant spending rather than genuine enthusiasm.
This experience led me to ponder: how often do we get caught up in the hype surrounding specialty beers? Is it easy to equate higher prices with superior quality? I’m curious to know if I’m alone in this. What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a beer that truly lived up to its cost? Let’s open the floor for discussion—have you ever felt torn between the thrill of a prestigious brew and the reality of its taste? Share your stories!