The Solo Beer Experience: Is It Acceptable to Enjoy Craft Brews Alone?

Have you ever found yourself indulging in a fine beer by yourself, only to feel a twinge of guilt for not sharing that experience with others? If so, you’re definitely not alone.

After a year of working from home, I’ve developed a cherished habit of savoring a carefully chosen beer around 6 PM while preparing dinner. It’s become a delightful ritual for me—one that involves selecting brews with intricate flavors and character. However, a strange sense of unease has crept in lately; I can’t help but feel like I’m somehow committing a faux pas by enjoying these exceptional beers solo.

My girlfriend often teases me about my habit of uncorking premium offerings, like a $35 barrel-aged sour or a $76 fruited lambic, even on a Wednesday evening. She questions why I don’t save these treasures for gatherings with friends, where everyone can appreciate them together. While I understand her perspective, I find a certain joy in tasting the complex notes of these beers in tranquil solitude, free from the need to justify their value.

This raises an interesting question: is this kind of independent beer enjoyment a common practice, or am I veering into pretentious territory? I often scroll through social media and see posts showcasing bottle shares where enthusiasts gather around rare and valuable brews. Part of me wonders whether I’m missing out on a crucial communal aspect of craft beer appreciation. Yet, as someone who has witnessed casual drinkers struggle to differentiate between hops like Citra and Mosaic, I can’t help but question if sharing is inherently better than savoring alone.

Ultimately, I’d love to hear from fellow beer lovers. Do you save your exquisite brews for social occasions, or is it perfectly acceptable to indulge in these flavors on your own? After all, enjoying great beer, whether in good company or in the comfort of your own space, should be celebrated. Let’s explore the nuances of our relationship with beer and the joy it can bring, whether shared or savored in solitude.