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Embracing Solitude: The Case for Enjoying Craft Beer Alone

As many of us navigate the new landscape of remote work, we find ourselves crafting comfortable routines that often reflect our personal tastes and preferences. One such routine that has captured my attention is the delightful ritual of enjoying a carefully selected beer while preparing dinner. For me, there’s something special about this moment—around 6 PM, I take the time to savor a well-chosen brew, one that boasts distinct flavors and intricate characteristics.

However, I can’t help but wrestle with a lingering feeling of guilt associated with drinking beer in solitude. Society often frames the beer experience as inherently social, leading me to question if I’m committing a faux pas by enjoying these exquisite beverages on my own. It’s not that I’m reaching for just any beer; I’m talking about barrel-aged sours or rare lambics that deserve a moment of contemplation.

My girlfriend has voiced her thoughts on the matter; she sometimes finds it extravagant that I choose to indulge in a $35 or $76 bottle midweek without company. “Why not save it for when we have guests?” she often asks. While I can understand her perspective, I often find more joy in exploring the complex flavors of these brews alone than in feeling pressured to explain their merits to someone who might not share my passion.

This brings me to a broader question: Is it commonplace to enjoy a high-quality craft beer solo, or am I missing out on a vital communal aspect of the experience? I often see social media posts showcasing groups of friends sampling rare beers together, leading me to wonder if this communal participation is what really enhances the tasting journey. Yet, I can’t help but also reflect on how many people fail to distinguish between beer varieties, like Citra and Mosaic hops.

So, I pose this question to my fellow beer enthusiasts: Do you save your finest brews for social occasions, or do you also relish the opportunity to appreciate great beer in solitude? Is it permissible to embrace the joy of craft beer alone, turning a simple drink into a moment of personal celebration?

In the end, perhaps the most important consideration is not whether one drinks alone or with others, but rather the appreciation of quality brews and the experiences they bring—no matter the setting.