haveigotboozeforyou.com

Alone with a Great Brew: Is Enjoying Beer Solo a Social Faux Pas?

As our lives become increasingly influenced by remote work, many find themselves crafting new personal rituals that enhance everyday experiences. One such ritual that I have adopted revolves around enjoying a carefully curated beer while preparing dinner—an experience I treasure. However, I’ve begun to wrestle with an unanticipated feeling of guilt for savoring this moment in solitude.

Every evening around 6 PM, I take the time to select a distinctive beer that boasts depth and flavor, aiming for something really special. Whether it’s a barrel-aged sour or an intricate fruited lambic, I believe these brews deserve my undivided attention. Yet, a nagging sense of impropriety creeps in when I realize I am savoring these delightful beverages all by myself.

My girlfriend perceives my lone beer indulgence as a bit pretentious. She often suggests that I hold off on consuming expensive brews like a $35 sour or a $76 lambic until we can share them with friends—a valid point, but one that doesn’t resonate with my experience. I find that I would prefer to relish the complex Brett character of these beers in peace, rather than feel the need to justify why I’m choosing to appreciate something that’s often seen as “just expensive beer.”

Is this solitary enjoyment of fine beer a common occurrence? As I scroll through social media, I can’t help but notice numerous posts showcasing gatherings centered around the sharing of rare and exceptional beers. It’s tempting to think that I’m missing out on an essential communal aspect of beer appreciation. Yet, it’s worth noting that not everyone can distinguish between hops like Citra and Mosaic, which sometimes makes me question the necessity of sharing my experience.

So, I ask: do others reserve their finest libations for social occasions, or is it equally acceptable to indulge in world-class beer on one’s own? Is drinking alone a guilty pleasure or a well-deserved treat? Share your thoughts and experiences—let’s explore this nuanced aspect of beer culture together!