The Solo Beer Enjoyment Dilemma: Is It Okay to Savor Craft Brews Alone?

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us have adapted our routines significantly, especially in the wake of remote work trends. One personal ritual that has sparked some contemplation for me is the act of enjoying a carefully chosen beer solo, an experience that typically conjures thoughts of social gatherings and shared laughter over frothy pints. Recently, I’ve found myself questioning whether it’s acceptable to indulge in this habit alone, and perhaps more importantly, if I should feel guilty about it.

For the past year, I’ve established a comforting routine of savoring an exquisite beer while whipping up dinner. We’re not talking about just any beer here; I’m referring to those meticulously crafted brews with rich flavors and complexities—and there’s something truly satisfying about this practice. Yet, as I enjoy a $35 barrel-aged sour or a $76 fruited lambic while cooking on a Wednesday evening, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. It seems almost like I’m committing an offense by not sharing these moments with someone else.

My girlfriend has pointed out that it may come off as pretentious to indulge in such an expensive beer alone, suggesting I save these special brews for gatherings where they can be appreciated by a group rather than just me. She raises a valid point: wouldn’t it be more enjoyable to share these tastes with others who can appreciate their finesse? Yet, there’s an undeniable joy in experiencing the complexity of flavors without the need to explain them to a curious audience. Sometimes, I find solace in the quiet exploration of a brew’s unique characteristics, unbothered by any societal pressures around sharing.

This leads to a broader question: Is there a communal aspect of beer enjoyment that I’m neglecting? Social media is filled with images of bottle shares, where enthusiasts connect over rare and expensive brews, forming a sense of community. I often wonder if, by savoring these complex flavors in solitude, I’m missing a crucial part of the enjoyment. That said, it seems that many people can’t even distinguish between different hop varieties like Citra and Mosaic, which leaves me feeling a bit more justified in my personal appreciation.

So, I ask: is it perfectly acceptable to relish great beer alone, or should we reserve our finest libations for social settings? The journey of taste can be deeply personal, yet there’s an allure to sharing it with others too. Do