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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
- Dissecting The Beer Menu – An Irish Pub & Layered Brews
- Has anyone else noticed that every “limited release” somehow stays on shelves for months?
- Dissecting The Beer Menu – An Irish Pub & Layered Brews
- Headed to Asheville – looking for top breweries to get German style in cans / bottles
- Does anyone else feel guilty drinking beer alone because it’s supposed to be a social experience?
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Title: The Solo Beer Experience: Embracing the Joy of Independent Tasting
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us have found solace in simple rituals that bring a bit of joy to our daily routines. For instance, after a long day of remote work, there’s something undeniably rewarding about savoring a carefully selected beer while preparing dinner. Yet, lurking underneath this serene moment is a nagging question: Is it socially acceptable to enjoy that beer alone?
Over the past year, I’ve developed a personal tradition of selecting a unique and flavorful beer around 6 PM and indulging in it as I bring my culinary creations to life. I shy away from mundane choices; instead, I opt for intriguing options—perhaps a barrel-aged sour or an exquisite fruited lambic. But recently, I’ve started to feel an unsettling sense of guilt for not sharing this experience with others.
Interestingly, my partner has teased me about my penchant for indulging in these expensive brews, suggesting I save them for gatherings that involve friends. “Why not wait until we have people over to truly enjoy it?” she asks, highlighting a viewpoint many might share. Yet, when I sip my carefully chosen beer alone, I find a certain depth of flavor that I can appreciate without distraction.
It raises an intriguing question: Is there an unwritten rule stating that exceptional beer must always be a communal experience? While social settings often highlight the charm of bottle shares and tasting events, I can’t help but wonder if my solitary enjoyment is warranted. After all, there’s a unique pleasure in dissecting the nuanced flavors of a brew without having to justify its worth to anyone else, especially when many may not recognize the subtle distinctions between different hops, like Citra and Mosaic.
So, what is the consensus on this matter? Are we, as beer enthusiasts, bound to share our best finds, or can we indulge in solitary appreciation? From my perspective, there is beauty in both avenues. Saving special beers for communal enjoyment can foster memorable experiences with others, but there is also profound value in simply enjoying a great beer in solitude.
Ultimately, savoring a delightful beer on your own can be equally rewarding, allowing for personal connection to the flavors and craftsmanship that go into brewing. So, whether you choose to share or savor alone, remember that every beer experience is valid—just raise your glass and enjoy it to the fullest, however you choose to partake!