Embracing Solo Craft Beer: A Guilt-Free Experience

In today’s world, the notion of enjoying a beer is often accompanied by social gatherings, laughter, and a shared experience. For many, it’s a fundamental part of camaraderie. However, I find myself wrestling with an internal conflict: is it socially acceptable to savor a quality beer alone, especially when it’s perceived as something meant to be shared?

Over the past year of working from home, I’ve cultivated a delightful ritual of selecting a unique craft beer around dinner time—right at six o’clock to mark the transition from work mode to evening relaxation. This isn’t just any ordinary beverage; it’s a meticulously chosen brew that boasts rich flavors and intricate profiles, deserving of my undivided attention. Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m committing a faux pas, indulging in this personal enjoyment without a communal audience to share the experience.

My girlfriend often playfully chides me for cracking open a $35 barrel-aged sour or a $76 fruited lambic on an ordinary Wednesday night. She suggests saving such indulgences for social occasions, so others can appreciate them too. But the truth is, I’d much rather delight in the nuanced Brettanomyces notes in peace than feel the need to justify my choices or downplay my personal enjoyment as merely “expensive beer.”

I can’t help but wonder: am I alone in this? I frequently scroll through social media and see extravagant bottle shares that celebrate rare and complex beers among groups of friends. Part of me envies the shared joy, yet another part recognizes that not everyone can distinguish between different hop varieties, let alone appreciate the subtleties of each carefully crafted brew.

So, I must ask the question: is it perfectly acceptable to enjoy exceptional beers in solitude, or should they always be reserved for a collective experience? Is there merit in relishing a high-quality beer on your own terms, or do we risk missing out on the essential communal aspect of craft beer culture?

In the end, whether shared or solo, what truly matters is the appreciation for the craft and the journey each bottle represents. Cheers to finding joy in every sip, regardless of who’s beside us!