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Embracing Solo Beer Appreciation: A Personal Journey

Have you ever found yourself savoring a quality beer alone and then questioning if it’s socially acceptable? If so, you’re not alone. This is a sentiment many people, especially those of us working from home, can relate to.

Over the past year, I’ve crafted a nightly ritual that revolves around the satisfaction of cooking dinner while enjoying a meticulously chosen beer. It’s not just any beer, mind you; I’ve developed a taste for those with rich flavors and layered complexities that truly deserve a moment of appreciation. However, lately, I’ve started to feel a twinge of guilt for enjoying my solitary beer tasting sessions, as if I’m somehow breaking an unspoken rule about what beer consumption should look like.

My partner often raises an eyebrow at my choice to indulge in higher-end options, like a $35 barrel-aged sour or a $76 fruited lambic, especially on a Wednesday evening. She suggests that I save those for gatherings so that I can share the experience with others. And while I understand her perspective, there’s something undeniably satisfying about enjoying a unique beer in peaceful solitude, free from the necessity of explaining why a particular brew is worth the splurge.

This leads me to wonder: is it common to indulge in fine beers alone? On social media, I frequently come across images of lively bottle shares, where groups come together to appreciate rare and complex brews. Part of me wonders if I’m missing out on a vital communal experience. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the fact that many enthusiasts might not even discern the difference between hops like Citra and Mosaic.

So, I pose this question: Do others reserve their special beers for social occasions, or is it perfectly acceptable to enjoy and appreciate them in solitude?

As I reflect, it becomes clear that the answer might differ from person to person. Each beer is an experience unto itself, whether shared or solo, and perhaps the true essence lies in the personal enjoyment of its intricate flavors. Ultimately, whether alone or surrounded by friends, there’s no right or wrong way to appreciate a great beer. Cheers to enjoying our favorite libations, however and whenever we choose!