Enjoying Craft Beer Alone: Is It a Guilty Pleasure or a Personal Ritual?

Have you ever found yourself sipping a fine craft beer on your own and felt a twinge of guilt? You’re certainly not alone in this sentiment. As someone who has embraced remote work over the past year, I have developed a delightful yet somewhat solitary routine of savoring a carefully selected beer each evening around 6 PM while preparing dinner.

My choice of beverage is not random; I tend to opt for something that embodies unique flavors and complexity — a beer that truly deserves to be savored. However, I’ve started to question whether this solo enjoyment is socially acceptable. Am I committing a faux pas by indulging in these exquisite brews without company to appreciate them with me?

My partner often raises an eyebrow at my penchant for opening a $35 barrel-aged sour or a $76 fruited lambic on a quiet Wednesday night. She frequently suggests saving such treats for gatherings, where they can be shared and appreciated by others. In truth, I relish the opportunity to explore the nuances of these complex flavors at my own pace. Sometimes, I find it more fulfilling to enjoy them in contemplation rather than attempting to articulate the craft behind “just expensive beer.”

This brings up an intriguing question: Is it perfectly acceptable to celebrate the intricate world of craft beer in solitude, or am I missing out on a vital communal experience? My social media feeds are often filled with photos of large gatherings centered around rare and sought-after brews, which might imply that enjoying beer is inherently a social activity. Yet, I’ve noticed that many casual drinkers may not even recognize the difference between hop varieties like Citra and Mosaic.

So, I pose this question to fellow enthusiasts: do you reserve your prized bottles for social occasions, or do you, too, find joy in appreciating great beer by yourself? It’s essential to remember that at the end of the day, personal enjoyment of craft beer can be a powerful experience, whether shared with friends or savored in solitude.