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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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The Price of Perception: A $47 Beer Experience
Have you ever been swayed by the allure of a high-priced beer? Recently, I found myself in that very situation, shelling out $47 for a single bottle of barrel-aged imperial stout. This particular brew, aged for 18 months in bourbon barrels and infused with Madagascar vanilla and Ecuadorian cacao, was touted as a must-have by the knowledgeable staff at my local bottle shop. They spoke enthusiastically about the brewery’s accolades, including a prestigious GABF gold medal, and emphasized their keen attention to detail during the aging process. According to them, this was a rare opportunity to experience something truly extraordinary.
Convinced by the compelling description, I swiftly made the purchase. Once home, I took great care in preparing for my tasting: I chilled the stout to perfection, selected an appropriate glass, and ensured I had ample time to savor each sip. However, what I encountered was less life-changing and more reminiscent of an expensive chocolate milk, followed by a faint bourbon aftertaste. It was enjoyable, certainly, but I couldn’t help but think that I could have bought a decent bottle of actual bourbon for that same price.
The most disheartening realization was that after investing so much, I felt compelled to convince myself that the experience was extraordinary. I found myself posting elaborate descriptions on social media platforms like Untappd and Instagram, touting the “complex flavor profile” and “exceptional barrel character” in a bid to validate my splurge. Deep down, I questioned whether I had succumbed to the hype, allowing the hefty price tag to skew my expectations of what I was about to enjoy.
Has anyone else found themselves caught in this predicament? What’s the most you’ve spent on a single beer that truly lived up to its cost? It would be interesting to hear your experiences and whether you’ve ever found yourself grappling with the fine line between marketing allure and actual enjoyment.