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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
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- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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The True Cost of Craft Beer: A $47 Lesson in Hype and Expectation
In the ever-evolving world of craft beer, it’s easy to get swept up in marketing hype and high price tags. Just last evening, I splurged a staggering $47 on a single bottle of barrel-aged imperial stout. This particular brew had spent 18 months maturing in bourbon barrels, infused with Madagascar vanilla and Ecuadorian cacao, which the bottle shop connoisseur proclaimed was “liquid gold.” He proudly highlighted the brewery’s accolades, including a GABF gold medal, and touted the “meticulous attention to barrel selection,” declaring it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Intrigued by the glowing description, I made the purchase without a second thought. Once at home, I followed the ritual: chilling the beer to perfection, selecting the ideal glassware, and savoring it slowly. However, I was met with a revelation that was more like sipping expensive chocolate milk with a hint of bourbon than the profound experience I had been led to expect. Sure, it was enjoyable, but was it worth the hefty $47 price tag? Absolutely not. For that amount, I could have easily purchased a quality bottle of bourbon that would have offered a more gratifying experience.
What troubled me most was my instinct to convince myself of its greatness simply because of the price. I found myself posting beautifully staged photos on Untappd, Facebook, and Instagram, boasting about its “complex flavor profile” and “exceptional barrel character,” all while grappling with a nagging feeling that I was merely trying to rationalize my extravagant purchase.
This experience made me reflect on the age-old question: How often do we let hype and high costs dictate our perception of quality? Have you ever experienced buyer’s remorse after splurging on a beer? If so, I’d love to hear about your stories—the most you’ve ever paid for a single beer and whether it truly lived up to its cost. Let’s share our experiences and learn from one another in this fascinating craft beer journey!