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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.
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The Pricey Pursuit of Craft Beer: Is It Worth It?
In the ever-evolving world of craft beer, enthusiasts often find themselves faced with a compelling question: how much is too much when it comes to a single bottle? Recently, I took the plunge and splurged on a bottle of barrel-aged imperial stout, which set me back a staggering $47. This wasn’t just any beer – it had been aged in bourbon barrels for 18 months and infused with Madagascar vanilla and Ecuadorian cacao. The bottle shop clerk touted its pedigree with phrases like “liquid gold,” referencing the brewery’s GABF gold medal and their “meticulous attention to barrel selection.” It felt like I was about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime tasting experience.
Caught up in the excitement, I couldn’t resist purchasing it. Once I got home, I took every care to prepare for the tasting ritual. I chilled the stout to perfection, selected the right glassware, and allowed myself to savor the moment. However, when I finally took that first sip, what I found was a taste more akin to high-end chocolate milk with an underlying bourbon flavor. Delightful? Yes. Worth $47? Not exactly. In fact, for that price, I could have purchased a commendable bottle of bourbon instead!
What stung the most was my instinct to convince myself of its greatness simply because of the hefty price tag. In the aftermath, I found myself posting images and descriptions on social media, praising its alleged “complex flavor profile” and “exceptional barrel character.” Deep down, I realized I was merely attempting to justify my splurge.
This experience has led me to ponder: have I been ensnared by the hype surrounding certain beers? How often do we associate price with quality in the world of craft beer? I can’t be the only one who has found themselves in this predicament.
I’m curious to hear from fellow beer aficionados – what is the highest amount you’ve ever spent on a single beer, and did it truly meet your expectations? Share your thoughts and experiences as we navigate the sometimes murky waters of craft beer pricing together.