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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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- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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The Price of Premium Beer: A Personal Experience
Have you ever found yourself splurging on a craft beer, only to question if it was really worth it? Recently, I embarked on an extravagant purchase that made me reflect on the perceived value of specialty beers.
Last evening, I invested $47 in a singular bottle of barrel-aged imperial stout. This wasn’t just any beer; it had been aged in bourbon barrels for 18 months and flavored with Madagascar vanilla and Ecuadorian cacao. The passionate salesman at the bottle shop sold me on it, touting the brewery’s accolades, including a coveted gold medal from the Great American Beer Festival, and emphasized how this concoction was a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Intrigued and a bit swept up in the excitement, I made the impulsive decision to buy it.
Once I returned home, I took the time to chill the beer properly, selected the ideal glass, and savored the moment. However, upon tasting it, I found the flavor reminiscent of expensive chocolate milk with a subtle bourbon finish. It was enjoyable, certainly, but it failed to impress given the lofty price tag. In fact, I couldn’t help but think that for the same amount, I could have purchased a decent bottle of bourbon that would have provided a more satisfying experience.
What troubled me the most was the overwhelming urge to convince myself that the beer was extraordinary because of the money spent. I eagerly shared my experience on various social media platforms, highlighting its “complex flavor profile” and “exceptional barrel character,” all the while suppressing the nagging thought that I may have been influenced by its price rather than its quality.
This experience has me pondering: How often do we get caught up in the hype surrounding exclusive products, leading us to overlook their true value? I’m curious if others have faced a similar situation. What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a beer, and was it truly worth the investment? Your stories could provide valuable insights into the often subjective world of craft beer appreciation.