The Price of Craft: Is Expensive Beer Worth It?

As a craft beer enthusiast, it’s hard not to be enticed by unique brews that promise an extraordinary experience. Just the other night, I found myself in a familiar predicament: I splurged $47 on a single bottle of barrel-aged imperial stout that had been meticulously aged for 18 months in bourbon barrels, enriched with flavors from Madagascar vanilla and Ecuadorian cacao.

The staff at the bottle shop raved about this brew, calling it “liquid gold,” and highlighted its accolades, including a prestigious GABF gold medal. They spoke passionately about the brewery’s careful barrel selection processes and hailed it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Naturally, I couldn’t resist the allure and added it to my collection.

Eagerly, I returned home, properly chilled the bottle, and selected my best glassware. I took my time savoring the drink, hoping for a flavor that would justify the steep price tag. What did I get? A taste profile reminiscent of rich chocolate milk, complemented by a bourbon aftertaste. It was undoubtedly enjoyable, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it simply didn’t warrant a $47 investment—certainly not when I could have bought a decent bottle of bourbon for the same price.

What struck me the most was the cognitive dissonance that followed. I found myself wanting to convince others (and perhaps myself) of the beer’s greatness. I posted photos on Untappd, Facebook, and Instagram, extolling the “complex flavor profile” and the “exceptional barrel character.” But deep down, I was grappling with the uneasy truth: I was trying to rationalize my extravagant purchase.

I realize now that I may have fallen prey to the hype surrounding not only the brewery but also the price. It’s a common trap for those of us who are passionate about beer—believing that a higher cost guarantees a superior experience.

I’m curious to hear from fellow beer lovers: have you ever faced a similar situation? Have you splurged on a single beer that lived up to its price tag? Let’s discuss the moments when the cost of craft beer truly matched the experience. Your insights might help us all make better choices on our next trip to the bottle shop!