Embracing Solo Beer Enjoyment: Is It Time to Let Go of the Guilt?

Do you ever find yourself feeling a sense of guilt when savoring a beer alone, despite the fact that it’s often viewed as a social beverage? If so, you’re not alone.

Over the past year, I’ve transitioned to remote work, leading to the formation of a new evening ritual: selecting a thoughtfully chosen beer to enjoy at around 6 PM while preparing dinner. These aren’t just any brews; I’m referring to complex, flavorful options that truly deserve my attention. Yet, as I indulge in this personal experience, I can’t help but feel like I’m committing a faux pas by not sharing it with anyone.

My partner often teases me about my appreciation for pricey bottles, suggesting that it would be better to save them for social gatherings where others can join in on the experience. After all, who truly enjoys a $35 barrel-aged sour or a $76 fruited lambic on a casual Wednesday evening, right? But the truth is, I find profound satisfaction in tasting these flavors in solitude. It’s not merely about drinking “expensive beer”; it’s about engaging with the intricate characteristics and subtleties that each bottle offers—something that can be challenging to explain in a group setting.

This brings me to a thought: Is it typical to feel this way? I often see posts about bottle shares and groups reveling in unique, rare beers, which makes me question whether I’m missing out on a key communal experience. Yet, I also realize that many individuals may not fully appreciate the nuanced differences between hops or brewing styles.

So, I pose this question to fellow beer lovers: Do you save your finest brews for social occasions, or is it perfectly acceptable to enjoy great beer in your own company? Let’s break the stigma around solo drinking and recognize that often, the best conversations happen between ourselves and what’s in the glass. Cheers to enjoying life’s simple pleasures, whether in solitude or company!