Embracing Solo Beer Enjoyment: Is It Justifiable?

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon for individuals to carve out small pockets of personal time, especially after a long day of remote work. One habit that has emerged for some is the practice of unwinding with a fine beer, even if it means enjoying it alone. This brings to light an intriguing question: is it acceptable to indulge in a craft brew solo, or does this detract from the social experience typically associated with beer?

During my year of working from home, I’ve cultivated a delightful ritual. Each evening around six, I treat myself to a carefully chosen beer while I prepare dinner. Not just any beer, mind you—I’m drawn to those with intricate flavors and depth that truly deserve to be savored. However, recently, I’ve begun to question whether enjoying a quality beer without company feels a bit like a social faux pas.

My partner often teases me about my penchant for indulging in a $35 barrel-aged sour or a $76 fruited lambic mid-week—she wonders why I would choose to savor such a treat on my own instead of saving it for when we host guests. And while I appreciate her perspective, I find a quiet joy in analyzing the nuanced Brett character of the beer without the need to engage in lengthy explanations about why it’s not “just expensive beer.”

This raises a thought-provoking issue: Is there something inherently wrong with relishing a well-crafted beer solo? Scrolling through numerous social media posts, I often see people gathering over rare and expensive brews, sharing their discoveries and experiences. Yet, I can’t help but feel that enjoying beer doesn’t always have to involve a crowd—especially when many people are blissfully unaware of the myriad styles and flavors available, let alone the differences between hops like Citra and Mosaic.

So, I pose this question to the craft beer community: Do you save your prized bottles for group gatherings, or do you believe it’s perfectly fine to appreciate a remarkable beer in the comfort of your own home? It seems that the joy of beer can come not just from sharing it with others, but also from savoring it in solitude. In the end, it’s about the experience and what brings you personal fulfillment. Remember, whether alone or with friends, the core of enjoying a good beer remains unchanged—it’s about savoring what you love, however and wherever you choose to do so.