Do you regret becoming a Beer Geek?

I threw up much more often in those days, so no I don't miss them.

 

I was never a Macro drinker, so I can't say I 'miss' it per se... but my wallet sometimes wishes I wasn't as much into this as I am. And SWMBO really wishes I wasn't - half the mudroom closet is beer and growlers, plus my collection of empties. Not to mention the cellar, that she doesn't usually go down to.

 

Me, no... My wife, yeah probably...

 

Hmmm...tbd...good question.

 

I can throw down with a cube of rolling rock any day of the week. More Macro? Sure, bring on some Bud and high life. But that's about it, never really did natty ice etc.

 

My bank account does.

 

Nope.

 

I would bet most of the new generation beer geeks never experienced those days. They just picked this up because they lost touch with their high school band mates, didn't like sports, were too uncoordinated for any sporting activity, could grow a beard and needed a hobby.

 

Life for me was never the way you describe--then or now. Ever since I realized that there was only one way out of life, I have regarded myself as being on a journey of exploration and beer exploration is just one more phase of learning, enjoying, and discovering the path I want to follow for the rest of my life. I drink what I'm in the mood for or want to try with no feelings of guilt or remorse (unless I drink too much in one evening but that's been true with wine, beer, whisky, etc. for years). Never was a "mindless beer drinker" so there's nothing to miss.

 

If you actually feel emotionally guilty for drinking a macro beer....go see a therapist, you need help.

That being said, craft beer has gotten me a great job, tons of cool experiences around the country, a girlfriend I'm head over heels in love with, a hobby to study, a large community to keep relationships strong (I recently referred a guy I've stayed in touch with from college, through craft beer, to work with me).

I've also gained a ton of weight, spent a ton of money, woke up hungover more times than I want to consider and waited in line outside in god awful weather to get another bottle.

Everybody needs a hobby, for me if it wasn't beer, it might be restoring cars. Hell, you think beer is expensive, I'd have to buy/rent garage space, spend a king's ransom on tools and services, etc. If I played golf, I'm buying clubs and then paying green fees (and probably buying beer on the course). Hobbies cost money and time, but what would you replace it with? If you have a better use for your craft beer dollar or hour, hold yourself responsible and use that money/time better.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with where I've ended up as a result of craft beer.

 

No way. Sure I spend most of my money on expensive beer. And yes the wife split and took the kids. And my day drinking cost me my job. Not to mention my drivers license. And yeah, I mostly drink alone. But think how bad things would be without craft beer!

 

I never really enjoyed domestic beers, so no. There was always too much fizz for me.

 

No regrets whatsoever; Having a greater understanding of beer pays dividends even when I'm being quite casual. If anything starts to fuck with my zen, I just move on to the next thing.

I am also content to enjoy all styles of beer no matter the context. . Just enjoy what you're having when you're having it, and don't think about what you're not and you'll be fine. Like I said, it's a zen thing.

 

Yes and No. (Note: Like many others I never enjoyed/purchased bmc products and until 3 years ago when I started drinking ipa's like flower power and lagunita's sucks on the rare occasion I imbibed alcohol 75% of the time it was cider and the other 25% were mixed drinks)

Yes because I drink more often, spend more money and view alcohol consumption (generally) as an unhealthy habit.

No because I can (finally) enjoy meeting a friend for a beer, my wife's family didn't trust me when I never drank, really dig going to new breweries and seeking out new beers when in a different part of the country/world.

 

I thought I disliked beer until I discovered craft beer. Then I realized I wasn't wrong for thinking bud, coors, etc tasted bad. So I don't regret becoming a beer geek; there's a million new options opened up to me, I keep learning more about beer, the folks I've met through the craft beer culture are 99% quality people, and it's just a fun hobby.

 

I am assuming when you say domestic you are referring to macro. The better part of my purchases are domestic beers. And despite the consensus you don't have to go broke drinking good beer.

 

Drat! I had a zinger all set up, only to see yours.

 

I dont regret it one bit but it was cheaper being a natrual ice drinker.

 

“If you miss the present moment, you miss your appointment with life. That is very serious!”

– Thich Nhat Hanh