Can drinking craft beer be considered a hobby?

A hobby? Possibly. Can you walk away from it as you did from basketball and football? If not, it’s not a hobby.

 

Not to me, but talking about it is.

 

Going by the loose definition of something you spend time/money/energy on in your free time, purely for enjoyment, then I think the overarching concept of "craft beer" can definitely be classed as a hobby. It means different things to different people. Whether they admit it or not, for some people there is a major collectible aspect. Which may or may not go hand in hand with the trading scene, which is also a branch of this hobby. Others may get really deep into the home-brewing scene. For some the impetus is taking meticulous notes and tracking their thoughts on all the beers they've tried; related to that branch is the whole ticking scene. Some people pair beer and travel together as part of their hobby. And maybe for others it's really the history/culture of beer that is the driver.

Talking specifically about the actual act of consuming the beer? Maybe the least hobby-esque part of the scene. And at the very least the most slippery aspect, and the part that non-craft beer head friends/partners are going to struggle with claims of "this is my hobby" with the most.

 

Enjoying craft beer in and of itself could be considered a hobby, if you do it as an enthusiast in my opinion (to each their own), someone who visits breweries and generally takes pleasure in the experience of the beer, its quality, collecting rare bottles, trading, or generally being a part of the culture of craft. If you're chasing ABV and are drinking craft only because it tastes better than Steel Reserve, then you might have another situation. It can be esoteric from the outside looking in as with most hobbies and it just looks like you're drinking unnecessarily expensive beer with sometimes higher than average ABV just to get drunk. Maybe sharing that hobby with your SO might help her understand that there's more to it than just "drinking beer." Take her to a brewery, play some cornhole, and just enjoy the experience, even if she doesn't drink beer she may simply enjoy watching you enjoy it, and that should be enough. Cheers!

 

I believe it can be a hobby enhancer. Ever play bowling sober vs buzzed. World of difference!

 

Sure but all you have to show for it are empty cans, bottles, Growlers, Howlers and Prowlers once you've done.

Edit: or pics of them.

 

I don't call it a hobby but I guess you could say it is? I drink beer out of the enjoyment of it and also most of my friends enjoy craft/beer in in general so its just part of my thing. I have been married for around 15 years now and the key is just moderation and using your best judgement. Try and make time for her and things unrelated to to beer. The key I found was balance, it pretty much goes with anything in life. So long as your balanced and not obsessed with any one thing it usually works out for everyone. I think your better half may just want you to balance out your routine more.
Cheers

 

I'd also say (without knowing you, and only having the OP to go from, but since you're asking...) that if basketball/football/being generally active are suffering because of beer, then maybe take your foot off the gas on the beer front and use some of that time/energy getting back into sports (assuming that there's not some other reason for that stuff dropping off). Personally speaking I would struggle without my running/riding/outdoor time

 

For many years craft beer and great world beers were my vocation. Before that I had an abiding interest in beer as a result of journeying to Europe as a very young fellow. My hobbies are finding artifacts of all types; spear points, old coins, old bullets, guns, one sword, a great powder horn, knives, horse gear, farm implements. Beer glasses, openers, and corkscrews as well. I also collect books- and read them- and have kept a journal running since 1969. Bad jokes is also a worrisome hobby. I have also maintained a nice collection of pre-electronic correspondence. Beer is simply a pleasure.

 

Yes, it's a hobby. Love everything about beer and don't have to drink. I drink around 8-10 craft beers a week max, so if I do get a buzz it's minor. I loved the brewery jobs I've had and would still be working there if I got paid enough to support a family.

 

I consider it a hobby, I track styles and states and on trips I try to get beer I cant get otherwise. Its a fun hobby that has lots to find and discover

 

Agreed. I think it's a neat part of traveling.

 

I consider it a hobby to hide from my creeping alcoholism.