The Session #5: Atmosphere

I hadn't planned on writing anything for The Session #5*, and so I haven't (it's my intention to have this blog be primarily about reviewing beers, rather than being a repository of beer related writings), but I was writing up a beer review from some notes just now, and I wanted to write a little bit anyways. And hey, better late than never, right?

The topic was about what atmosphere in which you enjoy beer, and most people wrote about the pleasures of the pub, and having pints with friends. I do enjoy beer socially of course, but I was thinking that I do most of my drinking at home, and that I'd like to write in defense of drinking alone.

As one of the bloggers noted (I don't recall who, sorry), drinking alone is sort of the stereotypical sign of alcoholism, so this is a bit of a touchy subject, I know. That said, most of the beer I've reviewed on this blog is beer I've drunk at home, usually by myself (though with the girlfriend next to me, so not truly alone).

I'm of the opinion that having a beer at home in the evening, sitting next to your loved one in front of the TV, is a wonderful way to unwind. Furthermore, it's easier for me to take good notes if I'm at home: I don't mind ignoring the TV for a minute to truly smell and taste my beer, while I do feel like a bit of a snob ignoring my friends to find the nuances of my drink.

Additionally, I can drink differently if I'm at home. Often I see interesting beers on menus that only come in 750mL bottles which fail to interest the company I'm with. If I'm at a bar and have to drive home, I'd never drink a 750 by myself. But if I'm home for the night, I can drink a bit more (obviously not getting falling-down drunk or anything) without worrying about the danger of driving. Several beers I've reviewed have been big bottles drank at home by myself which I probably never would have had if I didn't drink at home.

All of that said, I know that Alex doesn't like to keep beer in his house for health reasons (I've probably put on a few pounds due to my regular beer consumption, I'll admit), and Scott lives alone and doesn't spend much time awake at his apartment, and so I understand that drinking alone isn't for everyone (and in fact, if either of them took it up I might be somewhat concerned). But my point is that I never would have developed a nuanced affection for craft beer if I didn't drink at home.

*I'll note also that I skipped the fourth Session, due to being on vacation (though I'd had a review planned and just fell through on posting it, and decided when I got back that it was too late and the review wasn't that good). I do intend to do a review for Session #6, which may be a double review, even.