I like to think of beer as the common everyday drink but I agree that some beers are more special than that! Check out the food and wine article below:
http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/beer-is-going-highbrow-and-why-thats-a-good-thing (http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/beer-is-going-highbrow-and-why-thats-a-good-thing)
I rather like the idea that beer is starting to be taken as seriously as anything else we consume or imbibe.
It seems to have been relegated for a long time as a lesser or common product, less worthy of the 'fine' adjective than wine, spirits or dining.
The reality is that beer was always a fine product, with historically a great deal of care applied to its production. Modern circumstances, like US prohibition, a couple of world wars and their effect on grain use, and the industrial scale production of anaemic yellow fizz, have changed the modern perception of beer.
I just like that it is now being reinstated back to where it belongs.
Though I do caution against beer snobbery. A good lager or bitter is as worthy of your time, as an import double imperial wallet emptier. Beer is a social drink, best enjoyed in good company. And the best company can rarely afford £30 rounds split between 4 people.
I know if that menu was put in front of me, part of me would be thinking:
'I wonder how it tastes'
and the TAG in me would refuse to order, thinking:
'F that, I can just brew myself 40pints for less than a glass of their cheapest!'