What's so great about beer?

[ClaptonsWig]

Only time I drank was in college for fun with drinking games. We did movie nights until somebody wanted to add challenges to the mix is how it started. Since i was new, i drank bud light. One of worst ones was "Gambling", where you roll a dice to see how many minutes you had to wait till you rolled it again. Of course you took a shot every time it was rolled, so 2+ hour movies were always going to lead to disaster. Never liked beer then, and especially haven't since I played those games.

[DavyinaToga]

There are beer drinkers aren't fans of beer in general. I enjoy Corona with a poopton of limes, Magic Hat's variety of lighter beers, and that's about it. Even then, it was an acquired taste. The bitterness of even light beers was a bit intolerable the first couple times, but it's easy to get past. Once you realize that beers are "gulp" drinks* and not "sip" drinks, it becomes easier to enjoy on occasion.

I don't care for getting drunk, and I rarely even have more than one a night (or even more than once a week). For me, a good beer is akin to taking a cold shower: it's a small shock that's refreshing after a long and tiring day. Nothing more, nothing less.

Oh, and more often than not, whatever you've recently eaten can drastically change the way a beer tastes.

*"'gulp' drink" not meaning it should be chugged, but rather that you should swallow it quickly; the bitterness won't linger on your tongue as much as the other flavors do if you don't give it the chance

EDIT: Also, avoid ANYTHING from a can. When given the choice, go for a bottle every time.

[lvmathemagician]

First beer I ever had was Budweiser. And I hated it. It's one of the reasons I stayed away from beer for years.

I hate budweiser also, even the Czech stuff. Budweiser gives beer a bad name.

Weidemans is worse though.

[folkeye]

Had a Shipwrecked 'Smashed Blueberry' this weekend. Pretty darn good

Dark, smooth, coffee/chocolate/fruit hints....

[DerLindwurm]

Had a Shipwrecked 'Smashed Blueberry' this weekend. Pretty darn good

Dark, smooth, coffee/chocolate/fruit hints....

Are you sure you're talking about beer? That sounds like a smoothie.

[killer_roach]

Are you sure you're talking about beer? That sounds like a smoothie.

I've had beers similar to that, actually. Bell's Cherry Stout is one of my favorites that meets such criteria.

Recent favorite? New Holland Charkoota Rye - a smoked rye doppelbock. Surprising amount of body for a doppelbock (almost venturing into stout territory, an impressive feat for something in the lager family), insane amounts of smoke and spice notes (to the point where my brother is convinced it tastes like bacon - I'm not quite as convinced, but I can see where he's coming from), a smooth mouthfeel and a lingering chocolate-brown head to it.

[Ehfahq]

Budweiser gives beer a bad name.

No it doesn't. It has been around since 1876 for a reason.

Light beer has its place too.

[darkwinterbeast8]

Light beer has its place too.

I only use light beer for Beer Pong.

[lvmathemagician]

I Like Beer
By Tom T. Hall

In some of my songs i have casually mentioned
The fact that i like to drink beer
This little song is more to the point
Roll out the barrel and lend me your ears

(Chorus
I like beer. it makes me a jolly good fellow
I like beer. it helps me unwind and sometimes it makes me feel mellow (makes him feel mellow)
Whiskey's too rough, champagne costs too much, vodka puts my mouth in gear
This little refrain should help me explain as a matter of fact i like beer
(he likes beer)

My wife often frowns when we're out on the town
And i'm wearing a suit and a tie
She's sipping vermouth and she thinks i'm uncouth
When i yell as the waiter goes by

(Chorus)

Last night i dreamed that i passed from the scene
And i went to a place so sublime
Aw, the water was clear and tasted like beer
Then they turned it all into wine

I like beer. it makes me a jolly good fellow
I like beer. it helps me unwind and sometimes it makes me feel mellow (makes him feel mellow)
Whiskey's too rough, champagne costs too much, and vodka puts my mouth in gear
Aw, this little refrain should help me explain as a matter of fact i love beer
(yes, he likes beer)

[Apples]

I am generally in the "don't get it" crowd myself, but I respect that others have a strong passion for it.

It is said that beer is consumed for the effect, not the taste. It is consumed to loosen up, gain "bravery", and change one's state of mind. The thing is... you can do all of that sober if you choose to. Your state of mind is whatever you make it to be.