(Inspired by the 'What I've Learned' features in the January issue of Esquire Magazine, I've decided to forgo the traditional 'Year in Beer' review this month and instead present a story modelled after these thoughtful Esquire features. To read some of the Esquire originals, please visitwww.esquire.com/features/learned)
Contrary to what some people think, there really is such a thing as bad beer. I've sampled a bunch of them.
When you get a chance to taste something good, take it. Always.
Bad beer and boring beer are two completely different things, although both are best avoided.
Beer drinkers have been duped by mass marketing into the belief that it makes sense to drink only one brand of beer. In truth, brand loyalty in beer makes no more sense than 'vegetable loyalty' in food. Can you imagine it? "No thanks, I'll pass on the mashed potatoes, carrots, bread and roast beef. Me, I'm strictly a broccoli man."
There is absolutely nothing wrong with fruit beer, but it should still let you know it's beer. If I want alcoholic fruit juice, I'll order alcoholic fruit juice.
You can drink beer and not get fat. I mention this because people always seem surprised to discover that I'm not 350lbs.
So-called 'malternatives' -- malt-based alcoholic beverages like ice teas, lemonades and such -- are better described by their original name: Alcopops.
People who don't think that beer and chocolate go together have never tried a piece of flourless chocolate cake with a glass of Rochefort 8.
Anyone can drink beer, but it takes intelligence to enjoy beer.
Free beer is not necessarily a bargain.
I'm mystified by people who think that liking beer precludes also enjoying wine. Does being a Jazz fan mean you can't also take pleasure in Reggae?
I have no problem with people who choose not to drink alcohol -- I don't understand it, but I have no problem with it. I do have a problem with people who tell me that I shouldn't drink.
A glass of an appropriate beer simply makes a meal taste better.
If what you're drinking doesn't thrill you, stop drinking it.
We're very interested in your news, notes, comments and questions, so please feel free to contact SBWoB by clicking on the link below. Or you can add your comments when you sign up for the World of Beer Update, a mid-month e-mail newsletter that brings even more of the world of beer to your computer.
