this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2023
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[–] Ledivin 5 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Uh... you're aware that non-alcoholic beer exists, right? This isn't some mythical creation, people already drink it.

[–] Maalus 0 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Which most do because of social interactions and needing / wanting to be sober. Haven't met a person that just has 0% beer, and they open it after a hard days work like some people do with the alcoholic version. The only time I've seen 0% consumed in a large quantity was parties, specifically for drivers.

[–] accideath 7 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Nop, I know a few people who on occasion drink 0% beer without social obligations. And also, I know a lot of people who don’t drink beer to get drunk. Because you don’t get drunk from one beer and oftentimes that’s the amount you drink here, when you’re not partying or trying to get drunk. But also, I’m German, we actually have really good beer here.

[–] Maalus -1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

It's not about "getting drunk", it's about the effect alcohol has on your body. It loosens you up, helps lubricate social gatherings. A single beer is enough to do that. Neighbor comes to talk about the mower, you do it over a beer. If you don't want the effect of alcohol, you drink 0%. A lot of people do that instead of going for a soda or whatever, because it's considered to be more socially acceptable that you are drinking "beer".

[–] accideath 3 points 11 months ago

I‘d disagree on that. Yes, sharing something to drink is a good way to "lubricate social gatherings" but alcohol does not need to be involved. One beer is not enough for that anyways for most people, especially if you take into account the time it takes to take effect anyways. Here in Germany, if you drink one beer you’re also still allowed to drive

And at least in my experience, a cold coke or a hot cup of tea is just as "lubricating“. The alcohol is not necessary. Of course, if you go for a second, third or fourth beer, it becomes a whole different story but with one beer it’s more of a symbolic toast than anything.

Besides, here in Germany, people who drink 0% beer are in some situations (in a joking way) more shunned than people who drink soda and yet both soda and 0% (especially 0% Hefeweizen) are being served and enjoyed.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

One beer doesn't do shit for me. I'd have to drink 4 or 5...(because it takes 45min+ for alcohol to do it's thing) and that doesn't always happen. So it's not for the effect at those times, in fact, often I don't want the effect because it will happen after I leave (say a lunch meeting), but I want a beer to wash down what I've had.

Sometimes I just want a nice cold brew on a hot day after working hard. It can satisfy in ways that other drinks can't, not even my favorite gin and tonic or Tom Collins.

You sound like you've never had the incredible experience of the perfect drink pairing with a meal.

The French would like a word with you, they've mastered the "which wine with this dish", and beer can work the same way. I've been to beer pairings that equal wine pairings...and I'm not a big beer drinker.

[–] crashoverride -3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Yes, but not cause of the flavor

[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

Mate, there's a place near me that makes non-alcholic IPAs that I love to drink on hot days if I'm not looking to get drunk.

Just cause you don't like bitter flavors doesn't mean others don't.

Some people certainly do drink beer just as a social lubricant or to get sloshed, but for others the taste is the point especially in the craft brew scene.

[–] crashoverride -2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

It's called an "acquired taste" mean something that doesn't taste good on the onset, but you put up through the bad taste to get a positive effect, such as getting a buzz. Remove the buzz, there's no reason to put up with it to acquire the taste. You've already acquired the taste, so after removing the alcohol it's fine. But I guarantee you you wouldn't start drinking if there wasn't a peripheral benefit.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

It isn't an acquired taste though. It's an enjoyment of bitter and botanical flavors same as certain types of teas.

[–] crashoverride -1 points 11 months ago

Ummmm, yes it is. Bitterness is an acquired taste