A fun beer rant (Brew Dog, Scotland)

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1978705,00.html

I've had a few beers from Brew Dog, particularly their collaborations. (One of the best being their recent collaboration with Stone Brewing, Bashah, a fierce example of an American Strong Ale). If I've learned anything, it's that they make fantastic brews.

So they've come out with a beer of outrageously high ABV. About 41% to be precise. So what?! It's time, ladies and gentlemen, for an "ALCOHOL RELATED RANT!"

America has a problem with alcohol. I don't mean we're drunkards...far from it. But since the Puritan days of old, we've hidden from the very thought of alcohol, producing (until recently) sub-par beer, wine, and liquor, none of which can actually tastes good enough to drink long enough actually get drunk on. So now we get a few rabble-rousers who want to push the limits on brewing a bit! Hang them! Hang them!

The truth is, high ABV beer is nothing to be feared. Actually, I'd argue it's something that encourages more responsible drinking. Anyone who has had a beer over 9% ABV knows that you generally want to take a long, delicious beer nap after consuming said beer. It's not the "uproot some fences, objectify some women, fight the power" alcohol experience that the American media likes to paint it as. Try a North Coast Old Stock Ale for instance. I encourage you, TRY not to take a peaceful snooze on your nearest sofa or recliner! Try it!

Plus, at a whopping $40+ a bottle, who in their right mind is going to be pounding these beers? This is the problem with the American concept of the consumption of alcohol. Our mainstream is used to a beer that's light enough have five of, so we assume every beer must be that way. Wrong. Beer isn't - once again - that yellow fizzy stuff your grandfather may have drank. It can be that, but it can also be akin to a cognac, a champagne, and a wine. Beer can be sipped. Beer can be smelled. It can be enjoyed slowly and in moderation. Get used to it! Appreciate beer! And in the words of BeerAdvocate.com, ENJOY BEER!

That said, I'd love to get my hands on one of these...
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