In defense of Beer

There is no doubt how much I love wine. When I was 15, one of my mom's co-workers gave me a glass of cabernet at Thanksgiving dinner. He and his wife were raving about how amazing it tasted, how well it had developed over the years, how beautifully it had opened up after atmospheric exposure. I was super excited, so I took a sip... and I wanted to die.

The stuff was gross. What were these people raving about?

I drank my glass because I didn't want to be rude... but I knew something was up. I knew I was missing out. What was it about this glass of cabernet that made it special, and why was I unable to taste it?

And thus began my journey towards becoming a oenophile.

10 years later, I would hardly call myself a connoisseur... but I know what suits my palate. I know what I want to order at a nice restaurant. I know what to get for others.

My mom tells me that the same co-worker is having a party today, and she needs me to pick out a great bottle of wine to bring. We just happened to be at the supermarket in New Hampshire, and they sell liquor. I am not pleased with the selection and refuse to pick a bottle from the supermarket. Then something glistening with a tint of orange catches my eye.

It is none other than Sam Adams Oktoberfest. I live for that beer. It was one of the first beers that got me interested in beer. It's only around for a short time, and it the one beverage that gets me to put the corkscrew away.

I tell my mom that we should buy oktoberfest for the party. She puts up a fight. "But you LOVE wine and my co-worker LOVES wine. You both LOVE wine. Why would you not buy wine?"

The answer is pretty simple. True wine lovers, True beer lovers, True any kind of alcohol lovers know how to appreciate all alcohol. Sam Adams Oktoberfest is one of the best brews of the season, and everyone should try it.

Besides... my mom's co-worker is guaranteed to bust out some $50-100 bottles of wine on his own... and I'm sure he and I will be the only one's who can fully appreciate it all.