It’s well established at this point that I have a deep, abiding love of wine. I’ve taken courses, shared what I’ve learned, and take every opportunity to learn and taste and grow as a wino. But, contrary to that love, I don’t tend to order wine when I go out. Instead that honour goes to my other liquid love – beer.
To be honest most of my wine consumption happens on its own, which is contrary to much of my beer consumption which is accompanied by some kind of yummy meal. (I know, I’m a bad wino and WSET student to not really care about about pairing my wine with food. Oh well.)
In case you, like me, are a lover of both wine and beer, allow me to pitch to you my reasons why you should order beer instead of wine when out at a pub or restaurant.
The cost-effective choice
Think about it! Beer offers much better value for money. For about $8 I can get 500mls of beer, as opposed to spending at least $12 for 250mls of wine. Sorry wine, but you just don’t offer the same kind of value.
Ordering beer over wine also allows you to metre out your consumption a bit more. I have a lot of friends who don’t drink a lot of beer because they say it makes them feel full. I say this fullness is a great way to make sure you haven’t accidentally downed your drink too fast. I find this especially true with IPAs. Between the carbonation and the bitterness I’m not finishing that brew any time soon, making it handy for helping ensure I don’t overindulge when I’m out at the pub with friends.
Choices, choices, choices
Have you been to a brew pub lately? Choices abound! Between draft, cans and bottles, there are a ton of of options at pubs and restaurants that you can’t find at your local shop.
I don’t know if you noticed, but we’re also in a bit of a craft beer renaissance here in North America, which means many beer brewers are nerding out, making new recipes for pale ales and imperial stouts and goses and sour beers and and and. Every time I go to my favourite pub there’s something new on tap to try.
Sorry wine, but I really dig the beer adventures.
Bottom line – I’m cheap!
Call it what you like, frugal, thrifty, cheap, cash-conscious – I don’t like to spend more than I need to on anything. I usually attribute it to my Scottish presbyterian heritage, my parents’ value-driven ways, and the fact that disposable income wasn’t in big supply in my house growing up. Whatever the reason, if I can get 500mls of something for less than 250mls of something else, you better believe I’m going to do it!
And if it’s delicious, that just makes the decision that much easier.
Do you have a go-to drink you order when you go out?
2 Comments
I’ve never understood the people who have a “go to drink”.
I understand the “I prefer a Cab Sauv”, or “I really like Riesling”, and even “Just give me a dry red”.
But with the number of choices in beer, wine and spirits these days, how can you turn down the opportunity to explore a new flavour or style? I have my favourites that I will always return to, but for me, having a drink isn’t about the alcohol, it’s about the experience.
Agreed! I tend to have a handful of go to drinks, to suit my mood and the vagaries of what a given place might have on tap. But those go tos also tend to change seasonally. And I’m always open to trying something new!