More proof of tasteless American beers

[KrazyHorse]

If you leave vodka out in your trunk on a brisk night in January in Montreal it freezes too...

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
If you leave vodka out in your trunk on a brisk night in January in Montreal it freezes too...

If it's crap vodka. I left a bottle of Absolut outside for a week in Ashland, WI (a town on the shores of Lake Superior) in early March (below zero F). When we opened and poured it, it was thick, like syrup. It was like drinking ice cubes.

[KrazyHorse]

When I was in Montreal during Xmas vacation this year it hit around -30 F

[KrazyHorse]

[Ming]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
I agree that Sam's is definitely a very drinkable beer.

But what you have to realise is that costwise you have to compare Molson, Labatt, Moosehead and Sleeman's to Bud, Miller, Coors and ( ) Rolling Rock.

The 4 Canadian beers I mentioned all have much more flavour (though I dislike some of them) than their base-level American counterparts. If you're willing to spend an additional 25% you can start to buy stuff like Belle Gueule or Unibroue beers...

Maybe in Canada... But Molson, Labatt, Moosehead (never heard of Sleeman's) all cost more than the the big three in the US, so are considered premium beers.

And don't even mention Rolling Rock... they have a cult following who believe it's the second coming of god... and it's just as bad or worse than the big three... and in some places, actually costs more...

[chequita guevara]

Thank god I'm in Florida.

[chequita guevara]

Lienenkugel's!

[KrazyHorse]

It is definitely more expensive to buy a Canadian beer here than it is in Montreal (even given the fact that the government applies a heavier alcohol tax there IIRC)

[KrazyHorse]

I've never bought an American beer in Canada (they tend to not stock them in the corner stores and supermarkets that I buy beer at) but I seem to recall that they were generally more expensive (even when sold in cans, which Canadian beers generally don't do, except for the individual King Cans).

[chequita guevara]

Well that's good for you, KH, cuz Canadian beer sux.

I'm drinkin' a Red Hook ESB Rich Amber Ale. Yum.

[Ming]

Most of my friends in Canada are outraged at the government taxes (Toronto) and most all brew their own beer. When ever we come up from the states, all guests are required to bring a bottle of scotch, or some other fine product duty free... and our host will always buy them off of us. (but most times, we usually give them as house gifts)

[KrazyHorse]

Well that's good for you, KH, cuz Canadian beer sux.

It's a matter of opinion. What's not is that American beer (base-level, that is; once again, I'm not ripping on all American beers here) is less distinct, less flavourful etc. than its Canadian counterparts

I'm drinkin' a Red Hook ESB Rich Amber Ale. Yum.

Never seen that one....

[KrazyHorse]

Ontario is a bit ridiculous. They refuse to allow the sale of beer and wine in any other venue than liquor stores (just like goddamn Maryland).

In Quebec the prices tend to be slightly lower, and you can buy beer and wine everywhere...

[Ming]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
It's a matter of opinion. What's not is that American beer (base-level, that is; once again, I'm not ripping on all American beers here) is less distinct, less flavourful etc. than its Canadian counterparts

Which really comes as no surprise when you look at the demographics here. The average beer drinker is more downscale, and beer is considered the poor mans drink.
Beer drinkers are likely to be six pack or more drinkers on a given night... and cold weak beer which is cheep fills the bill. The good beers, are usually heavier, and contain a bigger kick... which isn't good if your intent is to pound down beers with the boys

People who want taste and are willing to pay for it are drinking wine or expensive premium hard stuff. All of which some say taste far better than premium beers

People who do like real beer, can get great beers in the US. There are ton's of micro breweries that are doing great... they just aren't the well known big three. The micro breweries know their target... and the big three understand theirs

[KrazyHorse]

Beer had the same problem in Quebec for the longest while. It was regarded as solely fit for the working class. People who could afford to generally drank wine (especially in French Quebec).

What's strange is that recently (in the last 5-10 years, mainly), as Timexwatch mentioned, Quebec has seen a great explosion of very high-quality microbrews (which definitely kick the ass tastewise of Molson or Labatt brands).

There's a place for all beers, though. I've been known to drain a few Coors originals when really thirsty. It tastes like water, though, so when I want to drink beer I'll try for something with more flavour.