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Posted By: Lori-Dreams Top selling beers - 10/22/12 03:37 AM
Did you happen to catch the Yahoo article listing the top-selling beers around the world?

Wondered what you thought about them...
Posted By: Carolyn-Beer & Brewing Editor Re: Top selling beers - 10/22/12 11:41 AM
Best selling is just that...best selling, best marketed - particularly in our capitalistic society. Beer drinkers have their own opinions of what they like, and their opinion is valid (for them). What we are actually talking about is the difference between people who like mass-produced beer and those who would rather have a well-made craft beer. Once you cross the threshhold into craft beer with an epiphany-moment, you'll never go back - even with heavy advertising. Look at our products - some like cheese whiz and veggies that are created with GMO's - but others insist on farm-to-table foods. It's a philosophy of what we are willing to put into our bodies. Bud-Miller-Coors-Corona-Heineken make beer that is chemically modified so it tastes the same, no matter what plant it comes from. For some, that's important.

Jenn's article is entertaining, and she puts her opinion out there. But her own #1 listed beer (Guinness) is also (now) a mass-produced beer that is not what it was 25 years ago - it has been watered down.
Posted By: Lori-Dreams Re: Top selling beers - 10/23/12 08:52 PM
I am interested in being able to distinguish between a mass-produced beer and a craft beer. My husband would definitely be interested in such an education.

Posted By: Carolyn-Beer & Brewing Editor Re: Top selling beers - 10/23/12 10:32 PM
Then I would recommend that you try ordering some beer flights at a local bar that has a lot of taps from local breweries or a beer menu. You might also try a local brewpub where they make their own beer.

Some of the ladies get hooked on wheat beers when they are first entering the world of craft beer, and seem to quickly progress to the dark porters, which can be quite yummy.

If you are a wine drinker, you may like the Belgian beers. Some have a tartness; others are wine-like; still others are "earthy." Beware of the light colored tripels. They are delicious, but have higher alcohol content than the darker, fruity dubbels. They may catch you by surprise. They are very different from Bud Light.

You might also discover the IPA's. These have stronger flavors that can vary from citrusy, to floral, to pine needles. You may not like them at first, but it is like a developing love affair. You try things - they may be satisfying or disastrous - or you may develop your own approach to them.

Above all, don't be afraid to try them. It's fun.

It's all about quality over quantity.

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