My baptism by beer

[_zeezrom]

It was only a matter of time, right? As an office, we all went to a brewhouse and distillery to celebrate a milestone after work today. My boss found out I had never, ever tasted beer in my whole life so he took me under his wing with the intent to kindly educate me. The first thing we did was order a taster tray of different brews. Here is what he ordered for me (they got increasingly darker in color as you go down the list):

1. Juniper pale ale aged in spruce and gin barrels and brewed with juniper berries
2. German Maibock - Deep honey in color with a malty aroma and a rich hearty flavor
3. European Brown Ale - Dark brown in color with a hazelnut aroma, a rich nutty flavor and a smooth malty finish
4. American Stout (very dark)

I can't say which was my fav since they all tasted so different but I enjoyed them all for the taste. I might lean toward #4 or #3 but all were fine. One of the guys with us grew up in Germany and he seemed to be very knowledgeable and particular about his choices. We all had a great time discussing the world, cars, sports, politics, and of course, religion.

Now that it's over, I look back on this experience as a nice time with friends and nothing more, really. I went into it thinking I was going to taste the smell I remember from the days I used to collect smashed Coors cans for recycling. I was also expecting a little more craziness. No, the drinks were just nice drinks over a meal with socializing. I'm actually left wondering what all the hubbub was about all my life. Sure, people can be irresponsible and get addicted and DUI etc. But I really didn't feel any bit evil. It was nothing like tasting coffee. Now that was evil!

I also thought this type of activity would be quite excellent after a long day working on the farm in the 19th century. It also seems like a good way to prevent infection from water-born diseases...

That is all.

Bye.

[_Hades]

There is nothing like a good beer, Zee. Once you have drank a thousand gallons you will begin to know your beers. Today is St. Patrick's Day, that means Guinness off the tap is in order. Guinness is a great dark beer, but it's best off the tap. Drink a pint of Guinness with a shot of Jamison, and that's heaven. There is no evil there. If you feel evil after that, then that's a sign of your indoctrination.

[_Polygamy-Porter]

I am very dissappointed in you Z!

One of my best exmo friends and what breaks his beer virginity??

My namesake beer wept in itself tonight.

[_bcspace]

Might take a while before you can work your way up to



or

[_Polygamy-Porter]

I was joking my friend Z..

Seriously, ya like what is with the Mormon mindset on booze?

So many Mormons, especially the ones in the Mo'rridor, think that people will get stone drunk off one beer.

Granted, you will get a helluva buzz off those posted by bcspace!

You would need to drink at least three Utah watered down beers to get a decent buzz --and on an empty stomach!

[_Wisdom Seeker]

It's about time you take that Word of Wisdom suggestion on beer seriously.

[_ajax18]

I know you guys may not be rednecks like me, but I couldn't help but think you might appreciate this song,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Bvpd3aSZU

[_beefcalf]

I spent three weeks in snowy Germany last November/December and I, too, found myself trying some new things considered taboo in my previous TBM life...

On the three weekends we were there, we visited the ChristKindlMarkts in Nuremberg, Regensberg and Munich. I had Gluhwein for the first time (essentially, hot wine with melted sugar to make it sweet). While I don't think I got 'drunk', after just one mug, I was feeling quite mellow but a bit unsteady on my feet. That is, it seemed that I needed to concentrate a bit more on staying upright, but other than that, no effect. I was worried about getting too tipsy, so I kept it at one.

Later, we went to the Hofbrauhaus in Munich and I had an actual beer. For my first beer, Germany was probably the most appropriate place to have it. Nonetheless, although it was not offensive to me, it was not terribly enjoyable, and will most likely be something of an acquired taste.

[_karl61]

I just don't have the alcohol gene. The only time I liked it was once when I was about fifteen and was riding motorcycles in the desert. We stopped to rest and I was eating and sandwich and reached down and grabbed my Pepsi. After about five gulps I realized it wasn't bad but it wasn't Pepsi. It was someone's beer. I was real thirsty. But the last time I tried to drink beer (about ten years ago) I threw up after a few swigs. But I love Pepsi and Coke.

[_bluedream]

I was also expecting a little more craziness. No, the drinks were just nice drinks over a meal with socializing. I'm actually left wondering what all the hubbub was about all my life. Sure, people can be irresponsible and get addicted and DUI etc. But I really didn't feel any bit evil. It was nothing like tasting coffee. Now that was evil!
Bye.

Well to be fair, you weren't exposed to the hubbub. The word of wisdom now implies "Thou Shall not taste beer." (But of course once you do, you might as well finish the case since you've already sinned)

If the wisdom was more clearly emphasized, I think some potential problems could be avoided. I've known some nasty things to come from alcohol, so I wouldn't be hasty with the drinking