Issue # 16 - Brown Bottle Syndrome

Issue # 16 - Brown Bottle Syndrome

In my opinion, there are few things as tacky as a brown beer bottle at a dinner table. Especially if it's a more formal event. It always strikes me as a very un-classy move to sip from a bottle when it's quite as easy to just pour it into a glass. Yet time and time again at Weddings, on dates, and all around the world on formal or special occasions, brown bottles grace the tables.


I can only speculate that there are a few reasons for this travesty, the main being that since it's mainly men that commit this style crime, that they are simply fitting into their manly stereotype. To them, Man = Beer. Now, before i continue, i am not knocking beer. I am a beer fan myself, but for the sake of all that looks good, just pour it into a glass! For some reason, I find that men have this need to always be 'manly', and gentlemen, i am here to tell you that being secure, confident and stylish will outshine any amount of "manliness" ANY day. It's as if drinking straight from the bottle in some way denotes their Alpha Male standing...i say nay, gents. Slugging giant gulps from the bottle is fine for most occasions, bars, parties, concerts, whatever. But if you're sitting down at a table, with other people, engaging in a meal that is even the slightest bit past casual, pour your beer into a glass.


But pouring your beer into a glass is just the tip of this topic. Why beer? I mean if you've tried many other things, and only like beer, that's one thing. But feeling that you can only drink beer because it's the manly choice? That's just wrong. When did men get demoted to sipping low-alcohol content out of a brown bottle? Use Don Draper of Mad Men as an example....he drinks Canadian Club, Tangueray and on occasion Glenlivet. All either straight or with very little ice. It was the epitome of class. Never did you see him at ANY business meeting or gathering, drinking beer. You only saw him drinking beer when he was putting up a playhouse in his backyard. Men these days should take this as an example, and order something that says "Hello, my name is _______________, I am not a typical beer swilling buffoon.". I find the problem is that most men don't realize the vast extent of drinks and cocktails available to them, and have a wild misconception that mixed drinks are 'girly'. So instead of making an educated choice, they just say "ummmm coors light". My how the world has changed.


I am aware that many of us are calorie and sugar conscious, so a once common Rye and Coke, or vodka 7 may not be the first choice...but there are so many other choices available. A Gin and Tonic for example is both light in calories and refreshing. Vodka Water with a splash of cranberry for flavour is also extremely light and refreshing. Yes, you will have to get over the fact that the drink is pink, but if that's a major concern, then you should stop reading this blog, and go read a Maxim magazine, Broski.



Bottom line gents, If beer is your weapon of choice, that's your call. But if you're anywhere more than a casual get together, backyard party, or watching football, pour it into a glass. Trust me, it's just better. And while you're at it, don't be afraid to try different brands. Beers are like wines, and each match with different foods, etc. So be adventurous.


Until next time gents,
S.G.