For a bit over 7 months, I’ve been around the southern parts of South America. This great continent contains everything and beyond in nature, happiness and metropolitan action in addition to its vast enormity. 12 countries, altogether about two times the size of Europe (including Russian part to the Ural mountains), obviously shows great difference. Since I arrived, I have up close witnessed the alcohol cultures of 4 of them. But to this I dedicate future posts.
Today I’ll write about the non-alcoholic beverages I’ve seen this far. In certain parts of Europe there’s a major trend demanding beers, wines and even liquors completely alcohol-free. To me, this trend poses a dilemma. Obviously I didn’t choose to live a life free of alcohol only to drink a bad-tasting copy of it. But then again, holding a glas of wine lets me off the hook for a while, which is dearly welcomed.
For seven months, during longer stays as well as short visits, I haven’t seen a single one of these non-alcoholic beers, wines or liquors in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay nor Brazil. Not that I mind, when these countries pour over with the most marvelous fruits, splendid juices and in the case of Brazil; Açaí, the amazon berry that makes such an amazing meal.
Until yesterday. I opened the drink menu at a restaurant in Viña del Mar, Chile, and found not one but two different kinds of non-alcoholic beers. Startled, wide-eyed and with my mouth completely opened I stared at the menu for a full minute. They actually had a non-alcoholic beer! They exist! I so had to try it. Here’s the proof:
Alcohol free in South America #LifeSetFree
On the other hand, it tasted exactly the way I assumed; awful, bitter and disgusting. As always. I’ll never get my head around these beer-users. On all accounts, it’s disgusting. Why don’t you stick with fruits, water and juice? I sure will.
That’s a shame. In Spain, we have a wide range of great tasting alcohol-free beers brewed by San Miguel, Damm, Estrella Galicia and others. I don’t drink alcohol but I wouldn’t say that all non-alcoholic beers taste disgusting!
Thanks a lot Ben for your comment. I am following Alcohol Free Times on Twitter, also as IOGT International and it is very good to read from you. I’d be honoured to learn more about your work.
Thanks for your comment! I didn’t see it until now, and for this I appologize.
The disgusting-part was in all means and purposes my own opinion. Surely there are beers, with our without alcohol that some people fancies, as well as others dislikes. Unfortunately I’ve never come across one I liked, though again I don’t like the bitter taste of beer.
I know those spanish brands, there’s a few of them in Sweden. Actually, since this first post, I’ve come across a few more kinds of alcohol-free beers, so it’s definately not as rare as I first though.
Take care!