Your thoughts on ABV?

Not sure how to vote. I do expect it to be consistent with the style I'm interested in, within reason at least. But I don't buy or try based on AbV, which this seems to be all about.

 

I voted 50/50. I have fallen victim to the mindset that higher ABV equals "better tasting" beer or beer that I would like. However, it doesn't stop my from buying lower ABV beers and enjoying - mostly when I'm away from home (bar/restaurant). On second thought, I should voted "somewhat important". Recall!

 

2 beers-They both taste the same. Beer A has less alcoholic content than Beer B. I am choosing Beer A....What do I win ?

 

It really depends on the beer and the mood I'm in. I don't drink every day so I don't mind a higher ABV when I so. I think a higher ABV adds to the enjoyment of certain styles, such as Quads, Belgian Strong Ales, Barrel-Aged Stouts, and certain IPA's. However, I don't buy into the notion that any style can be called "Imperial" by brewing it to a higher ABV.

 

Lower the ABV the better.

 

I prefer higher ABV beers. More flavor, better and quicker buzz. I also enjoy sipping beer.

 

I find that for everything but stout and porters, it makes no difference at all. The stouts seem to suffer in the mouthfeel and body department when the ABV is lower than 7% or so, for my tastes at least. I've had plenty of 6% IPAs and APAs that taste just as good, if not better than most DIPAs I've tried though.

 

Unimportant other than determining intake.

 

Doesn't really matter to me.

 

In both situtations outlined you're sampling multiple beers. Therefore it makes sense to warm people about the ABV so they don't go over board.

Personally, ABV is only a factor when I'm in a situation where I want to closely monitor my alcohol intake. So it plays very little role when I'm shopping for beers for drinking at home.

 

so many great IPAs/pale ales out there now that span the ABV spectrum i no longer pay attention. That being said i do tend to pay attention to ABV in regard to stouts.. usually looking for something more hearty and 5-6% stouts just don't do it for me

 

For me it is fairly important but not the main determinant on whether I'll buy a beer or not. However, unlike most, I usually avoid high ABV beers and instead go for sessionable ones. I like beer for its taste and not for the buzz (which I consider a side-effect).

 

It depends on how the question is framed. I think the reason they state the ABV first at events/tastings is for responsibility, not "Oh yeah, this is 120%! WHOOOOO!!!"..

Do I care about ABV? Only as it pertains to style and flavor. ABV is very important in that regard. A session beer should not be over 5% (ideally it's 4ish% or less). Likewise an imperial stout shouldn't be under 8-9%. Then there is taste preferences. I like my DIPAs in the 8% range. Now there are some good 9%+ DIPAs, but I feel like it starts getting too boozy. 8% is my sweet spot for the best taste. Big beer it's really a matter of the alcohol esters. A lot of Stouts and Belgians should have alcohol notes, but not the harsh byproducts, and it shouldn't be too hot.

 

Only interisted on how it affects me to safely drive. I normally limit to 2 no matter what , if it's a high Abv probably only 1.

 

I don't worry about ABV. I just want a good flavored beer!

 

There are times when I'll buy a higher ABV, because of the 'taste' vs 'lack of' factor. However, I do NOT like it when my 9-12% ABV tastes like I just took a snort of whiskey. There's a balance in there somewhere, and finding out what works for me is half the fun.

 

I'm not afraid to admit that I like big beers. If you put two equally delicious beers in front of me, I'm going for the bigger abv (assuming everything else is equal).

With that said, I'm not going to choose a bigger beer over a better tasting beer. That would just be silly.

 

I'm in this beer culture thing for the taste. Although I realize that to have taste you also have to have a good level of malt (and hops to balance), but I don't care at all whether that malt produces a 5% beer or a 9% beer, both of which should produce a good level of flavor.