How important is the "buzz"?

The surrounding and the vibe is important as well.........

 

The buzz isn't that important, I drink beer to expand my waistline...oh yeah, and I like to pee a lot too!

 

I would have to disagree to part of that. There are several "gourmet" sodas out there which are good but, as you say, craft beer has a wide variety and complex taste. You don't get that with soda no matter how good it is. I don't think you can separate the alcohol/buzz aspect from beer but I don't think soda is an adequate replacement for beer if you are just looking for taste.

 

I drink for taste but also for the experience. What I mean to say is that I enjoy trying to dissect the different aspects of the beer; the experimentation with new ingredients or variations on themes; finding those connections between beer and the culinary arts; the methodology of the brewing process and how that translates to the finished product. Nerdy - yes. But it makes me appreciate the beverage in my hand more than it simply being a means to an end (i.e. its more than just "it'll get ya drunk!")

I never concern myself about getting a buzz or getting drunk because I limit myself to a beer or two at most in any given session, purely for fitness reasons. For me, it's all about moderation. Moderation allows me to enjoy my beers even more.

 

you mean, they don't make bourbon barrel aged sodas?

 

You would think with all your extra training your legal limit would be higher than the general public.

 

If they did I would love to try it...

 

Some buzz is fine but anything more than that is not what I'm looking for. My favorite beers tend to be higher ABV and that's perfectly fine since what I enjoy most is slowly savoring a complex beer over 30 minutes to an hour. Some beers take that long for the flavors to develop and to really open up and they deserve that kind of attention.

 

Judging be these answers I'd say I was a member on a Christian fellowship forum. Are all of you just a bunch of wholesome old men?!?!? Most people drink alcohol for a buzzed effect. Do you think people go to bars/parties to taste a delicious beverage? No they drink to get wasted and there is nothing wrong with that. All of you need to get off you soap box and stop with these ridiculous comments. "Oh I wish Parabola had 1.5% abv" Drink some chocolate milk and get off a beer forum.

 

I won't lie: the "buzz" is a big part of my beer experience. Why should I be ashamed that I enjoy it? It's not the primary reason I drink good beers but I'd sure the hell miss it if it wasn't a part of the enjoyment. Would I give up drinking beer if there were no buzz factor? No...but I'd sure drink a lot less.

 

If drinking beer resulted in no buzz/drunk states, that'd be fine with me

 

I do find taste to be the most crucial part of the craft beer experience. Regardless of everything I said in my previous post I do not drink craft beer to get "blitzed" lol. Does it unintentionally happen at times...yes but who wants to be drunk and super full at the same time. Like someone mentioned in a post unrelated to this, "Imagine drinking a four pack of Devil Dancer or Ten Fidy" you would look like a pregnant train wreck. Drinking beer socially at a standard bar or party doesn't have to be a pretentious tasting event. There is nothing wrong with getting drunk and having a few hours to forget the stresses you feel in day to day life. These soap box comments that fill have filled this post up are out of control. If you wanna drink something complex and unique without buzz then start making your own exotic fruit juices.

 

Getting a buzz got me started in drinking beer. An enjoyable,tasty beer is what kept me drinking beer.

 

I only wish beer at the bar at lower alcohol. At home though bring on the buzz!

 

It seems like the only judgement I've seen thus far is stemming from your post. Not one person that says they prefer taste has told anyone to get off this forum or has chastised those that drink for the buzz. I personally go to bars and parties to socialize, not only to get wasted. I have been drunk plenty of times throughout my life, it is just that at this stage I much prefer the savoring of a good drink and company to getting wasted, and I am far from an old man at age 28.

 

How else would I make myself believe that I'm good at dancing without the buzz?

 

alcohol is a social lubricant and being buzzed does make things more fun. Getting wasted is not fun for me but going to a party and sharing a tasty beverage with friends is awesome.

exactly and probably a good number of people agree. KLW seems to be thinking of college parties where the goal is to get drunk.

 

You are 100% wrong. Many times I opt for a session beer like a berliner weisse or gose because I'm not looking for a buzz.

 

Agreed. To add to that, sometimes the buzz is what keeps you from drinking that oh-so-delicious (but 14% abv) barrel aged stout.