Ortega on Beer - Is Beer Sexist ? & The Beer Tycoon.

So I came across this article about how the gang at Molson Coors did some research and found out that women in the UK feel that beer is a “Man’s drink.” Based on their research, they are going to produce a beer for women that is clear, low in calories, & bottled.

My immediate reaction to this was, “Since when is beer sexist? & This is pretty insulting to women.” I guess from my own standpoint, I don’t see that beer that way. I know too many women in the industry & far too many female beer drinkers to count. I forget that to the average person, beer is seen as being for men and the only women they know who drink it are the bikini-clad ones in commercials. Or they’re the sarcastic & sexy bartenders who deride the men who are drinking a beer that isn’t manly enough. Neither image is exactly very pro-active to the cause of beer as unisex.

That being said, I sent this article to some of my female acquaintances to get some reactions since they are the ones being catered to here. Here’s what they said:

Women who like beer are going to drink beer - not be enticed by clearness, or care that it's infused with anything. – Michelle

Yes I've thought it's a man's drink. I might drink a beer made for women if it was good, I enjoyed it, and it wasn't so...girly. This clear thing sounds a bit wussy to me. I'm also not a huge fan of malt
beverages which are normally aimed at women. – Jordan

I think it's hard to not consider it somewhat of a man's drink, since definitely men drink more beer than women. I think I lot of alcoholic beverages are associated with a gender, but personally I think it's ridiculous. I will drink any beer that's delicious. Unfortunately, any beer marketed towards women that I know of SUCKS. I honestly find this Molson/Coors beer offensive….Obviously they are targeting women with NO BRAINS who don't care what the hell they drink. Offensive. –Jessica

I feel like I have to reject this notion on a gut level. Maybe because under the values of feminism, we're all equal and shouldn't be singled out or catered to. Maybe because I can out drink many of the guys I know, using any alcoholic medium. This product would be intended for such prissy calorie counting lightweights, and if they can't or won't drink beer, let them stick to wine coolers and 'captain and diets.' We all know the tastiest and most complex beers are not the light versions by any means, and be able to appreciate some of the complex and calorie packed beers is integral to beer culture. I think the only reason beer has been a 'mans drink' is complete lack of education on the intricacies of beer for both sexes….Don't put a garish stain on the beauty of beer culture with these drinks.- Janelle

I think Janelle’s last sentence best describes the feelings of everyone. Please feel free to send your opinions on this below.
______________

In more lighthearted news, I found this game that came out in 2007 in the UK while surfing the interweb here and since it was only thirteen dollars on Amazon, decided to pick it up. Basically the gist of the game is to create your own brewery (either micro, independent, or industrial) & brew your own beers using 50 different ingredients that you will then sell. Sounds pretty sweet; you can go through all the steps of owning a brewery w/o the financial capital or the mess. Check it all out here.

Here’s where I would give you a review of the game. The problem is the stupid thing won’t install on my computer. So now it’s just a thirteen dollar coaster while I try and figure out what’s wrong. If I ever get it working on my computer or on my friends you’ll be the first to know.

I love Pearls Before Swine. Till next time, drink better.