4% Beers

Nitefly

Nitefly

Nitefly

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I have seen these advertised over the last year or so, most notably variations of Becks and Stella Artois - what is the appeal of these beers? How does the taste differ from the regular varieties?

I'm just curious since the disgusting, uncultured yob in me is thinking "what is the point of a beer that gets you less drunk?".

Many thanks :)
 
i seriusly have 0 idea both taste like urine normal stella is ok but the 4% stuff in that silver can is horrible.
 
probably has lower tax. It's done in bands. That's why few drinks are over 37.5 ABV

Had a quick search. I think 4.2% is the next tax band up so it's cheaper to sell a 4% beer than a 5% one, even if the price is less
 
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I'm guessing here but I think the appeal is that you like the taste of beer but don't necessarily like the effect of (having many) strong lagers, I like the taste of beer but then again I don't drink it unless I'm willing to live with the effects.

I rather think I had some Stella 4% at a house party not too long ago, couldn't tell you the difference from normal Stella though, I'd already had a bit to drink before then so my tastebuds were not at optimum.
 
semi-pro waster said:
I'm guessing here but I think the appeal is that you like the taste of beer but don't necessarily like the effect of (having many) strong lagers, I like the taste of beer but then again I don't drink it unless I'm willing to live with the effects.

I rather think I had some Stella 4% at a house party not too long ago, couldn't tell you the difference from normal Stella though, I'd already had a bit to drink before then so my tastebuds were not at optimum.
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But at the end of the day, it's only ~1% weaker. If it was more, then I could understand, but I really doubt 1% is going to make an enormous difference to how drunk somebody gets over a series of 2-4 pints.
 
Nitefly said:
But at the end of the day, it's only ~1% weaker. If it was more, then I could understand, but I really doubt 1% is going to make an enormous difference to how drunk somebody gets over a series of 2-4 pints.
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I wouldn't underestimate the psychosomatic effect possible here, if someone thinks that it is a good deal less alcoholic then regardless of actual alcohol quantity they may feel less drunk. It's probably not scientifically supportable in any way but belief is a very powerful thing.

There's also the possible argument that stronger lagers disguise the taste, ok that might not be a bad thing with Stella but putting lager snobbery to the side for a second maybe some people prefer the taste of a 'lighter' lager.
 
semi-pro waster said:
I wouldn't underestimate the psychosomatic effect possible here, if someone thinks that it is a good deal less alcoholic then regardless of actual alcohol quantity they may feel less drunk. It's probably not scientifically supportable in any way but belief is a very powerful thing.

There's also the possible argument that stronger lagers disguise the taste, ok that might not be a bad thing with Stella but putting lager snobbery to the side for a second maybe some people prefer the taste of a 'lighter' lager.
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Very true.

It still seems like an odd choice for a product.
 
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Becks Vier is the nicest, i prefer the taste over stella and kronenburg and most other draught lagers, I don't really think it's anything to do with the strength for me. I guess it's a nice mild pint, inbetween wife beater and the ****, though given the choice a nice pint of bitter is where it's at :D
 
Well, a 440ml can of 4% is 1.76 units, a 440ml can of 5.2% is 2.3 units.

Drink a 4 pack and thats 7 units vs 9.2, almost a whole 5.2% can worth of difference.

When talking pints then it's 2.3 units per pint vs 3 units. Doesn't take long again before you're at a whole pints worth of difference regards alcohol consumption.
 
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