A Tale Of Two Bottles

It's a debate that has divided the population for centuries. Which beverage reigns supreme: wine or beer? Considered the lowest-common-denominator drink, beer has long taken the blame for fueling hockey brawls, inspiring fratboy commercials, and causing rip-roaring flatulence. In huge contrast, wine is identified as the drink of the refined and discriminating, the perfect complement to haute cuisine, and a must in special occasions, from Oscar wins to birthdays. So, which drink lords it over the other, hands down?

In this Corner: Beer

Beer, like wine, is a natural product. It came from the soil, and this makes it the perfect foil to good food. In fact, in traditional beer countries like Ireland and Germany, beer is food. It is the common man's drink of choice because it is cheap and unpretentious. It doesn't rely on a piece of wood to give it character, and even better, it never has a bad year. Furthermore, beer is infinitely more consumer-friendly than wine. It comes with a twist-off cap, and is never given a phony-sounding, French-inspired, tongue-twisting label that starts with "chateau."

A Veritable Health Mine: Wine

Wine, connoisseurs declare, is much more versatile than beer. It can be made from thousands of grapes, styles, blends, and methods. Its aromas can range from toasty oak to sweet cherries. It tastes wonderful but is less filling than beer; and more importantly, it's good for the body. Red wine, in particular, is said to be good for cardiovascular health.

To wine lovers, there's no questioning wine's supremacy. To them, wine is bottled poetry; beer is a canned cliche.

The Glass Breaker

So, wine versus beer? A cut and dry answer is impossible because comparing the two would be akin to comparing cigar cutters and pink Swiss army knives. It just cannot be done because the answer depends on what you value. If it's calorie you worry about, steer clear of beer. A 12-ounce can of beer typically has 150 calories while a five-ounce glass of wine contains much less. If it's health you value, sip wine. Wine is rich in antioxidants.

Bottomline - both get you drunk. However, whether it's beer or vino you guzzle from your round flask, it it's not the drink that matters, it's the palate of the drinker.