Expert: Alan Ward - 9/6/2006

Question
Every couple of years since I turned 18 I try to drink a beer (I'm 27).  Sometimes I'm able to take a couple of sips, ussually less.  Just the smell is sometimes enough to make me gag.  As a guy, I feel like I'm missing out.  I really want to be able to enjoy a cold beer if the experience is as satisying as commercials and my friends suggest.  I like to consider myself a man's man, I like sports, large-breasted women, barbeque, mexican food etc... but why can't my tongue or stomache handle a beer.

thanks in advance
ericcc

Answer
Eric

First everyone’s taste buds are a bit different. Being an ex Army Ranger I can tell you that drinking beer does not make you a man. I have known a lot of men that what could be defined as the picture of what a man is. Having said that, I believe that what they drank had no bearing on if they were true men.  In fact some did not drink any alcohol at all.  Some refused to drink beer but drank whiskey.  I my self could not stand the even the smell of beer until college.  

If you are hell bent on drinking beer maybe you could try different styles.  Most people consider beer to be a pilsner or Miller or Budweiser.  I myself prefer dark beers and will choose water over Budweiser.  Keep in mind that commercials are made to sell and may or may not have any bearing on the truth.  

If you think you have a problem you may want to see your doctor.  There are a few medical reasons why your taste buds may be off.  Most likely it is just personal preference.

Having spent more than my share of time in the jungle I know that we can eat and drink things that we do not want and do not like. It is just a matter of mind over matter.  If it means so much to you then practice and practice.  Try different styles and different temperature.  You may also try holding your nose when you drink since a lot of taste comes from the nose.

In the long or short of it my personal opinion is that it takes more to stand on your own and choose what you like to drink than to allow a commercial or your friends to choose what you do or do not drink.  A real man chooses what he likes and is not afraid of what others think.  If it were me I would not worry about commercials.  Learn to look in the mirror and be happy with what you see.  Now that is easier said then done. Good luck.