Thursday, August 21, 2008

Red Beer


Geography profoundly impacts who we are.

My wife grew up in Southwest Nebraska marching to the rhythm of the mountain time zone. This
explains why she doesn't mind eating dinner at 7:00 in the evening, a time which -- much to my chagrin -- conflicts with the 6:00 dinner time of youth. Her Nebraska upbringing explains her love of red meat, flyover country, and of course, her fanaticism for University of Nebraska football. And it might also explain her approach to eating corn on the cob.

Her love of red beer - the simple combination of beer and tomato juice - can also be attributed to her Nebraska roots.
I know red beer is consumed all over the United States, but it seems to be more prevalent in Nebraska. I'm sure there's a reason for this, but I'll need to research it and get back to you. I think, it's just another way for Nebraskans to pledge their allegiance to the Nebraska football team. When my wife sips a red beer, I'm sure "GO BIG RED!" echos in her head.

I know it's my job as a husband to come around to my wife's way of thinking and doing things, but I haven't been able to embrace red beer. I prefer my beer naked, unadulterated. I want to embrace the flavor of the beer I'm drinking. Though once a year, I pull a frosted glass from my freezer, partially fill it with tomato juice, and top it off with a Coors Light.

I take a sip, and year after year, it's the same response: indifference. This boy from eastern Kansas just can't grasp the appeal of red beer. I'll give it a shot next year.

Cheers,
muddywaters

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Red beer... I can take it or leave it.

But do they sell Bud and Bud Light mixed with clamato juice in your parts? It's called a Bud Chelada.

It's weird... you won't find a single reference to it on the Budweiser website. But you'll find it in Hispanic markets around these parts.

Rechelle said...

I love tomato juice... and I love beer... well just one beer really... but never the twain shall meet.

Rechelle's recipe for great beer =

Pour one ice cold Boulevard Wheat into a tall glass. Squeeze in one generous hunk of a lemon. Sprinkle salt on top. Drink fast and have another.

Yes I know lots of work for a beer, but oh - does it ever taste good.

Anonymous said...

Rechelle,
If you like Boulevard Wheat, try Breckenridge's Agave Wheat. The agave gives it a pale ale-esque bitterness but in a good way.