TravellingMan22
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Portuguese/Frances 2020/Norte 2021
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Yes beer!!I know every bar has bottles (think Spain leads the way in Europe) but have only noticed a few (maybe 10%) bars with it on draft. Mainly Cruzcampo and San Miguel out of the taps.I guess you mean beer? Yes, it is quite common here in Spain. Most bars will have some kind of 0,0% beer on draft. I don't know since when.
Thank you - yes aware of that. . My question is specifically around the availability of it ‘on draft’ and not just in the usual 33cl bottles!It is a global trend. So far as I can tell. Many beer and spirits makers have responded to the increase in alcohol-free market demand post-COVID, with demand even building up prior, so perhaps that helps explain new and greatly improved offerings (including in social environments like bars).
BrewDog Opens Its First Alcohol-Free Bar
In London, BrewDog is serving up 15 zero-alcohol brews and lots of wingswww.insidehook.com Why even casual drinkers are embracing the pleasures of sobriety
The new sobriety movement frames giving up alcohol not as a last resort, but as a positive lifestyle choice.qz.com
Ah not heard that! It’s massive In Spain as I amSide note: it was called "near beer" in the US when I was younger. Maybe still is?
In my experience that is an apt description for most of the more popular brands of American “beer” Bud et al.Side note: it was called "near beer" in the US when I was younger. Maybe still is?
Do you have any idea or theory about why, with Spain being a predominantly wine-drinking country, there is no similar surge in alcohol-free wines? Or is alcohol-free wine just not good to drink?Ah not heard that! It’s massive In Spain as I am
sure many people know! Every bar seems to have a big and varied stock! Not seen anywhere else in Europe in the same leagues. Even the ‘Radler’ beer has a 0.0 version!
Isn't that just called grape juice?Do you have any idea or theory about why, with Spain being a predominantly wine-drinking country, there is no similar surge in alcohol-free wines? Or is alcohol-free wine just not good to drink?
Isn't that just called grape juice?
Thank you! Yes very positive! I just haven’t been paying attention and didn’t realise it was so available on tap here.‘Sin’ on tap is pretty ubiquitous in Spain and to be honest; looks and tastes the same as the full-fat version.
I think it’s a positive development.
You beat me to it! It’s probably not, but the differences in say a Cruzcampo ‘sin’ and an alcohol version are probably less than a ‘sin’, ‘non sin’ wine comparison.Isn't that just called grape juice?
I must agree with you. Come to remember this from the famous English Monty Python comedy group, said on stage in LA once: "Drinking American beer is like making love in a canoe: F***ing close to water".In my experience that is an apt description for most of the more popular brands of American “beer” Bud et al.
Not really no, but I am spending an extended period in Spain and I have remarked to my travelling companion, who agreed and is very observant, that an overwhelming number of Spaniards in bars, drink beer not wine.! This has suprised me as I am know that Spain is a majority wine country!Do you have any idea or theory about why, with Spain being a predominantly wine-drinking country, there is no similar surge in alcohol-free wines? Or is alcohol-free wine just not good to drink?
I must agree with you. Come to remember this from the famous English Monty Python comedy group, said on stage in LA once: "Drinking American beer is like making love in a canoe: F***ing close to water".
I suppose you have a point that the most popular beers in the country are not of the best quality, but if you haven't been here in the last 10 or 20 years, you've missed a tidal change in the number of smaller breweries, producing carefully made and high-quality beers.In my experience that is an apt description for most of the more popular brands of American “beer” Bud et al.
As one of the “both of you” I would point out my comment was in reply to an observation, by a compatriot of yours, that low alcohol beer was sometimes called “near beer”. The addition of the laughing emoji obviously did not sufficiently convey the humour that was intended by the remark.I suppose you have a point that the most popular beers in the country are not of the best quality, but if you haven't been here in the last 10 or 20 years, you've missed a tidal change in the number of smaller breweries, producing carefully made and high-quality beers.
I understand what you're saying. The first time I traveled northern Europe as an adult, and realized that even the least expensive regular beer in the bar was of a high quality, I was overjoyed.
But It does say something about the both of you, though, that you chose this thread about low-alcohol beer in Spain, to out of the blue, criticize a different and specific country.
That's what we do here, just drink Budweiser or Coke and eat Big Macs all day long. Apparently all US residents, every single one of them, or so, I am occasionally told when I travel.
I love that there's zero alcohol beer available. Much more satisfying than the other choices on a hot day when you don't want any alcohol.
I was expecting a post like this, even if I put in a smiley to indicate tongue-in-cheek...I suppose you have a point that the most popular beers in the country are not of the best quality, but if you haven't been here in the last 10 or 20 years, you've missed a tidal change in the number of smaller breweries, producing carefully made and high-quality beers.
I understand what you're saying. The first time I traveled northern Europe as an adult, and realized that even the least expensive regular beer in the bar was of a high quality, I was overjoyed.
But It does say something about the both of you, though, that you chose this thread about low-alcohol beer in Spain, to out of the blue, criticize a different and specific country.
That's what we do here, just drink Budweiser or Coke and eat Big Macs all day long. Apparently all US residents, every single one of them, or so, I am occasionally told when I travel.
I love that there's zero alcohol beer available. Much more satisfying than the other choices on a hot day when you don't want any alcohol.
Yep and generally a great range in pretty much all the supermarkets! Radler too!!!Today at el Corte Inglés
Now that brings up an interesting point. I wonder why zero alcohol beers are common in Spain, and not, for instance, in France? Or really, anywhere else I've been?I love a cold beer mid or late in the day. But drinking even one knocks me on my butt after walking all day. I have come to love the many different 0.0 beers available in most bar cafes in Spain, in bottles and on tap. I was surprised and disappointed to find none along the Chemin Arles/Via Tolosana in France in October. (Of course, I "manned up" and drank plenty of the real deal anyway.) Of course, with dinner, vino tinto por favor. Buen Camino
It really only had one way to go.Glad to hear that your beer has improved
I was just hearing about alcohol-free beer and wine in Spain the other day. I was listening to an old "Español Con Juan" podcast in an effort to maintain/improve my Spanish. In this particular podcast he was talking about Spanish tapas culture and how it differs from how tapas tend to be consumed in other countries: on foot, moving from bar to bar, in groups of three or four, etc. According to him, consuming tapas with anything other than beer or wine is a no-no - no soft drinks or coffee or tea, or even sangria or vino tinto. On the other hand, zero alcohol beer or wine are okay. So apparently they should be available at bars serving tapas.Alcohol-Free Wine Is So Different From Grape Juice| Well+Good
Learn exactly how alcohol-free wine is made and how it's different from grape juice. Plus, shop great-tasting ones to try.www.wellandgood.com
I really don’t know anything about it, but I think it’s different.
Haha, I also listened to this exact same podcast the other day too. I think he also mentioned that it was a bit frowned upon to be rolling drunk.I was just hearing about alcohol-free beer and wine in Spain the other day. I was listening to an old "Español Con Juan" podcast in an effort to maintain/improve my Spanish. In this particular podcast he was talking about Spanish tapas culture and how it differs from how tapas tend to be consumed in other countries: on foot, moving from bar to bar, in groups of three or four, etc. According to him, consuming tapas with anything other than beer or wine is a no-no - no soft drinks or coffee or tea, or even sangria or vino tinto. On the other hand, zero alcohol beer or wine are okay. So apparently they should be available at bars serving tapas.
That's really not my experience of tapas from the early 1970s onwards (in both Spain and French Catalonia) -- a proper tapa is really just a simple and small mini side dish next to your drink.I was just hearing about alcohol-free beer and wine in Spain the other day. I was listening to an old "Español Con Juan" podcast in an effort to maintain/improve my Spanish. In this particular podcast he was talking about Spanish tapas culture and how it differs from how tapas tend to be consumed in other countries: on foot, moving from bar to bar, in groups of three or four, etc. According to him, consuming tapas with anything other than beer or wine is a no-no - no soft drinks or coffee or tea, or even sangria or vino tinto. On the other hand, zero alcohol beer or wine are okay. So apparently they should be available at bars serving tapas.
I don't think that conflicts with what Juan said. He wasn't taking about what tapas are, or how they are ordered (which is what you seem to be raising) but the culture of going out for tapas: with a few friends before comida or cena, walking from bar to bar, not sitting down to order and eat but standing and having a drink (beer or wine, with or without alcohol) and a tapa before moving on to the next, not so much to get drunk, just a convivial time before dinner whetting your appetite.That's really not my experience of tapas from the early 1970s onwards (in both Spain and French Catalonia) -- a proper tapa is really just a simple and small mini side dish next to your drink.
And yes, a small dish of olives or crisps or little sausage things or a croqueta or whatever is a tapa.
Touristy overpriced and oversmall portions of this or that that you are expected to order from a menu are something else ; maybe pinchos, though I tend to just call them "no thanks".
Having said that, on my last very lengthy Camino, I was frequently gratified with a tapa or two.
It's been big in Andalucia for many years, where people of all ages drink beer in the searing heat. Tastes so much better from the grifo (tap) than the bottleThank you - yes aware of that. . My question is specifically around the availability of it ‘on draft’ and not just in the usual 33cl bottles!
And in the (comparative!) cold weather too. 10c today and still so many sit outside (which has surprised me) with multiple layers, hats and boots on!!It's been big in Andalucia for many years, where people of all ages drink beer in the searing heat. Tastes so much better from the grifo (tap) than the bottle
Sure -- just said "not my experience". Which negates nor diminishes the experience(s) of others not in the slightest.I don't think that conflicts with what Juan said. He wasn't taking about what tapas are, or how they are ordered (which is what you seem to be raising) but the culture of going out for tapas: with a few friends before comida or cena, walking from bar to bar, not sitting down to order and eat but standing and having a drink (beer or wine, with or without alcohol) and a tapa before moving on to the next, not so much to get drunk, just a convivial time before dinner whetting your appetite.
So far, no one has produced a drinkable NA wine. Apparently it's much more difficult to produce than beer. But then, I remember the first NA beers were not nearly as good as today's. Maybe in a few more years they will have a decent NA wine.Do you have any idea or theory about why, with Spain being a predominantly wine-drinking country, there is no similar surge in alcohol-free wines? Or is alcohol-free wine just not good to drink?
I beg to differ.Drinkable
FWIW that kind of stuff is actually forbidden by Canon Law.a non-alcoholic communion wine
The exhibition I attended was for churches of all denominations and I think the main market for that particular company's products was amongst those Protestant groups which actively discourage any consumption of alcohol - even for liturgical use. Practice on the matter amongst Protestant churches varies very widely. My wife was raised in a small evangelical Protestant church which strongly opposed the social consumption of alcohol. But one of the senior elders of the congregation would visit a local off-licence several times a year to buy port which was used exclusively for their communion services.FWIW that kind of stuff is actually forbidden by Canon Law.
Agree. Many Christian churches in the US use grape juice for communion.The exhibition I attended was for churches of all denominations and I think the main market for that particular company's products was amongst those Protestant groups which actively discourage any consumption of alcohol - even for liturgical use. Practice on the matter amongst Protestant churches varies very widely. My wife was raised in a small evangelical Protestant church which strongly opposed the social consumption of alcohol. But one of the senior elders of the congregation would visit a local off-licence several times a year to buy port which was used exclusively for their communion services.
Neither Port nor Madeira nor Sherry are forbidden by Canon Law, though the use of Sherry is discouraged as it is a mixed beverage, except that it is still a "wine" made from grapes.to buy port which was used exclusively for their communion services.
eh, so I won't violate the forum rules about not discussing religion as such...Many Christian churches in the US use grape juice for communion.
Agree. Many Christian churches in the US use grape juice for communion.
And to John chapter 2 ?Her home church and private Christian college were totally opposed to alcohol.
There is a vast warren of convoluted rabbit holes on the interpretation of "oinos" in Protestant biblical criticism but I fear the moderators will quite rightly slap our wrists if we head in that direction!And to John chapter 2 ?
A Norw. pastor was asked about it, and he replied:There is a vast warren of convoluted rabbit holes on the interpretation of "oinos" in Protestant biblical criticism but I fear the moderators will quite rightly slap our wrists if we head in that direction!
Indeed. I don’t think many Europeans realise that parts of the USA have a certain view of alcohol. I read that some areas take a negative view of sexual relationships between folks that aren’t married though I have no idea if true and struggle to believe it.Passing through London on my way home from one of my Caminos I met a young American woman at a bus stop. While waiting for our buses we had a chance to chat. She was from one of the southern states with a number of "dry" counties. Her home church and private Christian college were totally opposed to alcohol. So much so that she made it a personal point of principle never to eat anywhere alcohol was served. Easy enough in her home area in the US where alcohol was effectively banned. More difficult when visiting London on a study trip to find alcohol-free restaurants other than the big fast food chains though I did suggest she try halal restaurants which are not too hard to locate. When she expressed some interest in walking the Caminos I tried to explain that finding cafes or restaurants in Spain which did not sell alcohol would be extremely difficult if not impossible. I'm not sure that even after my comments she fully understood quite how ubiquitous alcohol is in Spain!
I don't think the forum will benefit from further discussion of historical and current attitudes to these matters, in different countries and cultures.Indeed. I don’t think many Europeans realise that parts of the USA have a certain view of alcohol. I read that some areas take a negative view of sexual relationships between folks that aren’t married though I have no idea if true and struggle to believe it.
I didn't know one could get 0.0 beer from tap in Spain. I will most certainly try on my next walk. So far on my Caminos I have stopped for a cold refreshing beer midway or so, non- 0.0, because I didn't know.Let's stick with non-alcoholic beverages, particularly in Spain.
Yes agreed. And it was news to me too and a refreshing development. Its doesn’t seem to be in the majority of bars (though they all have ‘zero’ or ‘sin’ bottled) but definately on the increase!I didn't know one could get 0.0 beer from tap in Spain. I will most certainly try on my next walk. So far on my Caminos I have stopped for a cold refreshing beer midway or so, non- 0.0, because I didn't know.
For me, it's not about alcohol, but the cold refreshing feeling of a tap beer.
I hate bottled. I need tap...... they all have ‘zero’ or ‘sin’ bottled) but definately on the increase!
Me too!!!I hate bottled. I need tap...
Very interesting to try 0.0 tap in Spain: We don't have it in Norway: And after all, beer is soo much more than just a breakfast drink... Coolant, refreshing, etc... mas 5 kilometros moy rapido...Me too!!!
At communal meals we intentionally put out twice as much water as wine and don't usually refill the wine. As hospitaleros we find when people drink too much, that's when things sometimes begin to go downhill. Sorry if your experience has been different.As a routine consumer of alcohol-free beer and occasional consumer of de-alcoholized white wine, I attest that producers have made huge improvements in the quality/drinkability of these products in recent years. I didn’t find 0% beers everywhere on the Portuguese central earlier this year, but I didn’t always look for it (I also drink regular beer and wine but alcohol messes with my sleep and energy, so I don’t drink much alcohol on Camino). I tried the Estrella Galicia alcohol-free and liked it. For me, a cold brew without alcohol is very refreshing at the end of the day.
[scroll past if you are in a fightin’ mood, please: when someone chooses an alcohol-free drink it does not constitute a judgement on folks who choose a drink with alcohol. I sense a smidge of defensiveness in some posts here and I don’t think anyone should feel defensive about what they consume. If I choose to not consume pineapple, you shouldn’t feel defensive about your consumption of pineapple. Also, I’ve considered that some pilgrims who don’t consume alcohol might find communal meals challenging… we could all be more sensitive to this and not push wine on others, as I’ve witnessed/experienced on both my caminos.]
Oh, to be clear, it’s not the hospitaleros pushing the wine. It's pilgrims, usually mature males, in the small sample from my caminos. Btw, Thank you for your generous service and volunteerism, @J WillhausAt communal meals we intentionally put out twice as much water as wine and don't usually refill the wine. As hospitaleros we find when people drink too much, that's when things sometimes begin to go downhill. Sorry if your experience has been different.
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