Cold Beer, Hot Day, YES!

Today, after finishing a long day of work in the hot sun (I think it was over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit...), I craved an ice cold beer. When high temperatures meet with a long day of work, there's really only one cure and it's not "more cowbell." It's a nice, frosty mug of brew (note: bottles and pints are also acceptable). I find it fascinating how focused my mind becomes at times. Earlier in the day, I might have been contemplating business, relationships, sports or a book that I had recently finished. All of these issues might have even been juggled at the same time.

Yet, when heat exhaustion is nigh and the train is pulling into the station, I could only think about how delicious that cold beer was going to taste. For the sake of those around me, I'm glad that one was waiting in the fridge, otherwise...well, we don't need to think about what might have happened.

There's nothing that can quench a wily thirst, like a chilled lager. Thinking about drinking, reminds me of a classic quote from Cliff Clavin on Cheers:

"When the British ruled the Punjab.....they drank steaming hot pots of tea on the hottest days of the year to balance out their inside and outside temperatures. See, conversely drinking an ice cold drink on a cold day actually results in a more comfortable body temperature."

Diane then asks " Then why do you drink ice cold beer on a hot day?"

and Cliff comes back with "What else are you going to do with it?"

What else, indeed? Whether you've been working outside all day, or helping a friend move, a cold beer is the cure for what ales you. Get it, ales? Bah!

I understand that water can also cure thirst, but it is not as satisfying as beer. No drink can cut through the desert air in my mouth like a chilled pilsner, lager or ale. Even bad beer tastes good at the right time. And when it comes down to it, there is no substitute.

Have you ever worked up a really good sweat during the day? When the sun is beating down upon you and you are only minutes from home, are you thinking about a nice glass of Chardonnay? Or perhaps a fine Shiraz? Wine has its place, but it is not a thirst quencher, nor is it a drink that can cool the body down in an instant.

Next situation: Perspiration is flying. Your body is melting, leading you to believe that you are actually 70% wax. Steps from home, the only thought that will sustain you until your thirst can be demolished is "Tequila...must shoot tequila." C'mon...shots? You're hot, you're gross and you're going to throw back some single malt scotch to cool you down?

I'm not saying that other drinks can't do a satisfactory job at quenching thirst, nor am I encouraging you to drink copious amounts of beer. In fact, I don't really know what I'm trying to do here. I just felt like writing about beer. It's not a technical hub, nor is it all that informative. It is, however, all mine (except for the quote from Cheers.)