# Poll: Ginger Beer: Nectar of the gods, or vile brew from the outer darkness? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** soda-softdrinks\ **Created:** [August 7, 2011, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852 "2011-08-07T19:10:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/1 "2011-08-07T19:10:26Z")
While at the supermarket yesterday I saw a display of sodas from the “Appalachian Brewing Company”. What caught my eye were the root beer and the birch beer, both of which I am a fan of. Plus, the “real cane sugar” statement caught my eye. I’m not one to impulse shop but this display did catch my interest. So I stood there trying to decide between root beer or birch beer when a third offering caught my eye. Ginger beer. Okay, I’d heard of it, and I love ginger ale, and it boasted pure cane sugar AND honey! Who could resist? So I decided that maybe I’d try something different and added a 4 pack of ginger beer to my cart. When I got home I placed of bottle of my new found treasure in the fridge to cool down for an evening refresher in from of the television. Later that evening I remembered what was awaiting me in the fridge and anxiously proceeded to the kitchen to retrieve my treat. After struggling with my sweaty palms trying to open the cap, I finally succeeded and took a big swig. AAAaaaaaaaaaaaacckkkkk… :eek: What had I purchased? The stuff tasted like someone took a bottle of ginger ale and added 3 or 4 tablespoons of ground ginger to it. The stuff is vile! I thought my throat was going to close up. Does anyone actually by and drink this stuff… on purpose? ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/2 "2011-08-07T19:16:51Z")
Answer: Answer: It’s vile and gross. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/3 "2011-08-07T19:16:53Z")
Nectar of the gods is a little strong, but I like it. I find it bracing. Oddly I don’t like ginger in most foods… ---
**Author:** ![Jenaroph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e8c25b/32.png) [@Jenaroph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenaroph)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/4 "2011-08-07T19:28:59Z")
Awesome stuff. Yeah, if you’re expecting ginger ale, you’re in for a shock, but if you’re expecting what it actually tastes like, it’s wonderful. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/5 "2011-08-07T19:33:51Z")
Unbelievably awesome stuff. Especially the ones where they don’t skimp on the ginger, like **AJ Stephans.** Good ginger beer separates the men from the lesser life forms. ---
**Author:** ![OneMissedPost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8e7dd6/32.png) [@OneMissedPost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneMissedPost)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/6 "2011-08-07T19:37:18Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > AAAaaaaaaaaaaaacckkkkk… :eek: What had I purchased? The stuff tasted like someone took a bottle of ginger ale and added 3 or 4 tablespoons of ground ginger to it. The stuff is vile! I thought my throat was going to close up. > > Does anyone actually by and drink this stuff… on purpose? I believe you answered your own question. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/7 "2011-08-07T19:40:54Z")
I like it. Most often straight, but sometimes I’ll mix it half-and-half with beer, in a glass with ice. That’s a nice drink on a hot summer day. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/8 "2011-08-07T19:45:21Z")
Moving thread from IMHO to Cafe Society. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/9 "2011-08-07T19:46:40Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Moving thread from IMHO to Cafe Society. Sorry. I thought IMHO was the place for polls. ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/10 "2011-08-07T19:56:07Z")
Faygo used to make a ginger beer called Faygobrau. The stuff was awesome! This country really needs a good ginger beer at Faygo or Shasta prices again. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/11 "2011-08-07T20:07:07Z")
The consensus seems to be against me, except for **Munch** , who apparently didn’t actually answer the poll (or maybe he’s a Mary Ann man). Maybe I got a bad batch or this particular brand is crap. I’m intrigued by **Spoons** suggestion about mixing it with beer. It would dilute the ginger with beer but, on the other hand, it would dilute the beer with ginger. Would it be a way to salvage the last three bottles, or a waste of good beer? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![brujaja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/12 "2011-08-07T20:07:27Z")
Where does one buy this … **AJ Stephans**? ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/13 "2011-08-07T20:10:02Z")
I recently started a poll on ginger ale, and heard many good things about ginger beer. I haven’t tried it solo yet, but did have it as part of an alcoholic drink recently. It has quickly become a favorite of mine, so I suspect ginger beer will be closer to a “nectar of the gods” than a “vile brew…” for me. BTW, the drink was ginger beer, Jameson’s and fresh lime juice. It was incredibly refreshing on a hot day. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/14 "2011-08-07T20:11:05Z")
It is a nectar few gods are worthy of. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/15 "2011-08-07T20:16:46Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > I recently started a poll on ginger ale, and heard many good things about ginger beer. I haven’t tried it solo yet, but did have it as part of an alcoholic drink recently. It has quickly become a favorite of mine, so I suspect ginger beer will be closer to a “nectar of the gods” than a “vile brew..” for me. BTW, the drink was ginger beer, Jameson’s and fresh lime juice. It was incredibly refreshing on a hot day. I think it could work as a mixer but straight might be an acquired taste. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/16 "2011-08-07T21:01:43Z")
I voted “vile”, but that’s a little stronger than I would phrase it. None for me, thanks. Similarly, it’s never occurred to me that Coca-Cola would be improved by a couple heaping tablespoons of black pepper. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/17 "2011-08-07T21:23:45Z")
It depends. The cheap stuff is nasty tasting sugary crap, but the good stuff is divine. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/18 "2011-08-07T21:32:38Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > I’m intrigued by **Spoons** suggestion about mixing it with beer. It would dilute the ginger with beer but, on the other hand, it would dilute the beer with ginger. Would it be a way to salvage the last three bottles, or a waste of good beer? 😕 Well, you don’t use a _good_ beer, necessarily–something like Bud or Miller or any other mass-produced brand works just fine. The beer dilutes the ginger, but the ginger adds a bit of flavour to what is otherwise a bland beer. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/19 "2011-08-07T21:42:20Z")
> [@brujaja](#): > > Where does one buy this … **AJ Stephans**? I get mine at Bevmo. It’s an iffy item - the company tends to sell out of it so fast that distribution gets spotty. But it is [wonderful stuff](http://www.ajstephans.com/AJStephans/pages/about.htm). **davidm** - try making a _Moscow Mule_ or a _Dark and Stormy_. Much better than the _Shandygaff_ **Spoons** seems to like. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852/20 "2011-08-07T22:30:48Z")
I love love love ginger in general. I have ginger candy in my cupboard, and Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew in my fridge. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-ginger-beer-nectar-of-the-gods-or-vile-brew-from-the-outer-darkness/591852.md?page=2)