# Worst Beverage? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** soda-softdrinks\ **Created:** [March 14, 2024, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850 "2024-03-14T23:38:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2024, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/181 "2024-03-21T11:04:16Z")
> [@Treppenwitz](#): > > are the “Sours” you’re describing related to what I would know as a [Gueuze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gueuze)? (To name one style of Lambic). Yes! There are a few different styles of sour beers. Gueze (gose) ixx so one. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2024, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/182 "2024-03-21T15:15:20Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Gueze (gose) ixx so one. Hijack: You know what? Around midnight last night it occurred to me that Gose [the German tradition parallel to Belgian Gueuze, which I only discovered existed in the last year or so] was maybe part of a bigger story. If I remember correctly, Pennsylvania was where many German immigrants settled. Did they bring the Gose tradition with them? Is that why there are Sours festivals near you? (Never seen Gose in this country. Aside from online shopping (which I hate) I’m not sure how I can get hold of some. Maybe a specialist beer shop in London?) /Hijack j ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2024, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/183 "2024-03-21T15:19:11Z")
> [@Treppenwitz](#): > > Did they bring the Gose tradition with them? Is that why there are Sours festivals near you? There’s a sours festival near me because sours are a beer thing and various “high end” beer places cater to their crazy clientele. 🍻 ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2024, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/184 "2024-03-21T15:41:08Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > I brought up root beer and similar drinks because other threads on that beverage found the wintergreen elements off-putting especially to non-american palates iirc, and Moxie shared some of those same profiles. I enjoy root beer, sarsaparilla, sassafras and other ‘strong’ sodas like ginger beer but still found Moxie to be undrinkable. Unfortunately, it was long enough ago that I can’t remember exactly what took me off it taste-wise but it was the rare “novelty” style soda I couldn’t stomach. Though, to be fair, I haven’t tried the “lol this one tastes like roast beef and creamed corn” nonsense sodas. I doubt I’d finish those either 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/185 "2024-03-22T03:07:39Z")
I’m back home with a keyboard and internet that doesn’t have a kickback for low use, so I found the thread I was talking about: > [@Did you acquire the taste for root beer as an adult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-acquire-the-taste-for-root-beer-as-an-adult/977931/1): > > As an Immigrant, I was introduced to root beer / Dr Pepper (I know they are not the same - but are similar) in my 20s but never quite liked it. Neither did many of my other Indian friends. We picked up different beers, wines, cocktails, soft drinks etc etc but nobody I know picked up root beer. Is this common with other people who are introduced to Root beer as an adult ? Are there other flavors/tastes that are unlikely to be acquired as adults ? So lots of talk about commonalities of taste in Root beer and Dr Pepper that I at least would extend to Moxie. And how the hints are more apparent (and largely more repellant) to drinkers who were exposed as children. Specific to Moxie though: > [@Did you acquire the taste for root beer as an adult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-acquire-the-taste-for-root-beer-as-an-adult/977931/51): > > I had Europeans tell me they don’t like it because of the wintergreen flavor, and that reminds them I specifically of medicine (that some of their medicines are flavored with wintergreen.) I wish I could be more specific about which area of Europe, but I don’t remember who told me that. > > I tolerate wintergreen, but it’s not a flavor I particularly like. That said, combined with vanilla and sassafras or sarsaparilla or licorice, I don’t mind it. > > Dr. Pepper is not at all in the same category to me. That just tastes like cola flavored with almond extract and maybe a few other things. More comparable drinks might be Moxie, birch beer, and sarsaparilla soda. Not that they didn’t say the same earlier upthread, but here they’re making some of the same distinctions I did in reference to the beverage vs Dr Pepper. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/186 "2024-03-22T10:03:51Z")
I’ve been experimenting with [Fijian kava](https://kalmwithkava.com/shop/fiji-loa-waka-kava/) lately, and the taste is pretty horrible. Like dirt mixed with sawdust from a cedar tree, with some extra bitter added. Makes you involutarily shiver trying to choke it down. I’ve started adding Sodastream flavoring syrups to improve the taste; root beer is pretty complimentary. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/187 "2024-03-22T11:55:20Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > I’ve been experimenting with [Fijian kava](https://kalmwithkava.com/shop/fiji-loa-waka-kava/) lately, What benefits does it provide? All the negatives sound awful. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/188 "2024-03-22T12:15:51Z")
I’ve tried Malort. I have a bottle of 90% finished Malort on my bar. It’s a thousand times better than the salty yogurt drink aryan. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/189 "2024-03-22T12:33:18Z")
I like ayran and Indian salty lasi. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/190 "2024-03-22T12:33:56Z")
What negatives have you heard? It’s mildly euphoric, relaxing, promotes sleep. The biggest downside is the taste. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/191 "2024-03-22T12:36:00Z")
I tried various expensive brands two years back, and unfortunately, I could not get any euphoric effect from it. The taste wasn’t that bad, but it’s not something I would drink for pleasure, either. So after about $200 of experimenting, I decided to try something else. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/192 "2024-03-22T12:37:17Z")
I’ve only heard your observations about taste. Sounds like mushrooms (the magic kind). I just eat them a bit at a time, then drink water. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/193 "2024-03-22T13:27:05Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Sounds like mushrooms (the magic kind). I just eat them a bit at a time, then drink water. That’s what keeps me from experimenting. I’ve never used drugs recreationally, but I’m tempted by hallucinogens. However, mushrooms are so nasty to me that I’m not sure I could bring myself to eat one, even for a cool trip. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/194 "2024-03-22T15:05:00Z")
There isn’t really a taste. Imagine eating a bit of peat moss. You just chew & swallow. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/195 "2024-03-22T15:17:09Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > There isn’t really a taste. Imagine eating a bit of peat moss. You just chew & swallow That’s the thing. It’s not taste for me, it’s texture. Some foods taste fine, but I cannot abide the texture; it’s why I don’t eat grits or eggs or polenta. Mushrooms fall right into that camp. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/196 "2024-03-22T22:28:10Z")
I seldom drink alcohol, but I have GOT to get me some Malort, in one of those sample-sized bottles, to try it. And no, I won’t throw the bottle on the curb when I’m done. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/197 "2024-03-23T03:47:06Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > I have GOT to get me some Malort, in one of those sample-sized bottles, to try it. I have never seen Malort in anything but 750 mL. No pints, shooters, half-pints, handles. Just a fifth of the stuff. Perhaps they do sell them in other sizes, but I’ve never seen it. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/198 "2024-03-23T19:16:05Z")
I looked online, and it is in mini-bottles. I won’t go out of my way to look for them, but if I see one, I’ll get it. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/199 "2024-03-23T19:18:20Z")
🙀 Wow. I mean, it certainly makes sense for something like that to be sold in a single-serving bottle, but I’m amazed they’ve done it. Wonder when that became available. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2024, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/200 "2024-03-24T07:32:35Z")
> [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](#): > > That’s what keeps me from experimenting. I’ve never used drugs recreationally, but I’m tempted by hallucinogens. However, mushrooms are so nasty to me that I’m not sure I could bring myself to eat one, even for a cool trip. The only mushrooms I actually enjoy the taste of are the magic kind. They’re a bit dry though, so goes down well with beers. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850.md?page=11)