From Where I Sit

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February 23, 2011
by: Jim Birchard

What is the world coming to.

In this universe of new and improved, better than before its hard to believe that one of the oldest products in the world is being modified to exclude its most important and vital ingredient.

A Bavarian brewmeister is touting its no-alcohol beer as the latest sport drink for athletes.

The Brew is served up with a frothy head.

And it comes in one colour, a golden hue, unlike conventional sport drinks.

Several top athletes from Europe quaffed the beverage from giant mugs on the podium of the World Cup biathlons held this month in northern Maine.

But really what is beer with the buzz.

Alcohol is an essential part of that nectar and removing it effectively neuters one of the most popular beverages in the world today when taken in moderation.

Some of the world's most famous scholars and politicians also cannot say enough about the beverage.

American statesman Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying...Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

Even Plato weighed in on the subject, saying He was a wise man who invented beer.

And what about the famous I'm an Canadian rant -- what would that have been without beer?

Certainly Joe Canadian would not have been pushing this country's most famous export if it were sans alcohol.

For centuries brew masters have been have been trying to improve on this ancient and satisfying drink.

It's best to leave well enough alone.

I'm Jim Birchard

From Where I Sit is on 560 CFOS Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7:08 am and 5:08 pm