best beers by popularity in the UK

The bf and I were discussing that this weekend. How can Stella be that different from others? I mean, isn't beer/lager all basically the same formula? I'm curious!

Like JennyI says, it is definitely something to do with the alcohol content but I'm also completely convinced that there is a chemical processing that is different from other beers. I'm positive that something is different in the way it's made. I also think this is only the case for Stella that's processed here. In the US I used to drink it when I went out to watch footie (i.e. very, very early in the day and usually for a prolonged period) and I never had an issue with it.

There is something about Stella. Its 5.2% which I believe is the highest of all the popular lagers.

The nasty Tennent's Super stuff (tramp juice) that my bf likes is 9%, so I think it's more than alcohol content.

Like JennyI says, it is definitely something to do with the alcohol content but I'm also completely convinced that there is a chemical processing that is different from other beers. I'm positive that something is different in the way it's made.

I think it must be the chemical processing because its alcohol content is not really that high compared with some others. But this is what I'm curious about - don't they all use pretty much the same process?

I think it must be the chemical processing because it's alcohol content is not really that high compared with some others. But this is what I'm curious about - don't they all use pretty much the same process?

I don't know much about beer, but I know that in wine making some manufacturers (refuse to call them wine makers) put preservatives and other things in the wine to bulk it up and change the flavour of cheap grapes. I have the feeling it must be similar with beer - that some brewers put in different chemicals to alter tastes, etc. That's why cheap-ola wine gives such bad hangovers.

The nasty Tennent's Super stuff (tramp juice) that my bf likes is 9%, so I think it's more than alcohol content.

I think it must be the chemical processing because its alcohol content is not really that high compared with some others. But this is what I'm curious about - don't they all use pretty much the same process?

9%? dang.
Meant to say, we saw an 8% version of Tiger beer in Tesco in a mini champagne-type bottle with a cork and all.

I just checked with DH and its the chemicals in Stella that make it 'different'

I just checked with DH and its the chemicals in Stella that make it 'different'

My Googling tells me it's a myth that Stella induces violent behaviour. One theory is that it got its "wife beater" nickname because of Stanley Kowalski beating up his wife in A Streetcar Named Desire ("Stelllllllaaaaaaaaa"). Another theory is that it was one of the first lagers to have a highish alcohol content - thus, if you drink a lot of it you might get aggressive, but no more so than drinking a lot of anything. And, now there are plenty more lagers with higher alcohol content, but Stella's nickname stuck.

I don't know what to believe.

My Googling tells me it's a myth that Stella induces violent behaviour. One theory is that it got its "wife beater" nickname because of Stanley Kowalski beating up his wife in A Streetcar Named Desire ("Stelllllllaaaaaaaaa"). Another theory is that it was one of the first lagers to have a highish alcohol content - thus, if you drink a lot of it you might get aggressive, but no more so than drinking a lot of anything. And, now there are plenty more lagers with higher alcohol content, but Stella's nickname stuck.

I don't know what to believe.

I have never personally heard of anyone becoming violent due to consuming Stella, I can only relate to the ''unique'' hangover effects, the next day. I hate when people refer to it as ''wife beater'' 

My husband only drinks Stella. I hide the bruises under make up. 

It's not just Stella! Have you tried RC Cola?

It's not just Stella! Have you tried RC Cola?

OMG! Was that a real advert? Anyway it wouldn't surprise me if RC contributed to wife beating. My stepfather preferred it 

OMG! Was that a real advert?

YES!! An old one, but real! Check out www.strangebusiness.com (and all the other 'strange' sites) - it has some hysterical stuff!

Stella is only called Wife Beater because it's strong, nothing more sinister than that.

And while the brewing process is essentially the same for all beers, each beer is brewed differently, as all wines are.  Lagers have more chemicals in them, which is why you are more likely to get a hangover on lager than ale, which is usually made without any additives.

Vicky

Ale is (usually) wonderfully natural! 

I'm celebrating my birthday at a beer festival.  I recommend them for everyone who thinks that "lager" is all there is to beer.

www.wychwood.co.uk

I love Wychwood ales.

"What's the matter, Lagerboy?  Afraid you might taste something?"

 

I spent the weekend drinking Sussex Gold, by the way.  Another seriously good beer.

http://www.arundelbrewery.co.uk/beers/beers_core.htm

Vicky

"What's the matter, Lagerboy?  Afraid you might taste something?"

 

my DH has that t-shirt!

Everyone must have that T-shirt.  A supervisor (at my old job here in Leeds) had that T-shirt.  It gets around.