By Kanishk P
I have never been a big fan of alcoholic drinks. Not that I have had any bad experiences with it but because I have not really gone down that lane to explore the whole world out there. Its not that i regret it but I must say that being a non drinker did put me in some awkward situations at times specially at office parties and social gathering where the entire focus was around having a few drinks after work and engaging in all sorts of out of office conversations. I would feel so out of place in such gatherings because the first thing people noticed was that i didn't have a glass or beer bottle in my hand and every-time they offered it to me i would politely decline stating that I don't drink. To my surprise this was way beyond their apprehension and the immediate reaction would be "WHAT!! ARE YOU SERIOUS THAT YOU DON'T DRINK?-WHY?''
Well! For years I didn't have an answer to this. What didn't make sense to me was why was this such a big deal? I could engage in meaningful conversations infact much more than those who had the drinking buddy badge on them. But they still seemed to enjoy much more than me at these events. They connected well with their bosses & peers and always seemed to have a gala time. I would end up having dinner and returning home mostly within an hour of attending such events.
It was only one fine Sunday afternoon as i went grocery shopping to one of these premium stories in my locality when i found myself next to the beverage section. It is here that I came across names like "Non Alcoholic Beer" "Non Alcoholic Cocktails" "Non Alcoholic mixers"etc. I didn't know there was an entire section out there catering to people who didn't consume alcoholic drinks. Not only was I amused but also extremely excited with my discovery:)...I had to try this!
Actually to be honest I loved it and I haven't stopped ever since. Now I can just enjoy my beer at leisure with my close friends and family or even with colleagues when we get together. They are happy that i have joined their gang because the 0.0% alcohol mentioned on the bottles is so small that I can fool them anytime i like. They think I am having beer...and if we think of it I actually am having beer- right?
Just a much better and healthier one than theirs!
P.S. You may want to try the assorted pack of Crofters Beer. It gives you an option to chose from a range of 5 amazing flavours unlike some of the other brands which have just one malt flavour as of now.
I am in love with Crofters as you would have guessed by now and hence even writing this blog for them. I am sure you would like the pic above taken for you from my backyard :))
Cheers!