Bud

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that it’s been 10 years since I gave up my habit of drinking and I was going to write about the anniversary but the bottled water issue took priority.

Well pholks, although the media continues to flood us with comments about the bottled water issue and giant corporations like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola and others are changing their labeling and advertising, I’m washing my hands of that issue—at least for the time being. Right now, I consider it water under the bridge.

I need to pat myself on the back for staying away from the beer and other spirits for a decade.

I was always a social drinker and many, many times I became overly social. Giving up the habit was something I just decided to do. It was my choice and something I had to prove to myself I could do. Temptations haven’t been that tough, really. I still socialize with long-time friends who still drink and enjoy most of the conversations. Granted, I don’t hang out even a fraction of the time I used to and that is another good thing.

About nine months after I gave up my habit, I wrote a column which was a tribute to Budweiser, with the theme “I still miss my Bud.” I was a devout Bud drinker and always admired the King of Beers. I had flown in the Budweiser hot air balloon, had several Budweiser caps, and two or three Bud shirts. I have always admired Anheuser-Busch advertising, the “Bud” “Weis” “Er” frogs, even the frog-impersonating lizards. The Clydesdales and famed beer wagon are legendary. The spotless trucks and equipment used to transport the parade show stoppers and all the Bud-sponsored sports and other entertainment events are top notch.

The King of Beers mantra and the “Men of Genius” and the winter sleigh ride ads along with the horses playing football are commercials worth a person’s attention. If I had to drive a truck for a living, I would drive a Bud truck.

A few years back, I did another column about my success on the wagon and received some nice comments.

Well pholks, I have a confession to make.

Occasionally, over the last 10 years I have cheated.

No pholks, not on the drinking of alcohol. I have cheated on my old friend Bud.

I have consumed a fair amount of non-alcohol “beers” over the last 10 years although that too has dwindled in number. Non-alcohol “beers” are beverages which almost taste like the real thing but contain only a trace of alcohol, about one-half one 1 percent, far less than most cough medicines, mouthwashes or sleep aides.

For quite a while, I drank O’Doul’s, Bud’s brand of non-alcohol, make believe beer. Most of the time, it is the only one available. But the stuff generally sucks.

I strongly favor Sharp’s, the fare of rival Miller Brewing Company which, in my opinion is much better tasting. Even Coors, which offers its version of non-alcohol brew, tastes better than O’Doul’s. I have never been a Coors fan.

There, I’ve admitted it and the conscience is clear.

I’m pretty darned sure than I won’t fall off the wagon. I’m convinced that I will have a few more non-alcohol “beers” on occasion in my remaining years. And I know that sometimes I will not have a choice other than Bud’s cousin O’Doul’s, (even the amber) to accompany my pizza, taco or steak.

But if there is a Sharp’s or even a Coors non-alcohol on the menu, I will think about my friend Bud, say thanks anyway, but do what I gotta do.

Miles can be reached at mshuper@valleyvoicenewspaper.com