A research center in Canada reports most of the drinkers it polled couldn’t tell the difference between low and-regular strength beer, and has recommended that the British Columbia government make lower alcohol content beers cheaper to encourage their consumption.
That seems more reasonable than boosting the tax on stronger beers.
The University of Victoria Center for Addictions Research found most of the 34 participants equally enjoyed the two ales, the fun they had drinking it with friends and the perceived buzz they got from the beer.
However, some drinkers did notice a “small difference” in the taste, preferring the 5.3% abv beer over the lighter 3.8% abv beer.
Beers with less than four per cent alcohol occupy only 0.2 per cent of the B.C. beer market, say researchers.