I've wondered about this, facing too many Belgians on the odd occasion but others are more definite:
"We're beer drinkers. We don't spit," said Skypeck, co-founder of Boscos brewpubs, based in Memphis, Tennessee. I think especially with beer, you're not going to experience the full flavours, the character, unless you take that swallow. It just completes the experience."
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Comments
Chris - April 17, 2006 1:16 PM
I'd always heard that it was due to the fact that our "bitter" sensing taste buds are located in the very back of the mouth/throat, and the only way to properly gauge the bitterness is to swallow the beer.
Alan - April 18, 2006 11:08 AM
Couldn't you just gargle? And besides, I thought that whole parts of the mouth thing had been thrown out. Maybe I am mixing up episodes of PBS's <i>Nova</i>.
Knut - April 19, 2006 8:21 AM
Then I'd rather limit the number of beers on one occation. Or tasting with someone.
The last time I was in London I felt like a sissy ordering half pints at the Jerusalem Tavern, faced with a large range of beers.
Alan - April 19, 2006 9:22 AM
It's bad when a Norwegian starts feeling like a sissy.
Knut - April 20, 2006 5:12 AM
Yes, we have a whaling/seal-killing wrestling with polar bears image to protect.
Joe - April 23, 2006 11:55 PM
And, interestingly, all of those activities partner naturally with beer.
Knut - April 24, 2006 7:46 AM
Of course they do. And a hoppy IPA is perfect with a whale steak, too!