Evening Drink: Beer Or Wine, Which Should I Choose?

Whether you're drinking to unwind after a long day or to celebrate a special occasion, it's worth considering the pros and cons of your drink choices. Beer and wine are two of the most popular alcoholic beverages worldwide, each with their unique characteristics and effects. So, should you drink beer or wine tonight? Let's explore the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you make an informed decision.

Beer and wine have different alcohol content

The difference in alcohol content between beer and wine is due to the different fermentation processes used to make them. Wine involves a longer fermentation process, meaning it takes more time for the yeast to convert sugar in grapes into alcohol. The alcohol content in beer is typically limited by the yeast, which becomes inactive when alcohol levels climb above 10%. In contrast, the yeast used in wine fermentation can continue to produce alcohol until the levels reach around 15-20%.

The higher alcohol content of wine means that it will get you drunk quicker than beer. For example, a standard "drink" contains around 14 grams of alcohol, which is roughly the amount in a 12 oz. beer at 5% ABV and a 5 oz. glass of wine at 12% ABV. At these proportions, a glass of wine is equivalent to a can of beer. However, since wine typically has a higher ABV than beer, you would need to consume more beer to reach the same level of intoxication as you would with wine.

The speed at which alcohol enters your bloodstream also varies between beer and wine. Spirits enter the bloodstream the quickest, followed by wine, and then beer. This means that a glass of wine will go to your head faster than a pint of beer. To feel the effects of the alcohol from lager, you would need to consume twice as many pints as the amount of wine your friend is drinking.

In conclusion, when deciding whether to drink beer or wine, it is important to consider their different alcohol contents. Wine has a higher ABV than beer on average, and the alcohol content of both drinks can vary depending on the specific type and brand. The higher alcohol content of wine means that it will get you drunk faster, and you would need to consume more beer to reach the same level of intoxication. However, it is always important to drink in moderation and to stay within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Beer and wine have different calorie counts

Beer is made using grains and yeast, and the number of calories it contains varies according to the type. Most light beers have between 60 and 120 calories, while darker beers, which tend to have more carbohydrates, have between 100 and 300 calories. On average, a pint of 5% ABV beer contains around 240 calories. Beer also tends to be higher in carbohydrates, with the USDA National Nutrient Database estimating that a regular beer contains about 12.6 grams of carbohydrates per can.

Wine is made with fermented grapes and has between 120 and 210 calories per six-ounce glass. Red wines have 25 calories per ounce, while white wines have 24 calories per ounce. So, per 750ml bottle, red wine has 632 calories, and white wine has 607. The type and colour of wine affect the calorie content, with rose wine having around 70-80 calories per 100ml, white wine having 73-83 calories per 100ml, and red wine containing between 75-85 calories per 100ml. This is because red wine tends to have a higher alcohol content, and wines with higher alcohol content will usually contain more calories.

When it comes to weight loss, neither drink is a smart choice in excess. Wine has a lower carbohydrate count than beer but can have a higher sugar content. Alcoholic drinks can hinder weight loss goals when consumed in large amounts, as they provide empty calories without essential macronutrients like healthy protein, fat, and fibre. Even two or three drinks per day can add 200 to 300-plus calories to your diet. Therefore, if you choose to drink, it is important to do so in moderation.

Beer and wine have different health benefits

Wine, especially red wine, has long been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This is due to its polyphenol content, including flavonoids, which are also found in other plant foods like blueberries, strawberries, and dark chocolate. Red wine contains about ten times the amount of polyphenols as white wine. However, there may be other active compounds in white wine that offer cardioprotective effects. Research has also shown that wine can protect against type 2 diabetes, reduce the risk of stroke, and improve BMI.

On the other hand, beer has a higher nutritional value than wine. It contains protein, fiber, B vitamins, folate, and niacin, making it more like food. Beer also contains similar phenolic compounds to red wine, such as quercetin, epicatechins, and gallic acid. Studies have shown that hops in beer may inhibit obesity and increase bone mineral density.

While wine and beer have their respective health benefits, it is essential to consume them in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative consequences such as hangovers, dependency, and liver damage. Additionally, white wine is acidic, which can demineralize tooth enamel, and red wine can trigger migraines in some individuals.

The American Heart Association recommends 1-2 drinks per day for men and up to 1 drink per day for women to maintain a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It is also important to note that the health benefits of alcohol should not be the sole reason for consumption, and there are groups of people who should abstain from drinking altogether.

Beer and wine have different effects on sleep

Research suggests that alcohol increases the production of adenosine, a chemical that acts as a sleep inducer. While this may help you fall asleep initially, adenosine levels quickly subside, making it more likely for you to wake up throughout the night. Additionally, alcohol consumption is associated with more slow-wave sleep patterns or delta activity, which can inhibit quality rest when combined with alpha activity, a precursor to sleep.

The impact of alcohol on sleep quality is significant, regardless of consumption level. A 2018 study found that low alcohol intake reduced sleep quality by 9.3%, moderate intake by 24%, and heavy intake by nearly 40%. It's worth noting that the negative effects of alcohol on sleep can be acute and chronic, affecting both occasional and heavy drinkers.

If you decide to drink, it's recommended to allow a minimum of three hours between your last drink and bedtime. Drinking water along with alcohol and consuming alcohol with a meal can also help mitigate its negative impact on sleep. However, it's important to avoid alcohol if you're taking sleeping pills, as the combination can be dangerous and make it challenging for your body to breathe while sleeping.

Beer and wine can be paired with different foods

Beer and Food Pairing

Beer has a greater capacity to pair with all kinds of foods than wine. Beer is more food-friendly than wine because brewers can experiment with a greater variety of ingredients. While winemakers have only grapes (or two, if you count wood barrel-aging) to play with, beermakers can experiment with barley, hops, yeast, spices, nuts, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables.

When pairing beer and food, you can either match complementary flavours or create interesting contrasts. For example, a bitter stout classically pairs with oysters, perhaps "cutting through" the sweetness of the shellfish. Sweet and salty always work wonders.

Some general guidelines for pairing beer and food include:

• Pair light dishes with light beer and heavy dishes with heavy beer.
• Pair rich foods with beers that have a heavy and rich flavour, like stouts or porters.
• Pair light-tasting salads and fish with light beers.
• Pair wheat beers with desserts like fruit tarts.
• Pair beers with foods from the same region.
• Pair beers with foods that share a colour.
• Burgers; buffalo wings; Asian food; Mexican food; spicy food; nutty food; fried food; pizza; steaks; Cheddar, Parmesan, or Romano cheeses.
• Gruyère, Emmental, and Swiss cheeses; Cajun food; jerk chicken; beef; sausage; seared foods.
• Mascarpone cheese; light white meat; foods driven by herbs and spices; duck and pork dishes with sweet components; pickled dishes; salads with fruity dressings; fruity desserts.
• Shellfish; light seafood; sushi; grilled pork and chicken; not-too-heavy pasta dishes (without cream or meat sauces); Southeast Asian food; Latin food; Mexican food; spicy food.
• American cheese; Muenster, Havarti, and Monterey Jack cheeses; salads; light seafood; salmon; tuna; trout; asparagus; Asian food; Mexican food; spicy food.
• Smoked foods; barbecue; sausage; rich stews; meats; bacon; chili; braised dishes.
• Roasted foods; smoked foods; barbecued/grilled foods; salty foods; oysters; rich stews; braised dishes; chocolate; desserts (ideally the beer is sweeter than the dish).
• Light soups and salads; vegetarian dishes; sushi; Gruyère cheese and Feta/goat cheese; sweet and fruity Asian dishes; citrus-flavoured dishes, including dessert and salad dressings.

Wine and Food Pairing

Wine can also be paired with different foods, and the right pairing can bring out the best flavours in both the food and the wine.

Some classic wine and food pairings include:

• Red wine and red meat.
• White wine and fish.
• White wine and chicken.
• Red wine and chocolate.
• White wine and cheese.
• Red wine and spicy food.

Frequently asked questions