Heineken: Can it really be considered a premium beer?

Beer, Rant - Posted by James on January 22nd, 2008

Now don’t get me wrong, I love Heineken. Its one my favorite binge beers. I can knock down a 12 pack of them with no problem. But why is it so damn expensive? I know it’s an import and that makes it a “premium” beer, but is it really worth what I pay for it? Is it really worth 6 bucks at the bar?

No. No its not.

But you know what I think it is? A status symbol. A symbol that shows you will pay more for something that isn’t much better than the standard Miller or Budweiser beers. Its a symbol with a distinctive look. And you make sure that when you’re holding that distinctive green bottle, that the label is pointing out, so everyone can see that red star.

You want everyone to see that red star.

You want everyone to know that you will pay extra to look like a big shot. You like to show everyone that you’re better than them. Look at them, those lower class scum, drinking their lower class beer. They look like they’re having so much fun, hanging out with friends. You don’t need fun. You don’t need friends. You have your premium import beer and your smug look and your leased BMW 3 series.

But I still like it, even if I don’t have a leased BMW. And I’m going to keep drinking it anyway. Because it really is just a little bit better than the regular domestics. It might not be worth it, but I don’t care. Because that red star says I’m better than you.