I have always been something of a beer snob. “None of that domestic rubbish for me, thank you, I’ll have a Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout.” Now don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy good beer, and prefer it in most instances.

Lately though I have come to see the beauty of cheap American beer. Miller Lite, in particular, is big for me right now. It has any number of distinguishing merits, including:

• It costs about half of what I am used to paying – about $10.99 for an 18-pack
• The whole concept of the 18-pack… now that’s what I’m talkin’ about! Plus, the term “18-wheeler” for an 18-pack is the coolest thing ever.
• Aluminum cans are easily smashable, and thus take up less space in the trash can. (I was going to say “in the recycle bin”, but really, who am I kidding?) They also weigh less, and are far less likely to cause the plastic trash bag to rip. Plus, smashing beer cans always provides a certain satisfaction.
• It tastes great, and is less filling. C’mon… I had to. There really is something to the whole “less filling” thing, though. I mean, after a hard day’s work in the sun does anybody really want a Guinness?

Miller Lite is also responsible for this, the greatest commercial of all time:

It isn’t like I’m the first person to figure this out or anything. My buddy Morty up in Portland (microbrew capital of the universe) tells me that the locals up there have zero interest in craft beers. Instead, everyone drinks Pabst Blue Ribbon. According to Morty, if a bar doesn’t have good ol’ PBR on draft, the place won’t be around for long.