Magic Hat Brewery’s recent survey reveals that a majority of its beer drinkers ask for low-calorie options. The survey suggests that it is more profitable to brew low-calorie beers than to allow consumers to drink the regular versions of its beers. I predict that this line of reasoning is flawed for several reasons

First, the reasoning assumes that consumers only drink beer when they want to drink beer. That is, the survey assumes that all consumers drink beer because they want to consume alcohol. However, many beer drinkers drink beer for taste, for social occasions, or for relaxation. For example, many people enjoy the taste of beer brewed by small, local breweries – often referred to as microbreweries – where beer is made in small batches. Consuming beer brewed by a local brewery provides a sense of place and is, therefore, a cause for nostalgia. Likewise, a person may enjoy the taste of beer brewed by a large, national brewery, but choose to drink the beer for social reasons, such as a birthday celebration. Both of these examples suggest otherwise; that the majority of consumers drink beer only because it is alcoholic

Second, the reasoning assumes that low-calorie beers are more profitable. However, few small breweries brew low-calorie beers, so it is unlikely that these breweries have data showing profits. In addition, the reasoning assumes that low-calorie beers will sell better. However, there is no evidence to suggest that low-calorie beers would sell better than regular beers. In fact, some argue that low-calorie beers are unappetizing and thus do not appeal to beer drinkers. This is especially true of brands that produce only one type of low-calorie beer, such as Magic Hat’s Light Lager. Third, the reasoning assumes that the only reason consumers drink beer is to consume alcohol. However, beer drinkers often drink beer simply because it tastes good. Thus, it is more likely that if consumers could drink beer while consuming less alcohol, they would drink less alcohol. For this reason, low-calorie beers are most likely more profitable only if consumers stop drinking regular beer altogether and switch to low-calorie beer. This, of course, is exactly what brewers want. The reasoning, then, is not an argument in favor of brewers. It is an argument in favor of consumers. The failure of small breweries to brew low-calorie beers is not due to lack of consumer demand, but due to brewers’ decisions

Finally, the survey fails to consider the potential negative effects of low-calorie beer on the health of drinkers. Because low-calorie beers contain less alcohol, they are more likely to have negative health effects. For example, one study found that reducing alcohol in beer from 8 to 5 percent increased the number of deaths from liver cirrhosis. New research also shows that excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to death. If drinkers choose to drink beer because it has fewer calories, they may suffer from health problems. Even if drinkers do not suffer from negative health effects, they may suffer in other ways, such as increased alcohol consumption, if they drink beer because they perceive it to be healthier

Thus, the reasoning in the argument is not well reasoned. While it is possible that consumers drink beer only because it happens to be alcoholic, it is also likely that consumers drink beer for other reasons. In addition, low-calorie beers are most likely profitable only if drinkers stop drinking regular beer altogether. Furthermore, the reasoning does not consider the potential negative effects of low-calorie beer on the health of consumers. For these reasons, the reasoning is flawed.