It’s New Year’s Day in America, and I’m thinking it’s probably New Year’s Day where you are, too, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already found something to gripe about.
I happen to be drinking a very fine bottle of beer, even as I write this article. I’ll go on record as saying that Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale just might be one of the finest beers in the world, which should be making me really happy, but there’s a problem.

There, do you see it? No? Okay, let me zoom in:

There, do you see it now?
It’s the foil, dammit! It’s not uncommon for brewers — especially some of the higher-end brands — to gussy up their bottles with a wrapping of decorative foil around the neck. I guess their expectation is that if you’re going to the expense of drinking one of these better brews, that you’ll do the right thing by pouring it into a glass. And eventually, I did just that, but not before taking a swig. It’s only natural! Sometimes a guy on the go doesn’t have time for a glass and will take a quick pull on the bottle instead. What might happen then?
FOIL LIP!

Oh my god, how I hate getting foil in my mouth! It could come from a baked potato, or more likely, one of these high-end beers that I’m not opposed to drinking on special occasions like New Year’s Day, and there’s nothing like a dose of Foil Lip to get the year off to bad start!
It’s enough to drive me batshit crazy!
OK, I think you’re just looking for stuff to complain about now. For sure, “Foil Lip” is a First World problem.
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With all the CHEAP beer you’ve swilled over the years, I’m not surprised that you haven’t experienced this problem!
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Back when I drank beer, it was usually Shiner Bock, Guinness Stout or Dos Equis — cheap where YOU live, maybe, but not down here.
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Well there you go.
Shiner Bock = no foil
Guinness Stout = no foil
Dos Equis = not sure, but I think no foil, though Negra Modelo definitely has foil!
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I actually get this. Foil is useless in this case. it can be a bother to peel it off. I never had any stick to my lips though. But it can stick on your fingers in low humidity.
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Low humidity is very rarely a problem here in Houston.
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I’m amazed, truly amazed that we finally agree on something!
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I don’t usually drink beer; but when I do, it has no foil.
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That’s why you’re the most interesting mermaid in the world!
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Looks like they’ve discontinued the brand here. Doesn’t surprise me. I REALLY liked Ruddles County Ale, actually discovered it one month prior to it being pulled from the shelves.
Drives me batshit crazy.
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That would drive me batshit crazy, too. I live in what passes for a pretty rural area in New Jersey, yet I have this tremendous liquor store with the best beer selection I’ve ever seen. Can’t say that I’ve ever noticed Ruddles County Ale, but I’ll look around for it!
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#foillipslivesmatter this is a real issue… I personally love the foil. It gives me something to do while drinking the beer (peeling the foil off)
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I suppose I could start following your lead on this, peeling the foil. Of course then I’d have a mess to clean up afterward, so I’m not sure I’d like it, but am willing to give it a try.
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