It tastes that way because our commercial brewers have not figured out what to do with hops.

I agree with you Clinton, if I had a choice between a Canadian beer or Bud (or any other mass produced American swill), there is no question - I'm going with Canadian. Canadian microbrewers produce some of the best beer in the world.

Alcohol strength has nothing to do with taste. The 5.5% is essentially the same as Bud. The taste comes in the use of hops and grain.