Beer has good health benefits. It doesn't have sugar in it, so it's something you can drink without damaging your teeth. It doesn't have caffeine, so it's not going to stop you sleeping (hence why people meet for a coffee during the day and a 'drink' in the evening). Apparently it helps your cholesterol. It also kills germs/bacteria - when I was in India I tried to drink beer every day and I never got sick.

In terms of taste, I think it becomes much more appealing in hot weather, as a chilled beer is very refreshing. Also, it's something you tend to sip gradually, which lends itself to situations where you are sitting with friends for extended periods. Similarly with wine.

It does seem to cause people to lower their inhibitions which leads to easier conversation. Drunk people are very tiresome though.