My 8th-grade son discovers the taste of beer

My husband often drinks beer at dinner or right after returning from picking up our son from cram school.
He pops open a can, makes a point of gulping it down with a loud, exaggerated swallow, and then lets out a satisfied, "Ahhh!"

My son, who has always watched his father like this, asked him intently the other day, "Is it really that good? Is beer actually that delicious?" I get it, he's curious, right? After all, you don't usually hear people gulping things down like that.

Even after that, every time he sees his father drinking beer so happily, my son stares at him with a mix of curiosity, envy, and wonder. That's when I had an idea! Why not let him try a non-alcoholic beer to see what it tastes like?

Since it doesn't contain alcohol, it should be fine, right? I thought, but I checked the website just in case.

It was clear they were saying "no" in a very roundabout way. But it was also confirmed that there are no legal issues. That's what matters. Our family concluded that it's better to experience things when you're curious about them, as it leaves a stronger impression.

Me: "You can legally try the taste of beer with non-alcoholic beer. Want to give it a shot?"
Son: "Wait, really? Is that okay? Won't it be breaking the law?" (He's more serious than anyone.)
Me: "It's not recommended, but I've confirmed it's not against the law."
Son: "Then, I want to try it!"

On a hot day, I served him one that was ice-cold.
My son is the cautious type. But he also wants to act like an adult. He took a slow, careful sip, and recoiled at the bitterness. But he tried his best to compose himself and said, as calmly as he could,

"It's bitter. But it's a taste I think I'll like when I'm an adult!"

I burst out laughing, teasing him by asking, "What kind of taste is a taste you'll like when you're an adult?"

It must have been bitter. It probably wasn't to his taste. But I wonder if he thought that making a huge fuss about it being "bitter!" would make him seem less like an adult? That way of trying to grow up is just so typical of an 8th grader, and it secretly made me melt. In the end, he only drank about as much as the soy sauce you'd use for sashimi, and he waved the white flag, saying, "I get it now, I'm good," so I happily finished the rest.
A bitter, yet sweet, refreshing, and fun memory of beer. I wonder when he'll taste beer next. Will he really like it when he's finally an adult? I hope we can drink together someday. Until then, I'll think back on today's events and enjoy a drink while reminiscing.