Reply #7: Wait, there are 2 things at work here.

[JVS]

There is denominating everything in beer, So this is like saying That entree costs a 24-pack of highlife (it's $11).

Then there is owing a debt of beer. Say your friend buys some beer at the bar. If you don't have a chance to buy another pitcher, you owe them a beer debt. This means that although you know you owe a $10 pitcher, to convert it back into cash would be gauche. You must buy $10 worth of alcoholic beverage with your friend at some time. Consistent systems of beer debt can eventually mean long-term friendship.