We call it an "U-boot" here in Poland and yeah it is just a cheap way to get drunk fast - very pouplar amongst the scum of earth known as "university students"
I agree the beer is ruined here, but I used a Bitter instead of a pilsner and I feel like the vodka enhanced the fruity character of the Bitter. You have to be aiming to get drunk quick if you're slugging this though. Why bother?
Henry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book includes a Depth Charge Cocktail - Absinthe, Kina Lillet, Dry Gin.
I’m looking for ways to use up my bottle of Kina L'Aéro d'Or via the many Kina Lillet drinks in this book…