Don Cherry in Russia: A tale of Grapes and hops

He's known as Grapes, but maybe Hops would be more appropriate.

The 80-year-old television personality, fashion misstatement, bon vivant and curmudgeon is in Sochi to work for CBC and has revealed what really keeps him going: beer.

In an interview with the Toronto Sun, Cherry said he's having a surprisingly good time in Russia and that although he's not eating much he's getting by on "several Buds a day." That's not the bud that Rob Ford expresses a great love for, but Bud as in Budweiser.

In fact, Cherry admits he had three for breakfast the other day. The breakfast of champions?

“It keeps me going,” he said. “I’m happy as long as I have my beer.”

For those who've wondered just what Cherry is talking about some nights on his Coach's Corner segments, this may explain a few things.

And maybe the beer had something to do with a rather open attitude he displayed about the host country, one he besmirched during the 2002 Salt Lake City Games by calling its athletes cheaters and drug-takers.

[Ratings Report: Sochi audiences on CBC strong -- maybe]

He talked about how much he was enjoying the country and its people. Things are way better than he expected, though one wonders if his expectations were based on 1960 newsreels.

“When I think of Russia I think of old Moscow and people sweeping the streets, the old ladies, it’s nothing like that around here," he told the Sun. "The image I thought coming over is quite different from what I’ve seen.We went downtown to get our beer and honestly I couldn’t believe it. It was like a shopping mall. I didn’t expect that. The people have been so friendly. Really, I have nothing to complain about.”

He also showed a softer side when it came to the stray dogs that have received so much attention in Sochi.

“I went for a walk today and saw these two little dogs just wandering around, kind of following us," he said. "I see these homeless dogs and that really bothers me. I might bring them home with me. I love these dogs. I just hope nothing bad happens to them.”