Quote: Original post by owl
Actually, the thirst for alcoholic beverages took some time for me to be aquired. On my teen-age I couldn't tell the difference between spirits, for example. Now I can tell you quite well the brand of a whiskey/beer by tasting it (Not all of them, of course, but I can say "this is Jack Daniels, this is Chivas, this is Jonny Red/Black").

It requires training and caring.

">One better than that

Quote: Original post by Machaira

Quote: Original post by capn_midnight

Quote: Original post by Machaira

Quote: Original post by owl
Do you drink?

No. Besides the fact that there's no good reason to do so and many good reasons not to do so, there are better things to do with my money that waste it on alcohol.

It tastes good.

I guess it's an acquired taste (although I never acquired it even in the times long ago when I did drink - it was always nasty). [wink]

I suppose "soup" is an acquired taste as well.

Seriously, there is such a wide range to the *art* of making alcoholic beverages that you really can't make blanket statements out of it. Barrels of wine, aged for decades. Spirits, distilled in an exacting process not unlike rendering oil into gasoline and propane. Beer, with its long history and tradition. Spend some time with me and I bet I can find a drink you'd like. It'll probably cost at least $40 a bottle (which is nice in a way, you'll go bankrupt before you become an alcoholic), but it'll be good.

Quote: Original post by nilkn
The only aspect of drinking that I genuinely dislike is the dependence that people develop on the activity in order to have fun. Most people who casually drink have no such dependence, but there are a few rare people who are nearly unable to enjoy hanging out with friends unless they are drinking. It must be unfortunate for what was originally a supplementary diversion to become a prerequisite for enjoying the most primitive pleasures of life. Such are the shackles of addiction.

But obviously this is a symptom of overconsumption and irresponsible use. As has been pointed out, misuse of almost any substance, alcoholic or otherwise, can lead to undesirable ends. That said, an anecdotal note worth pointing out is that I have met many people who severely abuse alcohol and nobody who abuses mineral water.

I agree 100% with you and I personally find that quite old-fashioned. I suppose one could link in something regarding social interaction, excess of consumer-oriented behaviors and such.

Quote: Original post by ukdeveloper

">One better than that

Hmmmm:

"This video contains content from MyVideoRights, who has decided to block it in your country."

Most days. Perhaps once a month until failure.

Mostly white wine.

"One barrel of wine can work more miracles than a church full of saints"

I don't drink anymore. I've tried it several times and never really enjoyed it. I don't get the appeal, especially of being drunk. I find it very scary to lose control of my rational self.

Quote: Original post by Machaira

Quote: Original post by ukdeveloper

">One better than that

Hmmmm:

"This video contains content from MyVideoRights, who has decided to block it in your country."

It's a clip from the UK comedy series "Father Ted" which features a highly alcoholic priest called Father Jack Hackett. Ted is loading up bags to go for a picnic and he has two bottles of wine which clink together.

Jack shouts out that he wants drink (by going "DRINK!!") and Ted tells him it's just bottled water, but Jack replies "Jacob's Creek Chardonnay 1991!" because he's so much of a raging alcoholic that he can tell what type of wine it is from the clinking sound.

LOL!

I can identify a glass of 'Brugal' by the smell from a distance of 3 mts. (or at least I could when I didn't smoke).

Beat that!

Quote: Original post by owl
LOL!

I can identify a glass of 'Brugal' by the smell from a distance of 3 mts. (or at least I could when I didn't smoke).

Beat that!

OMG, now you're smoking too? And by "heavy social interaction" you meant sex, didn't you?

I'm telling your mother.