I think Brideshead Revisited here is relevant. There Charles Ryder talks about being drunk at Oxford with Sebastian Flyte as a form of exuberance. As they got older, he notices that Sebastian is just drunk and sad.
If you read it I promise to read my old copy of Man, Economy and State that I bought At Laissez Faire Books in 1979 but never quite got to.( I think I’m lying- no not about having the book but reading it).
The last 2 years I've been roped in to the bourbon world. The paradox I find myself in is in order to develop a drinking hobby/pallette I must drink more. Yet, I don't want to drink too often (as mentioned, the calories aren't helpful) and I'm sure my liver isn't thrilled every time I do.
Perhaps it's just that I don't prefer bourbon straight, rather I like it in an old fashioned. But then I feel like I am less experienced if I don't know how to separate all the "notes" from the pure bourbons themselves. 🤔
Certainly enjoyed this piece from you, Jon. I had many thoughts flowing while reading it. My relationship with alcohol is also one that requires constant checking in. I made my way for at least a decade by bartending and often gave up booze for several seasons, ultimately, always returning. The ever strengthening hangover is certainly a point for hesitation. I have never written (deeply) about alcohol as a subject but maybe I will in the future.
I was pleased to find the Amis book cover at the bottom-I am a book cover designer on occasion.
What a great cover. Was further pleased to see an intro by Hitchens. My guess is he will have plenty to say, but in the F. Scott type of way, much like your Amis sounds.
One thing I have done- quit the hard stuff. It has been beer and wine for almost a year or so. Hangovers are still possible, but slightly milder. Don't drink cheap booze, you will not respect it. Also, a glass of water after every drink- a full glass, down it all. For many of us, drinking alone is not a good idea. Nor is drinking to solve a crisis.
During my thirteenth year dry, I’ve begun homebrewing again, making meads and ales as sort of an alternative currency. My faith in the allied health industry, always weak, was completely vacated during the vivid panic; A homemade ale works like an aspirin, if administered once in a blue moon.
I think Brideshead Revisited here is relevant. There Charles Ryder talks about being drunk at Oxford with Sebastian Flyte as a form of exuberance. As they got older, he notices that Sebastian is just drunk and sad.
Haven't read that one. Might have to.
If you read it I promise to read my old copy of Man, Economy and State that I bought At Laissez Faire Books in 1979 but never quite got to.( I think I’m lying- no not about having the book but reading it).
The last 2 years I've been roped in to the bourbon world. The paradox I find myself in is in order to develop a drinking hobby/pallette I must drink more. Yet, I don't want to drink too often (as mentioned, the calories aren't helpful) and I'm sure my liver isn't thrilled every time I do.
Perhaps it's just that I don't prefer bourbon straight, rather I like it in an old fashioned. But then I feel like I am less experienced if I don't know how to separate all the "notes" from the pure bourbons themselves. 🤔
Oh well, great article though!
I enjoy bourbon too. I recently discovered this one: https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/bourbon/wolcott-kentucky-straight-bourbon/p/219521750
It can be a good hobby, if done in moderation. Glad you enjoyed the article!
Certainly enjoyed this piece from you, Jon. I had many thoughts flowing while reading it. My relationship with alcohol is also one that requires constant checking in. I made my way for at least a decade by bartending and often gave up booze for several seasons, ultimately, always returning. The ever strengthening hangover is certainly a point for hesitation. I have never written (deeply) about alcohol as a subject but maybe I will in the future.
I was pleased to find the Amis book cover at the bottom-I am a book cover designer on occasion.
What a great cover. Was further pleased to see an intro by Hitchens. My guess is he will have plenty to say, but in the F. Scott type of way, much like your Amis sounds.
One thing I have done- quit the hard stuff. It has been beer and wine for almost a year or so. Hangovers are still possible, but slightly milder. Don't drink cheap booze, you will not respect it. Also, a glass of water after every drink- a full glass, down it all. For many of us, drinking alone is not a good idea. Nor is drinking to solve a crisis.
Great subject, enjoyed it. Thanks, Jon.
During my thirteenth year dry, I’ve begun homebrewing again, making meads and ales as sort of an alternative currency. My faith in the allied health industry, always weak, was completely vacated during the vivid panic; A homemade ale works like an aspirin, if administered once in a blue moon.