Normally I don’t write about things which I’ve read elsewhere but I just finished something that struck quite a chord.? The New York Times has a blog titled Proof written by several authors with the subject matter, you guessed it, alcohol.? The tag line is “Alcohol and American Life.”? The articles range from humorous anecdotes about working in a bar to stories of over-indulgence and addiction.? It’s also amazing to read the comments to the articles which range from understanding, sympathy, and desire to learn more to sanctimonious moral-chastising against any form of spirituous libations.

One of the contributors to Proof is Paul Clarke of The Cocktail Chronicles.? Paul’s latest contribution titled Why (and How) I Drink, is a wonderful read and very eloquently describes his drinking philosophy and its role in his life.? It is a sentiment that I feel very closely mirrors my own drinking philosophy.? Some of his points about growing up in a household where alcoholic consumption was moderate compared to households which were abstemious (or less than moderate) are spot on in my opinion.

I grew up in a house where my parents had a small liquor cabinet, which I never, ever saw them open.? Maybe they did before I was born, but to this day, I still don’t think it has been used.? My father drank an occasional beer on a hot summer afternoon or when out to dinner.? Neither of my parents drank wine and we never had any in the house, save for when my mom wanted some for cooking.? Apparently my dad tried making wine with the grapes we had growing on our property and a home kit.? It didn’t turn out very well.? I never drank until I got to college and then had to learn restraint the hard way.? Now, my views (and actions) are much more aligned with Paul’s.

It is a great read and gives a lot to think about.

Cheers!