For many years I have been a faithful (?) bourbon drinker. I like bourbon, and I like its effects. Bourbon and it effects cannot, I believe, be separated. They are both part and parcel of the experience. Abuse of alcoholic beverages is, and always has been, a serious problem. There are few things that have been more destructive in the life of more individuals than the abuse of alcohol.
The, almost, praiseworthy attempt to limit alcohol's devastating effects, Prohibition, was a disaster, and brought us organized crime.
It is axiomatic that Life is challenging, and that we all resort to things that bring us some comfort in the face of its trials.
It is my opinion that, in addition to the various abuse of substances, there can be abuses of other kinds. Some ideologies, such as that of Communism in the late Soviet Union, are every bit as destructive in their 'habit forming' effects as are those of alcohol and drugs. Among these is also religion. Religion can be as destructive in its addictive forms as any other form of addiction...... intolerance is too often the outcome.
I drink rarely to the point of true intoxication. But, even so, I am aware that as I approach that point, in addition to avoiding driving, I need to avoid expressing certain opinions, for they are not those I would utter were I not to a certain degree inebriated.
Perhaps this is one of those times. For I say that in addition to learning, as one gets more experience with bourbon, the peculiarities of one's own palate, one needs to learn the peculiarities of one's own personalities as he/she consumes more alcohol.
Enjoying bourbon is a perfect example of restraint.......... at least it is for me.