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This sounds like it starts from the assumption that it can only be consumed for the effect, not the taste.
I drink once, maybe twice every year, and never more than 2-3 drinks. And I specifically either sip a finger of Jägermeister, a White Russian, or expensive gin tonics (Scapegrace is brilliantly rich and nuanced, for instance), because I enjoy the taste.
What I do not enjoy is getting drunk. Not only because the following two days are worse than death, but especially because I don't like how my body slips out of my control and how it encourages my mind to drift toward the dark place.
You drink alcohol EVERY YEAR?! Wow, look at this boozehound over here.
I think alcohol like music can not be separated from its effect upon the mind. I think those effects are entirely the point we take it, I think if it was just taste you would not drink your White Russian. I think when you drink it it is because you want to visit or at least be reminded of your dark place. Like all drugs it is vital not to ignore the positive effects they can have while also being very aware of the long term negative consequences. As to answering the original question I think if you drink less than the average it is permissible to give as your reasons that you sometimes like the way it makes you feel. You drink in the same way you put on music, not because of the sound or the taste but because it takes you to somewhere else and for a little while that is where you needed to be.
These are a lot of assumptions about a person you don't know.
As a counterexample, if there were any other substance which could replace vodka and coffee liqueur in their entirety while not containing alcohol, I'd drink Virgin White Russians all day long. Same goes for Jäger. And I have already tried some non-alcoholic gins and they entirely miss the pungency, which is the very element which confers alcohol its unique taste.
No, I genuinely do not like alcohol for its effects. It is not my jam. If I want to enjoy both the buzz and safe dips into my dark place, I smoke a doobie.
As for your argument about music, I think this is the wrong point of comparison. If you're referring to a strictly emotional reaction, taste has that covered all on its own.
I love the taste!
I'm also addicted to the substance.
I'm addicted to the taste.
There are good alcohol free beers now. I've been enjoying Athletic Brewing Company
I'm glad that Athletic exists, but it's actually pretty mediocre compared to the NA beers that smaller classic breweries are starting to put out.
I wish our local brewery would do this. I love hanging out there, but I'm not a huge root beer fan and that's the only non-alcoholic beverage they have.
All due respect, I cannot speak for your situation, but neither does your situation for everyone else who likes to sip alcohol.
I cannot stand the taste of cinnamon or licorice, but I don't believe addiction is required to be able to enjoy them.
I think you're reading a bit too much into my statement.
Not at all, which is why I specified this in mine.
I am merely working with what's been given.
Look at this guy, he actually likes the taste instead of just being addicted to the substance!
My uptake definitely increased significantly starting in early November 2024.
I'm a sucker for amaros, absinthes, and negronis.
Yeah, like you could totally defend going for a wine tasting a few times a year without sounding like an alcoholic. The amount matters.