How often do you drink and how much?

[Hungry hobbit]

Hello all,

Hubby started drinking whiskey about two years ago.  He typically drank one serving once or twice a month.  At least that was his pattern until recently, when I started buying him a few new ones to try.  Now he drinks 2-4 servings on the weekends.  His serving is about an ounce.

I'm confused by the different recommendations that are considered safe.  I'm not worried that he would over do it, but am worried that alcohol can increase risks of cancer and other health problems.  

So how much are you all drinking and how often?  And how long have you been drinking?  Is anyone else worried about the increased risks to their health?  Any thoughts?

Thank you,

 

 

 

[The Black Tot]

Firstly, you are asking a very biased group of folks here. 

Secondly, and I mean this in the nicest possible way - put the shoe on the other foot. How would you feel if your husband got on a forum for a "comfort activity" which you were starting to enjoy and went around your back asking strangers their opinion on whether or not he should have a problem with it?

I'm not being rude - I just think this seems to be a discussion you should have with your husband, and, if it's a medical opinion you want, with your doctor.

That out of the way, 2-4 ounces on weekend evenings would not be considered excessive by anyone on this board, if I may speak for them (and if anyone disagrees please do say so).

I think many of us here drink within the 2-4oz range most every night of the week when we are free to do so, and live very long and happy lives. We have many members in their late 60s, and well over.

I'm not worried one bit about my consumption level. Drinking quality spirits is a substantial part of the enjoyment of my senses of taste and smell, and of course the effects of the alcohol itself are also very rewardingly pleasant.

For me, a nice glass of whiskey replaces dessert in the evening. I think of fine spirits as "candy for adults", and when used in moderation, I think it is actually much healthier than sweets.

A life spent avoiding everything that has been linked to cancer is not much of a life at all, I'm afraid. Try to remember that most people, statistically speaking, don't get cancer at all. I personally would suggest that you try joining him in his enthusiasm, but if you don't want to participate, at least be on his side about what he wants to do. I think many of us here reading this post are concerned that your husband is about to suffer some unwanted judgment about his chosen pleasures - I hope I'm wrong about that. If you don't like whiskey, and don't think you could learn to, maybe join him with a glass of wine?

If you want to minimize the impact to his health, encourage him to drink some water between his sips of whiskey, and keep himself hydrated. Better mornings, much healthier, and it actually helps wash the tongue for more interesting shades of tasting. Also have something in his stomach when he drinks such that the whiskey has something else to absorb into in his stomach, making it easier on the internal tissues. Lastly, if he is drinking high proof spirits, encourage him to add water to anything above 110 proof - which is good for his enjoyment as well as his health.

I hope this has helped.

 

 

[OldDrinker1978]

Great Post, The Black Tot. Pretty much agree with everything you wrote!

[starhopper]

My wife and I enjoy around an once or two every night or so - on weekends, perhaps just slightly more.  I'm 56 and she's 57 and we're not overly concerned with the health aspects of it - in fact, we both feel that it probably contributes to a healthier lifestyle.  We both have high stress jobs, and a nice sip on a fine bourbon after work tends to relax us and allow us to unwind and prepare mentally do it all over again the next day.

I think "all things in moderation" is the rule of the day here.  One can certainly "overdrink" and even become an alcoholic - but one can also overeat, over worry, and over analyze - and these can also lead to detrimental health effects.

Hope this helps

 

Edited December 8, 2015 by starhopper

[GAbiker]

Recent research has shown there are health BENEFITS concerning whiskey:

 

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/whiskey.html

http://www.wideopencountry.com/10-health-benefits-drinking-whiskey/

 

Of course, this assumes moderation.  And Black Tot is correct...if you have concerns you're better off talking to your husband or a doctor.

[b1gcountry]

I've never heard that small amounts of whiskey can cause cancer. Is there some study you are siting?

[starhopper]

38 minutes ago, b1gcountry said:

I've never heard that small amounts of whiskey can cause cancer. Is there some study you are siting?

"Saliva causes cancer, but only if swallowed in small amounts over a long period of time.” - George Carlin

[jeffrey r]

This is inevitably a bit of a touchy subject on a whiskey enthusiast forum, but it has come up here before (there was a similar recent thread that I recall).  Look, none of us have crystal balls.  I know I'd be lying if I said that I never thought about the health effects of this hobby of mine.  In the end though, I think that like anything else, drinking in moderation is not a big deal.  I am sure that some doctors would assess my habits and come to the same conclusion, while some doctors might call me out on how much I drink and tell me there are some risks.

I drink 1-2 oz several nights a week.  Sometimes more quantity in a session, and sometimes more days per week.  I don't drink to get drunk, and as was alluded to above, I have a stressful job, a busy and active family life, and I often enjoy winding down with a small amount of whiskey at night.  I enjoy the taste, I enjoy the response, and this works for me.

I think back to how much I drank in college.  Probably many of us fall into this boat.  We all got through that phase, and life goes on.  Are my 5-10oz of whiskey a week in my 40's worse for my body than drinking 10-20 beers a week back in college?  Who the heck knows.  The human body seems to be very resilient.

Bottom line though to the OP if you are reading these responses, you need to take this up with your husband directly if you are concerned.  It's your own family, health concerns, impact on your family, etc.  Good luck.

[alink50]

While I am a bit younger than some of the above posters (33 Today), I generally drink between 1-4 oz of Bourbon or Rye about 5 nights a week. As stated earlier, I have a high-stress career and I think it help to unwind after work. That being said, there has never been an issue with my health. If anything, 1-2 oz of alcohol daily is supposed to be good for your heart. I would cite a study but those are easy to find with any Google search.

I hope you and your husband enjoy the Bourbon you have procured!

[Hungry hobbit]

Good morning!

It appeared that I have touched on a sensitive topic and might have inadvertently offended some people.  That was not my intent, so I sincerely apologize if anyone was offended in any way.  

Due to the fact that we are so new at this adventure, we weren't quite sure what studies to take seriously.  We have found some that suggested that drinking in moderation is good for your health, while others said any amount of alcohol is bad.  So we figured why not ask the real life folks here.  I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance if anything.  

Since I'm the one doing all the research and all the buying... you can say that I'm the one driving this hobby.  I must admit it has been really fun researching and hunting for bottles that you all loved/suggested.  I have enjoyed reading and learning all about whiskey as well and I cannot wait until Christmas so I can give them to him.  Yet, in the back of my mind I wonder if I'm doing something that can potentially be harmful to my sweet hubby.  So your honesty and helpful suggestions are welcomed and much appreciated!!

 

 

 

Edited December 8, 2015 by Hungry hobbit
Typos

[starhopper]

Hungry Hobbit  - no offense taken. In fact, I was afraid that I may have offended YOU! 

Edited December 8, 2015 by starhopper

[Heashfus]

24 minutes ago, Hungry hobbit said:

Good morning!

It appeared that I have touched on a sensitive topic and might have inadvertently offended some people.  That was not my intent, so I sincerely apologize if anyone was offended in any way.  

Due to the fact that we are so new at this adventure, we weren't quite sure what studies to take seriously.  We have found some that suggested that drinking in moderation is good for your health, while others said any amount of alcohol is bad.  So we figured why not ask the real life folks here.  I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance if anything.  

Since I'm the one doing all the research and all the buying... you can say that I'm the one driving this hobby.  I must admit it has been really fun researching and hunting for bottles that you all loved/suggested.  I have enjoyed reading and learning all about whiskey as well and I cannot wait until Christmas so I can give them to him.  Yet, in the back of my mind I wonder if I'm doing something that can potentially be harmful to my sweet hubby.  So your honesty and helpful suggestions are welcomed and much appreciated!!

 

 

 

I think it's amazing you're doing all of this for your husband! I second most everyone that has responded, moderation. If you are truly concerned about the repercussions, you definitely want a clinician's advice. After all the hard work you've done to help your husband with this hobby, enjoy it with him whether you drink it or not 

[O'DubhGhaill]

Three to four ounces of 40-43% ABV whisk(e)y Sunday evening through Friday evening (unless I have a really early day the next day, then usually only one beer with dinner), four to six ounces of varied ABV on Saturday nights, almost twenty years now.  I often add any where from .5 to 1.5 ounces of water to my whisk(e)y, varied according to ABV and my taste for each individual whisk(e)y. 

In summer, I add a 1.25" ice ball to my week-night Evan Williams Black Label or such.  I also enjoy drinking a couple pints of water during a whisk(e)y sitting, which is during Papa-time, that is, while watching T.V. with the headphones on in a quiet house after my children (and quite often my wife too) are in bed.  

I believe I am within safe, responsible amounts of consumption for my physical make-up and condition.  Each person's own medical and physical condition is quite different, however, and only you and your husband can gauge that (with the help of an annual physical and doctor consult of course).  Absent any medical conditions, it sounds as though your husband is well within acceptable limits of consumption and I would be surprised to read any differing assessment on this site.

Edited December 8, 2015 by O'DubhGhaill

[Paddy]

Although I do still enjoy a few beers here and there... I find it much more enjoyable to sip on 2-4 ounces of whiskey over a few hours, than drink 24-48 ounces of beer over the same period. 

My body (and bladder) is forced to do much less work!

[Darwin]

Usually no more than 2 drinks per day as a general rule, and rarely more than twice a week.  My last hangover took 3 days to recover from.   I won't be doing that again.

[Flyfish]

It seems to me that there is too much variability in the way we respond to alcohol to make an overarching pronouncement. Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald used to drink together in Paris. Hemingway was famous for being able to hold his liquor. Fitzgerald, who was hypoglycemic, was under the table if he just breathed the fumes. I used to make gin and tonic for my in-laws in the summer. Father-in-law said, "Thanks, that's very nice." Mother-in-law said, "Wow, that's strong!" even though I never put any gin in her gin and tonic--just tonic and a slice of lime. So, there are both physical and psychological responses that make broad statements untrustworthy.

[b1gcountry]

To me, straight whiskey drinks smoother that tonic water. I can't stand the stuff.

[bullitt]

There are always the restrictions that some may place on themselves that could be different than what their preferences might be, e.g. financial, peacekeeping, to extend a dwindling inventory. We all govern our own drinking decisions based on our personal situations and availability.

[Hop]

2-4 ounces of generally over 100 proof bourbon on a nightly basis over quite a bit of time for myself with no ill effects other than gaining a bit of weight.... Not sure if the bourbon is the cause of that or not. 

 

I I drink to enjoy the flavor and nuance of the bourbon not to become intoxicated and can honestly say I haven't drank to that excess in many years. 

 

At 52 I feel I can and will do what I enjoy and makes me happy.

[SebastianLloyd]

Watch this YouTube video:

"The Great Whisky Taboo!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEEnUHEDG8k

 

Edited December 10, 2015 by SebastianLloyd

[starhopper]

7 hours ago, SebastianLloyd said:

Watch this YouTube video:

"The Great Whisky Taboo!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEEnUHEDG8k

 

I agree - Ralphy gives an execellent presentation.

[holdtheice]

I really don't think 2 or 4 servings of whiskey of around an ounce every week is anything to worry about, unless of course that is in addition to beer, wine, etc. 

I'll typically have around 1 - 1.5 ounces of spirits (usually straight, sometimes in cocktails) 3 or 4 nights per week. If I drink wine, it's usually just a glass and that's it (alcohol wise) for the day. Same with beer; one serving and that's it for the day. I like to skip alcohol of any kind for a few days each week. But it varies, beverage wise I haven't had anything but coffee and water for almost 2 weeks now because I haven't felt like anything else. I really don't put much stock in studies/research etc as there is always an underlying agenda. Drinking sensibly and in moderation won't stop you from living a long and healthy life, there are plenty of people in my family who are testament to that.

[Hungry hobbit]

13 hours ago, SebastianLloyd said:

Watch this YouTube video:

"The Great Whisky Taboo!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEEnUHEDG8k

 

Good morning,

Clearly I have touched on a very sensitive subject that might have offended some people.  That was not my intent!  So I sincerely apologize if that's the case.  Please allow me to clarify a few points.

Both hubby and I are new to drinking (he drinks and I sniff only due to health reasons) so we were confused looking at all the health risks.  Some studies suggested it was healthy to drink, some said no amount is safe at all and yet others said it's ok to drink in moderation.  We thought studies can be biased too so why not ask the real life folks here.  I just figured since I'm doing all the purchasing for him I should at least make sure I'm not killing him in the process!  

I am enjoying the search and purchasing of 

[Hungry hobbit]

Excellent video!  Very educational...a joy to watch.  Thank you for posting that.

I feel so much better knowing that we're on the right path.  Besides an espresso every morning hubby only drinks water and an occasional Sprite.  

Now I can focus on helping him build a collection.  

Edited December 10, 2015 by Hungry hobbit
Typos

[Flyfish]

You might take a tip from Ralfy and get your husband a Glencairn glass for tasting. Even if you are just nosing, not drinking, you might enjoy sharing the experience with your husband. Women tend to have more sensitive palates than men. He could benefit from having you help identify some of the subtle aromas associated with really fine bourbon.