Coming from Straight-Edge

That's great to hear. I would say I'm responsible about my drinking as well. I think the last time I've drank from a 30 pack of Coors Light was probably.. 4 years ago. Even though it was under the legal drinking age of course. I'm a legal drinker now, and I purchase 5-8$ beers, hell, I just purchased a $185 6 pack of Westy 12s and I think that made my beer experience partially complete. I just had my first Pliny the Elder tonight, and I have been 21 for only 2 months! Honestly, I just bought $24 worth of beer tonight at Whole Foods (3) and I just like to sit at home, drink some nice brew, and review it, and play games. I think there is NOTHING wrong in that, I'm not out partying and being an idiot. I go to my local bar and order a Blue Moon or Anchor Steam and just sit back and have a beer in the corner, and walk home. It's all about moderation, I think I may get a little more than tipsy sometimes but thats just because I'm tasting beers that are like, 24oz lol. It's kind of crazy having world class beers within the first two months of me being 21, but I have loved this lifestyle for years, even though I may have not been of age. I think not depriving me of what I wanted to do at earlier ages is what molded me into a responsible drinker today. Thanks for your story and I hope maybe I have some insight on about being responsible?

 

Though I understand the concept and reasoning behind sXe, I never bought into it. It is a reationary movement that speaks in absolutes, assumptions and generalizations; and often breeds an elitist attitude.
I appreciate what both of you are saying, because you are obviously open-minded and undertand that there is nothing wrong with responsible drinking...hell, civilization began as a direct result of beer.
I sill listen to a fair amount of Edge music: Minor Threat, Strife, Earth Crisis, etc., but I never myself prescribed to the doctrine of prohibition and abstinence... I belive that moderation and responsibility are far better ideals to live by.
I applaud your decisions and your open-mindedness, because depriving yourself of beer means never being able to experience the wide breadth of flavors and experiences that come with it.
Cheers

 

Most of us have dulled edges, but take heart in knowing that beer-drinking is a human condition - pretty much as long as there has been civilization, beer has been brewed and shared. Some (beer) historians claim that if it weren't for beer (or some form of fermented beverage) mankind would have never become civilized. Sharing a drink is like sharing food: it brings people together...
...and then it's bar fights, criminal behavior, hooliganism, jail time, rehab - also parts of the human condition.
Cheers!

 

I also understand where you come from as well. Before I become a full on metalhead, I was very much into the punk and hardcore scene, went to shows, and seen the ideals behind the music. The fact that you realized that having a drink is not bad, is a sign of respect for those who wish to. It is really about moderation and staying classy. I know when I go out I may have two or three different beers and call it a day. I do respect those who remain straight edge, because it is very much discipline. That to me is always admirable.

 

Edit...just realized below was supposed to read "reactionary"...

 

My good buddy has been sXe for a long time and was part of the band Expired Youth and another friend hasn't had any substances ever (caffeine excluded). I respect what their stance is on drinking and drug use, and it doesn't bother me one bit. You will probably lose some friends once they find out, but some of the people you know might respect your decision to drink. Whatever you do, just make sure you do it with confidence, have thought of the consequences, and have no regrets on your choice.

 

Good for you. I was the exact opposite going into craft beer. I first got drunk when I was 12. Spent my teenage years as a pothead. From 17-21 I had a hard drug phase. Began binge drinking at 18. Worst of it was from ages 19-25. After that I just stopped drinking during the week for the most part, but getting bombed Friday Saturday and Sunday still isn't good. 28 I got into craft beer, but I overindulged. At 29, years of drinking began to take its toll on me. Slowed down some more.

Now I'm turning 31 in August and I'm drinking less than ever. Even though I'm really into craft beer, I still have that drink to get drunk mentality which I'm not sure I'll ever lose. However, I've managed to balance it out, I don't have to get completely destroyed. I can get a drunk/good buzz without having "too much" and still have a nice time.

 

My dad's dad was an alcoholic and his story is a sad one. As a result I once swore that I would never drink. That phase only lasted a couple of years for me (and, I admit, ended before I was 21). So although I do drink, knowing what he went through (and what he put others through) has made me very conscious of my drinking and making sure I do so in moderation.

My best friend since high school recently quit drinking when he realized that almost every anecdote I had about him had the same punchline: "And then he threw up."

 

I adopted somewhat of a straight edge lifestyle for a bit while in college, mainly out of retaliation to all the drunk frat boys who surrounded me and acted like assholes all the time. But in the end, my straight edge lifestyle was relatively short lived as I felt it was wrong to force myself into a lifestyle because of those assholes. I realized I was letting them indirectly dictate my lifestyle. So instead, I decided it's best to set the example of responsible beer enjoyment rather adopt some anti-movement.

 

Welcome to the other side. The grass really is greener over here. I think you'll find the responsible consumption of craft beer is much more enjoyable than either abstinence or wild macro lager chugging. You're joining us at a great time. Flavorful, low alcohol session ales are the beer du jour, assuming inebriation isn't you thing.

 

I grew up with a straight edge mentality, even though I was not edge. I didn't like the idea of putting something into yourself that changes who you are as a person. that idea is enhanced by my religious views. I kept that mentality until I turned 21. I didn't drink until I was 20 on a trip to England. I didn't drink in the states until I was 21. I found that the taste of good craft beer was something I hadn't been exposed to and a great experience. I sometimes find myself drinking for the wrong reasons, which is something I'm trying to to be more mature about and get to a spot that is more true to myself and my faith. Craft beer is a great way to mature as a person and to drink for the right reasons.

 

I used to run with some pretty militant straight edge kids, I claimed it for a good 5 or 6 years, I didn't like how I was turning into a total asshole, so I stopped claiming and around that time stopped caring about going to shows. A few years after that my friend started homebrewing and I eventually turned into a beer nerd. so glad I never got that "Straight Edge Means I'm Better Than You" tattoo I wanted.

 

As an ex-edger (hardcore scene), i understand. I still think getting drunk is not for me and its something i do not do. I love beer, hate the alcohol feeling though.

 

Haha, never thought id hear expired youth mentioned on here.

 

Just think of all those years you wasted not enjoying beer...

 

What's next promiscuous sex?

 

I really don't know much about the straight edge life style. But I would think some of your friends won't take it too well if you were really into it. But there is no reason in hiding it. Be straight up about it and if they aren't cool with it than move on. The craft beer community is growing every day. You should have no trouble meeting people interested in the same things you are. Go to a local craft beer bar where people care about beer and start up a conversation. You might meet some new friends and get some helpful information.

 

Its your life and you only live once. Make your choices count and in the end be happy.

Cheers!