I wish I could have just one...

[TravelingLight]

I drink a beer pretty much every night. Sometimes Sunday night is the exception. But on a typical weeknight, I pour a "nightly" as I call them as soon as I walk in the door. My nightlies consist of IPA, pales, maybe a gose or sour etc., i.e., not a porter, stout, etc. Then I usually have a nightcap later, or my "dessert beer" as I refer to them, which is usually a bigger beer (stouts, BA beers, etc) which is often times split with my roommate (brother). BUUUUTT...sometimes there's another nightly in there between the "just walked in" beer and the dessert beer.

Funny enough, there have been plenty of times where on a random Tuesday my brother and I will split some big whales and I wake up on Wednesday with a tiny bit of a hangover. Makes me feel old. I'm only 32 but I definitely can't recover like I could when I was 22...which I'm sure most people can attest to.

I find myself being a relatively slow drinker when I'm home in my chair wearing my soft pants watching tv. Hell, often times by the time I get to the bottom of the glass the beer is basically rodeo cool, i.e., room temp. But I love drinking the big dark beers really slowly and having different notes and flavors come out as the beer warms. Tryna dial in my palate!

 

[MFWINZLOW]

You can meter your beer by using BPH (Beers Per Hour).
For me, the nightly HB before bed is usually .75 to 1 BPH (12 oz).
Tonight, guitar Friday - the speed will increase to 2.5 to 3 BPH.
BUT...I will slip a low ABV, light "beer" in every now and then so I am not staggering around and regretting tomorrow.

My father was a very strange binge drinker. He would go years without a drop. Then, out of the blue - he would start to drink vodka and ice tea, burbon, and warm Old Mil for 3 or 4 days straight - little to no sleep and no stopping the booze. He was a disabled combat injured WW2 vet. The pharmacy of meds that the VA provided him did not help at all.

 

[scallopking]

Kudos to the OP! As I've been reflecting too but not brave enough to post about it.

To set context, I have 5 taps and brew every other weekend just cause I like that part of it so much and trying to keep up is just insane.

I myself having been drinking every night at least 3-4 beers with the weekly weeknight binge to 12-1am - past my bedtime (seems to always occur on Tuesday nights for some reason). I don't feel great the next day but you have to work so bear through it. Weekend rolls around and lately I don't feel like drinking on Friday so would binge on Saturday and Sunday.

One of the biggest problems (aside from what my liver looks like that I can't tell) is not getting good sleep. I'd always wake up no matter what at 3a and can't back to sleep for a couple hours. By then it's almost time to get up. Alcohol leaving your system evidently messes with REM sleep.

Fast forward to this week and I've had 2 beers each night and slept through the night. Now it's Friday today and I'm like "going to get me some beers today" which will probably be about 6-7 before the night is over.

Problem with me is that I can limit during the week but weekend comes and I am a binge drinker. I think for me this is best of everything - limit during weekdays and overdo it on weekends.

I like the idea of smaller glasses and bombers. With the tap it is too easy even if I do a small pour I go back more often.

 

[mattdee1]

To try to outline some kind of hard and fast rule that says “having X number of beers in a certain span of time is A-OK, but having X+1 beers over that same span of time is cause for concern” is a fool’s errand. Everybody is different in all kinds of ways. You just need to take stock of your life and exercise some adult judgement. If the main facets of your life are in good order (relationships, health, work, finances, etc.) and your drinking is not placing you in risky situations or other kinds of trouble, then don’t let the puritanical undercurrents of Western society make you feel like you should be signing up for a 12-step program.

So maybe you’re not exactly adding years to your life by indulging in beer… but you can’t be perfect in all ways. Eat a healthy diet, get some regular exercise, and enjoy your beer.

 

[thunderwagn]

I love everything about beer...except the alcohol. All the flavors and styles to different serving glasses etc. I just find all of it intriguing to say the least.
I'm not sure your age, but pushing 50, I've found it takes a lot less to satisfy. In my younger days it was admittedly (usually) about the quantity. These days, it's more the quality. i love brewing and just enjoy sampling the fruits. Striving for the perfect pint!
The smaller glass thing also works great for me. The wife and I split beers often, and it's funny how having two glasses of beer is really just a bit less than 12 oz. When we binge drink, we may have 4 glasses apiece.
As I've aged, moderation is definitely easier.

 

[beersk]

You know, I guess when I initially typed this, it probably would have been helpful if I said I drink that amount over the course of many many hours.

I don't drink 12 beers in a 2 hour time frame or what have you but it will be stretched over a 6-12 hour stretch.

I'm not saying that makes it all better but it maybe puts things in a better perspective.

Now on occasion, I will drink a six pack over the course of 2 movies, so what, maybe two an hour?

This is kind of what I figured. No big deal man. If I'm drinking 10 beers, it's over like 10 hours. I seriously try not to do that too often as it makes the next day no fun. But it sure is fun as hell while you're doing it, if you're at an all day bbq or out with friends. Great times. But, less beer is probably a better choice in these situations regardless.

 

[Tactical-Brewer]

For sure guys, these are awesome responses.

Life is definitely good. Not a drunken bum by any stretch of the imagination, have a good job, starting my own business, lovely SWMBO, good kids, and good friends. Guess I really shouldn't be complaining or seeking change other than cutting back the "binge" part of the system.

 

[gunnuts]

I quit drinking for years because I could not just enjoy a beer and stop.

Then I went on a camping trip and had the first hangover of my life... I used to stay drunk..
After that. it was easy for me cus I'm too damn old for that hangover stuff.

I now drink a bomber and give myself an hour to see how that settles out...

 

[MFWINZLOW]

...To try to outline some kind of hard and fast rules...

Is just crazy. There are NO rules.

 

[scallopking]

For sure guys, these are awesome responses.

Life is definitely good. Not a drunken bum by any stretch of the imagination, have a good job, starting my own business, lovely SWMBO, good kids, and good friends. Guess I really shouldn't be complaining or seeking change other than cutting back the "binge" part of the system.

I applaude you for sharing. I don't take any of that from any from this. All of us have loved ones, work and responsibilities. We love beer that's a fact but just got to sometimes keep it in check. I know I do and if not my wife does for me, thankfully. It doesn't apply to beer but unfortunately beer damages us with too much. I realize I have a addictive personality (had many other obsessions) and when it becomes an issue its gone until things are back on track. Until then enjoy your beer in moderation on weekdays and indulging more when you have no responsibilites is not an issue for me.

 

[Braufessor]

I would say a typical week for me would look like this:
1 day = nothing
2 days = 1-2 beers
2 days = 2-4 beers
1 day = 4 - 5 beers
1 day = 6+ beers.... if it is a party, or camping, etc....that could be 8-12.

I guess I don't really want to limit myself on the 1-2 days a week where I am hanging out with friends, camping, etc. If it is a day where I am kayaking, or my wife and I are going out to a brew pub, grilling, relaxing in our back yard.... I fully intend to drink 3-5 beers. I could probably do without those days where it turns into 8-12. Usually that is over the course of quite a long time though (6-10 hours).

The singular reason I would probably drink a little less is weight. I could stand to lose 20-25 pounds. To be honest, if I would simply get off my butt and exercise more.... I could probably pull it off without curtailing my beer intake too much. Some strategies I am conscious about though in this regard:

*Alcohol content.... I almost never brew a beer that is 6% ABV. Vast majority of what I brew is 4-5.5%. I like beer.... I want to brew something that I can drink multiples of. Plus, more alcohol = more calories. Likewise, I will always order a lower ABV over a higher ABV beer if there is a good choice.

*Watch what else you drink...... I drink 3 things - Beer, Water and Coffee. 2 of those 3 have no calories. I use some milk on my cereal, or an occasional glass. I rarely have a can of pop. There are plenty of people that suck down 6-10 soda's a day and don't bat an eye.... I would rather drink the beer I drink that an equal amount of pop.

*I am conscious about eating food that needs to be prepared. No boxes, no "flavor packets"..... As they say - shop the perimeter of the grocery store - not the aisles. I avoid sugary snacks, rarely eat chips, etc.

Beer is something I enjoy making and drinking. I recognize that it is not the healthiest thing in the world, so I try to consciously make decisions in other areas - knowing that my "bad calories" are already used up on beer.

I love relaxing in my back yard with my wife, a good beer, good music and just enjoying myself.... it is stress relief. Stress is a killer too.

 

[thunderwagn]

*Alcohol content.... I almost never brew a beer that is 6% ABV. Vast majority of what I brew is 4-5.5%. I like beer.... I want to brew something that I can drink multiples of. Plus, more alcohol = more calories. Likewise, I will always order a lower ABV over a higher ABV beer if there is a good choice.

*Watch what else you drink...... I drink 3 things - Beer, Water and Coffee. 2 of those 3 have no calories. I use some milk on my cereal, or an occasional glass. I rarely have a can of pop. There are plenty of people that suck down 6-10 soda's a day and don't bat an eye.... I would rather drink the beer I drink that an equal amount of pop.

*I am conscious about eating food that needs to be prepared. No boxes, no "flavor packets"..... As they say - shop the perimeter of the grocery store - not the aisles. I avoid sugary snacks, rarely eat chips, etc.

Beer is something I enjoy making and drinking. I recognize that it is not the healthiest thing in the world, so I try to consciously make decisions in other areas - knowing that my "bad calories" are already used up on beer.

I love relaxing in my back yard with my wife, a good beer, good music and just enjoying myself.... it is stress relief. Stress is a killer too.

I can relate. I never drink soda, eat sugar, and avoid carbs as much as possible. People say that doesn't make sense. Beer is full of carbs. My response?..."Exactly"

 

[mattdee1]

I would say a typical week for me would look like this:
1 day = nothing
2 days = 1-2 beers
2 days = 2-4 beers
1 day = 4 - 5 beers
1 day = 6+ beers.... if it is a party, or camping, etc....that could be 8-12.

I guess I don't really want to limit myself on the 1-2 days a week where I am hanging out with friends, camping, etc. If it is a day where I am kayaking, or my wife and I are going out to a brew pub, grilling, relaxing in our back yard.... I fully intend to drink 3-5 beers. I could probably do without those days where it turns into 8-12. Usually that is over the course of quite a long time though (6-10 hours).

The singular reason I would probably drink a little less is weight. I could stand to lose 20-25 pounds. To be honest, if I would simply get off my butt and exercise more.... I could probably pull it off without curtailing my beer intake too much. Some strategies I am conscious about though in this regard:

*Alcohol content.... I almost never brew a beer that is 6% ABV. Vast majority of what I brew is 4-5.5%. I like beer.... I want to brew something that I can drink multiples of. Plus, more alcohol = more calories. Likewise, I will always order a lower ABV over a higher ABV beer if there is a good choice.

*Watch what else you drink...... I drink 3 things - Beer, Water and Coffee. 2 of those 3 have no calories. I use some milk on my cereal, or an occasional glass. I rarely have a can of pop. There are plenty of people that suck down 6-10 soda's a day and don't bat an eye.... I would rather drink the beer I drink that an equal amount of pop.

*I am conscious about eating food that needs to be prepared. No boxes, no "flavor packets"..... As they say - shop the perimeter of the grocery store - not the aisles. I avoid sugary snacks, rarely eat chips, etc.

Beer is something I enjoy making and drinking. I recognize that it is not the healthiest thing in the world, so I try to consciously make decisions in other areas - knowing that my "bad calories" are already used up on beer.

I love relaxing in my back yard with my wife, a good beer, good music and just enjoying myself.... it is stress relief. Stress is a killer too.

My philosophy/approach is remarkably similar to yours.

Weight is definitely something you need to watch because it can creep up on you. A few months ago I stepped on the scale and realized I was 10lbs heavier than I have ever been. Not a huge deal, but I was kind of taken aback. I decided I would lose all of that weight over the next 3 months, in time for a trip to Jamaica. By the time I boarded the plane, I had lost 12lbs, and I did not adjust my beer or wine intake one iota, aside from a conscious effort to favor 4-5% ABV beers.

What I *did* do was make my exercise regimen a bit more intense and monitor food intake. Mostly, portion control, elimination of mindless snacking, and almost complete elimination of sugar (which is huge... for God's sake folks, stay away from the Coke and Mountain Dew).

It's been almost 2 months since Jamaica and I'm still following the same guidelines, to the point where I'm not even thinking about it anymore. I lost a few additional pounds and at 172lbs and 5'11" and 39 years old, I'm leaner than I've been in the last 15 years, despite being older than I've ever been before. And again, all while enjoying beer more or less whenever I want. I'm not gloating, just trying to make the point that for most of us, diet is so much more important in bodyweight than beer is.

 

[Rayi]

If you really want to limit how much you drink at a time brew up a great big beer (Dopplbock is mine) If you can drink 2 of those without getting too full you can't put anything else in there you don't have a drinking problem you have a big stomach problem

 

[Tactical-Brewer]

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[beersk]

10 oz stange? That better have been the only one you had! Or...shame!!!!!

 

[treacheroustexan]

I'm in the same boat. I drink 1-3 beers a night usually after work. I get home at 11:30pm. I stay up and watch tv until I get tired and fall asleep around 1 or 2. The weekends are normally the same 1-3, unless I'm out with friends or exploring breweries.

 

[specharka]

Honestly it's in the eye of the beholder. If you think your habits are excessive it might be worth cutting back and finding a more healthy way to unwind. But you're the only one capable of making that decision. For some, exercising restraint can be more challenging than not drinking at all.

Personally, I made a point of changing my brewing habits up and focusing on session beers -- my taps never have anything above 6% ABV in them. Additionally, I too ascribe to the smaller glass, so I don't feel as bad about having 3-4 four ounce pours in one night. I probably have between 10-15 full beers during the week, but a lot of days I'm too tired to indulge in more than one. I also happen to get the absolute worst hangovers if I indulge in more than 4 beers in a night, so...alcohol abuse is not worth the suffering for me.

 

[Pyg]

During the week I usually drink 1 beer while cooking dinner for the kids & myself.
Weekends I drink more, mostly because I start sooner and don't have to work the next day.

Like all others have previously stated, health & weight are a concern but I am hoping to rectify that with some new exercise routines!

I also try to keep my brews to no more than 6%, that is unless I screw up and make a brew 7.5%, as I accidentally did with my last brew .

 

[Scturo]

Because of my work, and kids, I tend to not drink Sunday - Wednesday. If I do have a beer, it's because I don't have to take my kids anywhere that day. Thursday - Saturday I will have anywhere from 2 - 8 beers.

I know someone at work who drinks 10 - 18 beers a day. But he only drinks Bud Light.

 

[Johow]

I can typically drink a 6-pack a day it seems. I'm a pretty big guy at 210 lbs and I am retired so I might have my first beer around 1 or 2 in the afternoon and my last before bed or earlier depending on what I have going on. I try to stay as active as a 65 year old feels like, I think I'm busier than most my age that I run across. I haven't put on weight in that last 40 years. I feel good and don't have any health issues and I don't take any regular medication. Sometimes I think I drink too much beer but I like it a lot and I usually don't feel like stopping after one. I can't remember that last time I got drunk, I'm a fairly slow drinker and like to enjoy each one. I've been thinking about putting in a kegging system but my wife thinks that will just lead to more drinking due to the convenience, though she enjoys beer as much as I do. I do try to have water while I drink beer and all of my home brews are under 6%, usually around 5 to 5.5%. I've been doing this for about the last 10 years or so, before that I probably drank quite a bit less. It's only been since I got into craft brewing that my consumption has increased. I can and often do go a week or 2 without a beer as a way to cleanse but I do enjoy my beer.
Cheers all...