Sounds a silly question but I've often found myself opening a bottle of wine and thinking 'do I really want this?'. Often the answer is no but I open it anyway. :heyhey:

How much do we drink out of habit because we associate it with particular situations (same as smoking) eg when socialising, having a meal etc rather than because we fancy a drink.

With me, it marks the 'my time' bit of the day, when the children are finally in bed. Sitting down with a big sigh and putting my feet up to read the paper or watch a good programme is not the same without a drink. Goodness, I sound like an alco.

Or do you drink to get blathered? Can you not enjoy yourself without being under the influence?

I dont drink- well hardly. I think the british culture with drinking is damn stupid!

We all dink out of habit. How else can one re-unite the shattered fragments of the mind?

Coz it's tastes bloody lovely....same reason goes for chocolate n'all!!

:blush:

It seems strange to me why so many people on S.F.[and beyond] have to keep asking questions like , "Why do I smoke ? , "Why do I drink ?" or , "Why do I take a nap in the afternoon ?"
Isn't the simple answer it's because they like it or because they want to ? Why do they have to go on worrying about it any further ? I'm sure there's a puritanical streak in a lot of British people , who believe that discomfort is good for the soul and that suffering and depriving oneself is somehow character-building. Goes back to the Victorians and all that , "Cold baths " stuff , I suppose.

I have often thought of drinking Beer as an example of "The Emperors new clothes" especially for young people.

You are expected to love it and everyone follows suite. The fact is most young people don’t like it and that’s probably why Alchopops have been so successful. 15 years ago, if you walked into a town bar on a Friday night, most guys would have a pint in their hands, now its some brightly coloured syrup drink that gives you a massive acid gut :gag:

I drink because it relaxes me, but I don’t drink beer, well not very often.

Originally posted by Mo
Sounds a silly question but I've often found myself opening a bottle of wine and thinking 'do I really want this?'. Often the answer is no but I open it anyway. :heyhey:

How much do we drink out of habit because we associate it with particular situations (same as smoking) eg when socialising, having a meal etc rather than because we fancy a drink.

With me, it marks the 'my time' bit of the day, when the children are finally in bed. Sitting down with a big sigh and putting my feet up to read the paper or watch a good programme is not the same without a drink. Goodness, I sound like an alco.

Or do you drink to get blathered? Can you not enjoy yourself without being under the influence?

I drink wine because I love the different tastes, the textures and the aromas. I don't drink it for the effect of alcohol on my body though I must admit the fuzzy warm feeling of a Margaux is lovely.

I don't tend to drink wine midweek but I might have a wee nip of Armagnac before bed. It's just really relaxing and again I love the taste and smell.

But binge drinking - that's just not really me. I have a drink to enjoy the drink not to get drunk.

As fareast said its ourselves who decide to drink or not.... drinking doesnt necessary bring us to alcooholism as it is us who decides wether or not. yes i drink but for the pleasure ,dont like beer or wine but adore vodka or rhum... Their my favourite but its once a time....

I enjoy a drink as long as it's in a nice fancy glass, i feel posh then, although as you get older it dosen't taste as good as it use to.

Also to answer the question, why do we drink ?

Its because we can !

Originally posted by JonJParr
I drink wine because I love the different tastes, the textures and the aromas. I don't drink it for the effect of alcohol on my body though I must admit the fuzzy warm feeling of a Margaux is lovely.

.

You've just given me a brilliant idea Jon. Why don't we do an online wine tasting session. I have never been able to work out all this 'tastes like burning stubble' or 'soggy sock' or whatever.

I love wine but am no expert, I just know what is to my taste and find that I'm mostly guided by The Times Wine Club selections.

You could give us the name of a couple of wines each week, set a date, then we meet up online, drink and discuss.

You could guide us through the ins and outs, regions, grapes etc. Brill. When shall we start? :clap:

How can you guys drink wine, each time i drink some it makes me vomit..... not for me that kind of thing.. have you guys ever tasted to jamaican rum ,its devine with coke and lots of ice....

I rarely drink, mainly its because I cand have alcohol with the painkillers Im taking.

But if Im out and I havent had any painkillers I tend to drink soft drinks and fruit Juices... Lets just say my mother drinks just a little too much every day, I have seen the way she is and sworn not to become like her, thats not to say Im anti drink or dont drink at all... ask EvilDrNeil he's seen me many a time when ive been extremly drunk, I just moderate myself and mainly just have a glass of wine or two if Petes mum has cooked a meal or something.

Susie
xx

To save money i only drink alone and usually to forget. Forget what? - i forget! hic!

Thats the problem when we are depressed or lonely.... as when im lonely or have a problem the bottle seems to be the one that will help,but im trying to control myself and thanks god thats ok like that.

Alcohol acts as a disinhibitor. Be careful what you say if you drink too much!

miniminch: don't drink alone {hic}, why not have a drinkkie with me, 'cos I think you mack, {hic} sorry make, some fuzzy {hic} sorry, funny posts, and {hic} your posts are amzaing, I mean amuz\sing. {hic!}

The most funny thing is that i have an uncle and he drinks and smokes since ages.... he went for a general checkup and the most amazing thing is that he had the most healthy and clean liver and lungs that a human can have.... isnt that crazy in his case nor smoking nor drinking causes cancer. Even the doctor didnt believe ,had the radio's double checked and the same.....

Originally posted by Mo
Sounds a silly question but I've often found myself opening a bottle of wine and thinking 'do I really want this?'. Often the answer is no but I open it anyway. :heyhey:


Ha ha that is me to a tee! I drink cos I LOVE the taste of wine and beer, and like you say, its not the same relaxing without one.

Forum wine tasting is a great idea! Jon you can refine us all :) You will be pleased to know I have recently upgraded from buying 2.99 wines to buying 4.99 wines as I have found they greatly reduce the next-day-headache :)

Originally posted by Mo
You've just given me a brilliant idea Jon. Why don't we do an online wine tasting session. I have never been able to work out all this 'tastes like burning stubble' or 'soggy sock' or whatever.

I love wine but am no expert, I just know what is to my taste and find that I'm mostly guided by The Times Wine Club selections.

You could give us the name of a couple of wines each week, set a date, then we meet up online, drink and discuss.

You could guide us through the ins and outs, regions, grapes etc. Brill. When shall we start? :clap:

I suppose that could be done Mo. I've hosted beginner tasting sessions in the past before and they're really fun. People who are new to wine tasting often find it difficult to find adjectives that describe the tastes / smells. But if I can provide you with some basics it could work.

Happy to select a wine and provide the region information and grape variety details. Tonight, I've uncorked a bottle of 1996 Saltram Metala Shiraz-Cabernet and it's silky smooth with pronounced plum and strawberry flavours. As it's quite old it's benefiting from being in the decanter. Even in the Riedel it's quite a tight aroma packed with liquorice and mint.

The grape variety is Shiraz/Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon and it's matured for 18 months in small Oak casks.

Is this the sort of thing you want Mo?

Originally posted by kathythebean
Forum wine tasting is a great idea! Jon you can refine us all :) You will be pleased to know I have recently upgraded from buying 2.99 wines to buying 4.99 wines as I have found they greatly reduce the next-day-headache :)

I'll definitely give it a go Kathy and I can help you maximise what you get for your money (there's a few gems in the supermarkets / high street wine merchants that cost a fiver).

Really? I'm surprised. I always thought you had to spend a wodge to get good wine. If you know of any cheaper, good wines, JonJParr, could you let me know as I think I would be quite a cones..conuiss...coonesseur.... quite a wine buff if I could afford it :) I like to drink red wine mostly although I don't mind a glass of white with a meal.

Originally posted by miniminch
To save money i only drink alone and usually to forget. Forget what? - i forget! hic!

:D That really made me laugh Miniminch!! Could be the fact that I'm sitting alone at laptop with bottle of wine :o

Originally posted by JonJParr
I suppose that could be done Mo. I've hosted beginner tasting sessions in the past before and they're really fun. People who are new to wine tasting often find it difficult to find adjectives that describe the tastes / smells. But if I can provide you with some basics it could work.

Happy to select a wine and provide the region information and grape variety details. Tonight, I've uncorked a bottle of 1996 Saltram Metala Shiraz-Cabernet and it's silky smooth with pronounced plum and strawberry flavours. As it's quite old it's benefiting from being in the decanter. Even in the Riedel it's quite a tight aroma packed with liquorice and mint.

The grape variety is Shiraz/Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon and it's matured for 18 months in small Oak casks.

Is this the sort of thing you want Mo?

Sounds great but not too expensive. Like Kathy says about £5-£7 is my budget.

Give us a couple of days notice so we can shop. What will the first one be to try then?

I like both red and white but prefer a red. Why do some give me a stonking headache when the same amount of another wine leaves me perfectly clear headed? I need to know which to avoid.

Originally posted by kathythebean
Really? I'm surprised. I always thought you had to spend a wodge to get good wine. If you know of any cheaper, good wines, JonJParr, could you let me know as I think I would be quite a cones..conuiss...coonesseur.... quite a wine buff if I could afford it :) I like to drink red wine mostly although I don't mind a glass of white with a meal.

I always say that wines jump in quality when you cross the magic £7 barrier. It's when wines stop being 'good' and start being 'excellent'.

Here's some best buys from the supermarkets / wine merchants:

The Reds
Les Jamelles Syrah - £4.99 (Co-op and Sainsburys)
Waitrose Cotes du Rhone - £3.99 (You can't be a good spicey Rhone wine!)
Beaujolais Cuvée des Vignerons - £4.99 (Waitrose 100% Gamay grape variety)
Cono Sur Pinot Noir - £4.99 (Sainsburys)

The Whites
Les Jamelles Viognier - £4.99 (Co-op and Sainsburys)

If you're wanting something a bit special for an occasion try these:

2001 Avila Pinot Noir (USA) - £9.99 (Absolutely amazing!)
2001/2002 Chateau Tour Prignac, Medoc- £7.99 (Gorgeous Medoc!)
2002 Chateau d'Arcins, Haut-Medoc - £9.49 (One word... minty!)

A single white that you simply have to try. It will change your view of white wine forever! When this vintage was released I had to buy two cases to keep the missus happy, she absolutely adores the stuff!

2002 Jean-Marc Brocard Premier Cru Chablis - £10.99 (Selected Sainsburys)

Originally posted by Mo
Sounds great but not too expensive. Like Kathy says about £5-£7 is my budget.

Give us a couple of days notice so we can shop. What will the first one be to try then?

I like both red and white but prefer a red. Why do some give me a stonking headache when the same amount of another wine leaves me perfectly clear headed? I need to know which to avoid.

Afraid I'm not an authority on the in's and out's of hangovers. When I go to a tasting and know I'm going to be trying 20 different wines I expect to have a slight headache in the morning. But that's why I have an espresso machine - cures it in about 20secs flat. Seriously!

If we actually did it I would probably start off with something like a red Burgundy, perhaps a Beaujolais or a Bourgogne. Whilst people drink loads of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot because they're stocked in the supermarkets they often don't try the rarer (and IMO more sexy) grape varieties like Gamay, Cab. Franc and Pinot Noir.

Don't worry, I'd ensure the price was sensible. Anyway, going to sign off for this evening and go drink some more wine...

I drink to try and forget how truly horrid , turgid, boring and depressing life is.

Also try putting up with my friends on a night out without haveing a drink!!

I hardly ever drink... unless I'm in a pub and I feel the need to be sociable. :P

i rarely drink.. in my early/late teens i drank a lot but then i got fed up with it,, i am very outgoing and confident (otherwise known as a gobs**te!) and do not need alcohol to enjoy a night out...however i do enjoy a nice bottle of wine or even a nice beer, my wine rack is emprty at the moment though so any good tips on whats nice at moment:thumbsup:

This is a great thread! I drink wine nearly every night. Initially because I like wine very much, but more recently I think I'm hooked on it!

Originally posted by redrobbo
Alcohol acts as a disinhibitor. Be careful what you say if you drink too much!

I suffered from that effect 2 nights ago Red (I was very embarrassed the next day to read some of my late night posts!)

Originally posted by kathythebean
Ha ha that is me to a tee! I drink cos I LOVE the taste of wine and beer, and like you say, its not the same relaxing without one.

Forum wine tasting is a great idea! Jon you can refine us all :) You will be pleased to know I have recently upgraded from buying 2.99 wines to buying 4.99 wines as I have found they greatly reduce the next-day-headache :)

Hey Kathyetc...! That's right! The best advice I ever had was from from a french lady, and, somewhat later, an italian lady. Go for 'appellation controllee' or 'demonizione something or other' and you can't go wrong. Just wait 'till you get to the £10 bottles - they're lovely!

dare i say it....yep i drink cos i love it i love it but i love me too

Originally posted by savbaby
my wine rack is emprty at the moment though so any good tips on whats nice at moment:thumbsup:

My wine rack currently has:

The Reds:
Concha y Torro Terrunyo 2002
Porta Reserve Pinot Noir 2002
Hardy's Crest Cab/Sauv 2003

The Whites:
Hardy's Crest Chard/Sauv Blanc
Chateau De Nages Cuvee 1999
Eugene Brocard Chablis 2003
Jekel Monterey County Chardonnay 2003
Enofruilia Pinot Grigio 2004
Blind River Marlborough Sauv Blanc 2004

Plus various fizz.

I'd reccomend New Zealand Marlborough region Sauv Blanc for white at the moment, popular and a lot of fantastic bottles around. If you can get some Blind River (around £10 from Oddbinns) it's well worth it. Villa Maria is worth a try as well, often in the supermarkets for around £8.

Happy tasting, cheers.

-PK-

without having read everyone else's answer to the first post, here's mine.

I drinki it because I enjoy the effect it has on me, I like the taste and lastly because it's social.

I'll just add that my favourite red is Faustino (VII is okay, V is good, I is for celebratin').
I experiment with random reds from the higher price end at supermarkets to see if I find something else I really like.
The other half likes a beaujolais or beaujolais villages (I think).

I'll second and third Jonjparr's recommensation of the Beaujolais from Waitrose - it's been my staple for sunday dinner with a free range chicken for a few months and never disappoints.

I quick tip to people buying french wine ...look where it is bottled -
wine bottled on the property tends to be better than the more "mass produced" wine.

Look for the following on the label;

mis en bouteille a la propriete
mis en bouteille au chateau
mis en bouteille au domaine

As a rule avoid;

mis en bouteille don nos caves
mis en bouteille dans la region de production

Tesco's have had some good reductions lately - £7 / £8 bottles down to around the £5/ £6 mark although they do tend to fly off the shelves.

Great thread this. I am trying not to drink too much at the moment, for several reasons: it increasingly messes up my stomach (and my head), I'd like to lose a bit of weight, I can't really afford it. But my wife and I have gone from a situation ten years ago when we would buy one bottle of wine per week, to nowadays when we can quite easily knock back two bottles in a night. Unfortunately I also went through a period a few years ago when I was earning far too much money and getting to enjoy the finer things in life, and since then I'll never again be happy with a £2.99 bottle of plonk from Netto's. <sigh>

Despite that, although I have some idea of the wines I like (and I can certainly tell a bad wine), I've never become much of a connoisseur; wine shopping is still largely a random activity, so I really appreciate the recommendations on here (glad to say also that I'm already a big fan of the Les Jammelles Viognier mentioned by JonJParr).

Speaking of which, can you tell me Jon where I'm likely to find these three:

Originally posted by JonJParr
2001 Avila Pinot Noir (USA) - £9.99 (Absolutely amazing!)
2001/2002 Chateau Tour Prignac, Medoc- £7.99 (Gorgeous Medoc!)
2002 Chateau d'Arcins, Haut-Medoc - £9.49 (One word... minty!)
My own preferences have shifted over the last year from red wines towards white: although I still love both, red wine tends to make me rather drowsy, certainly not good for lunch-time drinking, it can bring out a rash on my face and wines with more tannins tend to make me hung-over. Within the whites, I'm increasingly moving away from oaky Chardonnays towards Sauvignon Blancs (a move which was mainly inspired by drinking some good Sancerres when dining out). My favourite find of the last year was some 2004 South African Havana Hills Sauvignon Blanc, classic cats pee on a gooseberry bush stuff, perfect. Unfortunately we polished it all off, as it would have made a perfect match for Nigella Lawson's elderflower panna cotta, which it will soon be the right season to make again.

One problem with drinking to forget: 99 times out of 100 I will forget to make a note of any wine I really like, so I've hardly ever remembered to buy the same variety again. I think this is probably why I've never managed to become much of a connoisseur, and a proper wine-tasting session would probably be very helpful for me.

Originally posted by DanSumption
Great thread this. I am trying not to drink too much at the moment, for several reasons: it increasingly messes up my stomach (and my head), I'd like to lose a bit of weight, I can't really afford it. But my wife and I have gone from a situation ten years ago when we would buy one bottle of wine per week, to nowadays when we can quite easily knock back two bottles in a night. Unfortunately I also went through a period a few years ago when I was earning far too much money and getting to enjoy the finer things in life, and since then I'll never again be happy with a £2.99 bottle of plonk from Netto's. <sigh>

Despite that, although I have some idea of the wines I like (and I can certainly tell a bad wine), I've never become much of a connoisseur; wine shopping is still largely a random activity, so I really appreciate the recommendations on here (glad to say also that I'm already a big fan of the Les Jammelles Viognier mentioned by JonJParr).

Speaking of which, can you tell me Jon where I'm likely to find these three:


My own preferences have shifted over the last year from red wines towards white: although I still love both, red wine tends to make me rather drowsy, certainly not good for lunch-time drinking, it can bring out a rash on my face and wines with more tannins tend to make me hung-over. Within the whites, I'm increasingly moving away from oaky Chardonnays towards Sauvignon Blancs (a move which was mainly inspired by drinking some good Sancerres when dining out). My favourite find of the last year was some 2004 South African Havana Hills Sauvignon Blanc, classic cats pee on a gooseberry bush stuff, perfect. Unfortunately we polished it all off, as it would have made a perfect match for Nigella Lawson's elderflower panna cotta, which it will soon be the right season to make again.

One problem with drinking to forget: 99 times out of 100 I will forget to make a note of any wine I really like, so I've hardly ever remembered to buy the same variety again. I think this is probably why I've never managed to become much of a connoisseur, and a proper wine-tasting session would probably be very helpful for me.

Firstly, in the case of the wines previously mentioned they can all be purchased from Oddbins. Apologies for forgetting to include this information last night, it must have been the wine!

As for my preference red or white it has to be unquestionably red. For me personally I feel they have more character and more scope for difference in taste, aroma and texture. There are whites which I love a good Alsace Riesling, a zesty unoaked Chardonnay or a subtle pear flavoured Sancerre. But I must admit to loving the warm nuances found in red wines from their feeling in my stomach to the aromas released by a good swirl.

Wine purchasing to me is something I take seriously; I read the literature (monthly subscription to Decanter and Wine Int'l), consult Hachettes and study the Sotherby's encyclopaedia. I purchase wines from Oddbins, Le Bon Vin, Berry Bros & Rudd and Byrne's in Clitheroe. They're all reputable wine merchants with close connections to the viticulteurs (this is important if you want to get hold of the real stars).
If you're a person drawn in by a fancy label - stop! Generally speaking French wine comes in three grades; appellation controlee AOC, Vin de Pays and Vin de Table. For a wine to have achieved an AOC grade it will have to have displayed a high level of quality for a number of years. Leave Vin de Table on the shelf - it's junk.

If you really want to get into wine I'd recommend you buy yourself a book and read up. There are some great books in Sheffield City Library (which I currently have on loan) which provide some great information. If you want an excellent book get Sotherby's Wine Encylopaedia (£35). Other than that, keep a list of what you buy and start to build a list of favourites. Swap ideas with friends and try to get to a tasting - they really are unpretentious and so much fun.

ps: Dan, as a rule of thumb I tend to recommend people stick to half or three-quarters a bottle of red wine a night unless they want to wake-up feeling a bit rotten. However, if you're going to a tasting this might be impossible; I find myself up till 3/4ish helping to finish off a magnum of 1998 Baron Pichon Longueville (having already consumed the best part of 2/3 bottles) but I always think it's worth suffering a hangover for a wine of that magnitude. The flavours are simply haunting.

Au revoir!
Jon.

Originally posted by JonJParr
As for my preference red or white it has to be unquestionably red. For me personally I feel they have more character and more scope for difference in taste, aroma and texture.
I agree, for amazing taste red is always best, I have drunk many amazing reds but I only remember one absolutely incredible white, which cost me £60 a bottle at Marco Pierre White's Mirabelle restaurant in London (but I have no memory whatsoever what it was, I drank and forgot). But for everyday drinking I usually stick to the whites as, unless it's a very easy-drinking red, I now tend to find myself bogged down after a glass or two.

Originally posted by serapis
I have often thought of drinking Beer as an example of "The Emperors new clothes" especially for young people.

You are expected to love it and everyone follows suite. The fact is most young people don’t like it and that’s probably why Alchopops have been so successful.

Yes, it's strange. I like a nice pint of Real Ale because I actually do like it. Of course, I don't like every possible variety, but enough to make it worth my while to try new things. I don't tend to like 'mass produced' lagers and beers (there are exceptions) because they are not made to taste good, but to sell lots. They are perpetuating the 'emperors new clothes' image by providing pretty bland drinks that do not have to be tasted at all (especially when chilled to 4 degrees centigrade or less).

Originally posted by Fareast
It seems strange to me why so many people on S.F.[and beyond] have to keep asking questions like , "Why do I smoke ? , "Why do I drink ?" or , "Why do I take a nap in the afternoon ?"
Isn't the simple answer it's because they like it or because they want to ? Why do they have to go on worrying about it any further ? I'm sure there's a puritanical streak in a lot of British people , who believe that discomfort is good for the soul and that suffering and depriving oneself is somehow character-building. Goes back to the Victorians and all that , "Cold baths " stuff , I suppose.

Nice angle.

Comedy answer: Because it IS big and clever

Real answer: Because it IS big and clever

Originally posted by DanSumption
I agree, for amazing taste red is always best

Well my partner sometimes has a glas with me so I generally buy dry white at about £5 per bottle.

I so miss red wine :(

I drink for the taste. Only I dont drink wine..

Im a real ale drinker :thumbsup: Im also partial to Continental Ales, particually the lovely tastes and aromas from south east Germany :)

Originally posted by spiffymonkey
Yes, it's strange. I like a nice pint of Real Ale because I actually do like it. Of course, I don't like every possible variety, but enough to make it worth my while to try new things. I don't tend to like 'mass produced' lagers and beers (there are exceptions) because they are not made to taste good, but to sell lots. They are perpetuating the 'emperors new clothes' image by providing pretty bland drinks that do not have to be tasted at all (especially when chilled to 4 degrees centigrade or less).

I used to drink lagers all the time but find I have to force myself to as I don't like the taste 9especially the weaker ones)

Tend to stick to Real Ale or Stout (but not great for the waistline)

Originally posted by DanSumption
[B and since then I'll never again be happy with a £2.99 bottle of plonk from Netto's. [/B]

Netto actually do some very good red wines. You'd be suprised . They have had 2 of my favorites in the past.

I drink to make other people more interesting!!

:P

Originally posted by robbie
Netto actually do some very good red wines. You'd be suprised . They have had 2 of my favorites in the past.
I know, I wondered whether I ought to have posted that (whether anyone would pull me up on it), but I couldn't think of anything else to say.

In my defence, they also do quite a lot of horrible stuff. :)

Originally posted by RPG

Im a real ale drinker :thumbsup: Im also partial to Continental Ales, particually the lovely tastes and aromas from south east Germany :)

I was at a beer festival in Masham last year. There was a C.A.M.E.R.A fellow there tasting all the beers with enthusiasm.

He came up to me with a half of some kind of beer saying" This is quite a hoppy brew" and waffling on about barley and texture.

I turned and said to him "Tastes like F*****g hocker watter to me" Think he took the hint :hihi:

i drink to depress my central nervous system, when required.

I drink because reality's boring.

Can anyone relate to this.

In my younger days, i used to play darts for the pub team.

Could not hit said target unless i had 4 pints, then i would buzz.

As soon a s i had 5 pints, i would revert to being crap again.

I go clay pidgeon shooting now, but i have no idea what i would shoot like with 4 pints inside me.

Like Jon I drink wine because I like the taste of it, the alcohol effects are just a bonus.

Originally posted by nick2
the alcohol effects are just a bonus.

Course they are, Sickness, headache, tired. :heyhey:

Originally posted by viking
Can anyone relate to this.

In my younger days, i used to play darts for the pub team.

Could not hit said target unless i had 4 pints, then i would buzz.

As soon a s i had 5 pints, i would revert to being crap again.

I go clay pidgeon shooting now, but i have no idea what i would shoot like with 4 pints inside me.

I've known a few people like this, now in Pro Darts players are tested to see if they have been drinking. Seems quite a few people find this in darts.

Originally posted by J-Blaze
I've known a few people like this, now in Pro Darts players are tested to see if they have been drinking. Seems quite a few people find this in darts.

I am interested as to why YOU drink alcohol Mr Blaze....I am sure you must need to top up the blood levels in your alcohol stream rather than the other way round....;)

I am a wine drinker and tend to have a couple of glasses after work. I enjoy the taste and it relaxes me but I would like to just cut it down to the weekends as my partner keeps mentioning I seem to be getting down more than I use to!!!

At least it's not beer otherwise I'd have a right beer belly!

Originally posted by viking
Can anyone relate to this.

In my younger days, i used to play darts for the pub team.

Could not hit said target unless i had 4 pints, then i would buzz.

As soon a s i had 5 pints, i would revert to being crap again.
I was in Germany recently, and the guy I stayed with played for the local pub darts team. One evening out I played with him and his mates, some of them played in teams, all of them played fairly frequently, whereas I hadn't picked up a dart for about 20 years.

We played two games, and I was fairly tanked-up at the time, yet despite alcohol & inexperience I managed to beat everyone else (there were 8 players in each game) except for the pub landlady.

Beginner's drunken luck?

edit: (I also did quite well on a drunken laser clay pigeon shoot a few years back. Perhaps I need a drink or two down me to steady my nerves).

Originally posted by nunny
my partner keeps mentioning I seem to be getting down more than I use to!!!

At least it's not beer otherwise I'd have a right beer belly!

Like THIS (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/viking99/forums/ibeatanorexia.jpg) Lad :hihi:

Although I'm just 19.. I've grown to love wine myself! It's all I drunk when in Iraq (the "bar" allowed you to have 2 cans of lager, or 1 bottle of wine a night). I generally only have 1 or maybe 2 bottles a week, and tend to go for a £5 - £6 bottle..

I just read the descriptions and go for what sounds the best! (Usually red).. I spend ages reading them all, but no too sure what they all mean :|

But on the alcohol as a whole topic.. I go out usually once a week and drink mostly vodka with mixer.. Lager bloats me on a night out, so I only drink that when chilling out in a nice beer garden. The only beer I drink on a night out is Corona.

Viking ,

I found exactly the same when I used to play darts , snooker and pool.[not that I'm any great shakes at any of them].
I reckon the alcohol relaxes some people physically and gives them more confidence. Before it took effect , I'd feel uptight and so on and it made accuracy worse.
However , like you , after about 4 pints it would all start unravelling and maybe that's when ones vision is affected and distance-judgement ?
Be great to be able to stay on the , "crest of the wave ", though , wouldn't it ? Eat your heart out , Steve Davies !

Originally posted by viking
Course they are, Sickness, headache, tired. :heyhey:

Well, yes, there is that, but they can be avoided if your carefull.

Originally posted by nick2
Well, yes, there is that, but they can be avoided if your carefull.

Just kidding Nick.
How many times have we woken up saying "Never again" and done exactly the same nexy weekend.

Originally posted by viking
Just kidding Nick.
How many times have we woken up saying "Never again" and done exactly the same nexy weekend.

I know you were kidding.
Many times I have woken up and said :

Never again
What was I drinking ?
Where am I ?
Where are my jeans ?
Who are you ?

Originally posted by msbehavin
I am interested as to why YOU drink alcohol Mr Blaze....I am sure you must need to top up the blood levels in your alcohol stream rather than the other way round....;)

I have no idea as to why people have this image of me being a large drinker :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Fareast
Viking ,

I found exactly the same when I used to play darts , snooker and pool.[not that I'm any great shakes at any of them].
I reckon the alcohol relaxes some people physically and gives them more confidence. Before it took effect , I'd feel uptight and so on and it made accuracy worse.
However , like you , after about 4 pints it would all start unravelling and maybe that's when ones vision is affected and distance-judgement ?
Be great to be able to stay on the , "crest of the wave ", though , wouldn't it ? Eat your heart out , Steve Davies !

I find this when playing snooker. After a few pints my cueing action seems to relax. I also find that I'm not analysing the shot as much and trust my instinct more. This all seems to lead to a smoother frame.

In response to the original question. I do drink a lot of red wine through the week. I think maybe it is by association. If I want to unwind and relax, a glass of wine feels like the right thing to have. Plus the fact that I really enjoy wine. If I'm out I tend to drink more larger, especially at weekends.

I've also found that since I stopped smoking wine has a more calming effect.