While other parents were waiting for their children to sleep through the night, use the toilet, drive a car, and clean their rooms, we were waiting for our son to turn 21 so we could enjoy fine beverages with him…legally. However, we taught him the nuances of fine wines and spirits much earlier as he was allowed to taste whatever we were having from whatever age he showed an interest. We always told him that life was too short to drink the crappy stuff so try to avoid it. Alcohol was never a mystery in our house, and I’m convinced that’s why he never tried/needed to sneak it. At 27, like his father, he is a connoisseur of whiskeys and bourbons, not much of a beer drinker. He has a well-stocked bar (several Christmas gifts from us) and knows his way around the accoutrements. ChoatieCPT knows his Colonel Taylor from his Blanton’s, as every well-heeled officer should. 
We took an identical approach with great results. Our 26 yr old prefers single malt scotch. Our 21 yr old daughter likes wines only. Both could identify several varietals in high school.
When kiddo was around 13, we were having dinner in a fine establishment. After the sommelier had helped us decide on a wine, he turned to DS and said, “And what will the young man have?” With a straight face, DS smoothly replied, “A dry red, something frisky but not too pretentious.” I quickly cut him off and said, “He’ll have a Sprite” and then patiently explained to DS how not to attract the attention of CPS.
Our daughter loves ordering wine at dinner. She’s tiny and looks all of 16.
We recently went out for dinner with our tiny daughter. The waiter comes over and says “ We are having a special on Margaritas …( then looking at DD says) I mean not for her obviously “ And I said “ um she’s TWENTY SEVEN” and daughter was like “ I don’t want a drink but I can show you my ID …”
D1 was 6 or 7, my sister called and I wasn’t home. D1 asked her aunt why she called. My sis said, “it’s not important. I am working on a crossword puzzle. It’s a French wine that starts with S, has C and R.” D1 didn’t miss a beat, “I think it’s Sancerre. Mommy likes it.”
Great stories but not exactly what the article is about. It’s so early in the month that I don’t want to use up all my gift links. (I get 10.)
Muchas gracias!
I don’t drink. For the simple reason that what ever it is alcohol does for most people it does not do for me. It would be like of I told you that chewing gum will make you lose inhibition, feel relaxed, more social etc…… You just wouldn’t be able to comprehend it. Thats what alcohol is like for me.
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