My German Lutheran background meant there was always beer in the house. When I was a tyke, my dad allowed me one “airport” bottle of Mogan David Concord Wine on New Year’s Eve to celebrate. I still have beer in the house at all times but drink very little of it. It bloats me too much. I enjoy it after a round of golf, on a warm sunny day outside, or with a fine steak off the grill. Otherwise, I stick to my Bourbon. Two fingers over two cubes does me just right. And I don’t need anything to celebrate, although that always adds to the event...
Oh, have I mentioned cigars?
I hear ya RE the bloat.
What do your tastes in beer run? I’m not a fan of American pilsners and some of the big-house ales aren’t bad - Bud’s “American Ale” is passable (pun intended).
New Belgium (Fat Tire) makes a great winter ale called “2 Below”. I’m stocked with that right now.
My summer barbecues are almost always accompanied by an IPA (Goose Island). If I have company, I’ll grab some Sam Adams Lager or Leinies.