Definition of Temperance:
There has been a lot of talk since I started this blog about the idea of drinking too much. As Catholics, we know that overindulgence in anything is a sin. This can be particularly dicey when out at a bar with your friends, just having a good time and you’re knocking back a few. Next thing you know, you’re feeling “pretty good” and you may just had a little too much. This is innocent, but there are things you can do to educate yourself in order to keep this from happening!
You must consider what you’re drinking – and for argument’s sake and for my sanity, we are going to assume you are drinking only the highest quality craft beers. 🙂 Many of these beers can be considered high gravity (my favorites are!).
High gravity beer refers to specialty craft beers with an increased specific gravity. High alcohol content is not the intended consequence of high gravity beer, however, the concentration of sugar and flavor-enhancing ingredients at the beginning of the brewing process results in a brew with a higher percentage of alcohol compared to other beers. High gravity beers are traditional in Europe, but only a small percentage of microbreweries in the United States produce them. They are more expensive than mass-produced beer. They are also more flavorful, intended to be sipped and savored, and are often paired with foods.
Because of their high alcohol by volume (abbreviated as abv or ABV), a drinker must consider this as they decide whether to order beer #2. Has enough time elasped since you chugged that first beer? Many of these high alcohol beers have an ABV of 6% or higher. Many are in the 8% range, but there has been an uptick in beers appearing with 10%, 11%, 12% and even higher! Check out this story about BrewDog, a three-year-old Scottish microbrewery, who is notorious for their high-alcohol beers –32% & 41%!!
Ordering these types are beers are a good choice because they are very tasty! But you have to watch and learn how your body metabolizes them. They can sneak up on you! It’s happened to many – myself included!
So when drinking, don’t forget to ask yourself: Two beer or not two beer?
Cheers!
Some additional drink for thought: http://www.newadvent.org/summa/3150.htm
I’m sure this is somewhat of a long-awaited disclaimer. It’s only proper to have made it, though. From now on, if ever someone intends to lecture the good and merry “Catholic Drinkie,” you can refer them to this piece of literature, then wash your hands and grab a cold one!
I like it! Not only will this serve you greatly in the future, it’s a timely article. The concept of temperance is near extinction, which is so sad, because I think a person who practices temperance and self control can be a stronger testament to the freedom we have in Christ than the person who abstains altogether!
GET YOUR DRINK ON (moderately and responsibly)!!!
Philip Marc