Surely you expected this? My friend Leslie told me about Highland Courage Scottish-Style Ale, a beer that is available at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in Bethesda Maryland (http://www.rockbottom.com/our-story/awards), so I simply had to address the concept of liquid courage.
I must say, I am not a huge fan of resorting to liquid courage, but I suppose it has its place in the grand scheme of things. I mentioned Turcuil and Edna yesterday, so I it is only fair to reveal that in Highland Solution, it took a bit of liquid courage for Turcuil to overcome his shyness.
“With the courage coming from a few tankards of ale as well as the urging of comrades, she (Katherine) watched Turcuil pluck up his nerve and ask Edna to dance with him.”
There is no question that alcohol consumption lowers inhibitions. This can be a good thing if overwhelming shyness keeps you from doing something perfectly reasonable such as asking a woman to dance with you.
It may not be such a good thing if it causes you to throw basic good judgment out the window. I will tell you honestly, I am a skilled vocalist. I have a classically trained voice and can bring elderly ladies to tears with my rendition of Ave Maria. Note, I said classically trained. I cannot sing modern music without sounding silly. As much as I would love to join in, Karaoke is not for me. Every time I have given in to the urge, usually with the help of a little liquid courage, I have profoundly regretted it.
Ceci Giltenan, Author 
Love a good ale, Ceci, but I’m one to enjoy it in the comfort of my own home. If I dine out, I’m ususally the dd driver. Now if I’m in a pub and have to walk home? Ahhh…another story. Doing karaoke? Would scare me to bits! I don’t think any amount of liquid courage would entice me to get up in front of an audience and sing.
Ceci, I love that there is a “Highland Courage” ale! That’s so cool! Also smiling because anything else I could say, so mirrors the response of our good friend, Mary. I love real ale in Scotland (or anywhere in the UK). In a pub atmosphere, a pint (or two) and a fine dram, is simply a must. Here, I rarely drink at all, though I do keep a stock of excellent single malt for special times. Like Mary, I never drink and drive and am always the DD when out with friends.
Loving classical music, I am soooo in awe that you sing classically. Wow, wow, wow!
PS ~ Forgot to say that I also drink German beer when I am home to visit family in Germany. You can’t be in Bavaria (or anywhere in Germany) and not drink beer! Likewise German wine and schnapps. (which is NOTHING like US ‘schnapps’)
I have the great good fortune of being married to a very unstereotypical Irishman. He doesn’t drink at all. He never liked the taste of it. I have a permanent designated driver!!
Oh and Rhine wines are my absolute FAVORITE! I love a nice Riesling or Liebfraumilch. I like my wine light and sweet.