And every year Dry January greets us
January is traditionally the month of "Dry January." Many people voluntarily abstain from alcohol for a month to rethink their drinking habits or improve their health. But as a distiller, I see this trend from a slightly different perspective: For me, it's less about abstinence and more about conscious enjoyment and mindfulness in our approach to alcohol—not just in January, but all year round.
Renunciation? Or conscious mindfulness?
I think it's fundamentally positive that Dry January encourages people to reflect on their own consumption. Alcohol is often a part of everyday life in our society, without us giving it much thought. A conscious look at one's own relationship with alcohol can be a good opportunity to question habits.
But I think the benefits of Dry January depend heavily on motivation. Is it a genuine desire for change or a staged performance on social media? On social media, abstinence is easily documented with hashtags and images symbolizing health and mindfulness. And that's not a bad thing in itself! It can even be inspiring to see that others are also abstaining from alcohol. But I believe that true mindfulness doesn't depend on a month or trends, but on a deeper reflection on one's own consumption.
My approach: Listening to the body
Over the years, I've developed an attitude that I would describe as mindful alcohol consumption. It's not about completely abstaining from alcohol, but rather about consciously deciding: "Do I really want it?"
I make sure to check in with myself before enjoying a glass of wine or a digestif. Our bodies often send clear signals. For example, if I'm sick or feeling unwell, I don't have any cravings for alcohol. But even in social situations, I try to listen to whether I really want to drink or if it's just peer pressure tempting me to join in.
This may sound unusual to some, but this approach has helped me to be more conscious about my consumption – and not to lose the enjoyment in the process.
Yes, I have weaknesses – and that’s okay
Of course, there are exceptions. For example, I love to accompany a good game dish with a glass of red wine. The taste of a full-bodied red wine combined with game is simply a culinary highlight for me. In such moments, I might find myself ignoring my own resolutions a little – but that's exactly the point: enjoyment is a conscious decision, not a strict rule.
Sustainability and quality count
Another important point that is particularly dear to my heart is the origin and quality of the beverages we consume. For me, alcohol is not just a luxury item, but also a part of our culture. I wish people would pay attention not only to quantity, but also to quality: Where was the beverage produced? Under what conditions? How sustainable is the production?
These questions should play a much greater role when we talk about alcohol and enjoyment. Because conscious consumption means not only paying attention to one's own health, but also to the environment.
Conclusion: Enjoyment is more than renunciation
Dry January can be a useful stimulus to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. But for me, the focus isn't on abstinence, but rather on mindfulness and conscious choices. Instead of a strict "no," it's about enjoying it – with moderation, responsibility, and a clear awareness of quality and origin.
Perhaps that is precisely the message we can take away from Dry January: to live consciously and enjoy life not just in January, but all year round.
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Author Andrea
Not only do I love distilling, but I also enjoy sharing my knowledge, experience, and passion. In my blog posts, I take you on a journey through everyday life at our distillery and on our small business. Of course, there are also drinks to enjoy along the way.
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