Ian Somerhalder, the renowned “Vampire Diaries” actor, has recently admitted to sneaking his first drink at the mere age of four. The actor declared that he would steal mint juleps from his family, which was a regular go-to beverage due to their sugar cane supply. His family would serve the drink at gatherings, and being from Louisiana, bourbon was an integral part of their culture.
To Ian Somerhalder, the early ‘80s were nothing like the present times, as there was no economic segregation when it came to beverages, especially bourbon. Everyone enjoyed the same drink, no matter what their profession or income was. The actor says that the bourbon brought people together and created a level playing field that was impossible to achieve in other aspects of life.
The Southern culture indeed revolves around the consumption of alcoholic drinks, and Ian had to learn the proper way to hide his mingling with bourbon from elders. The actor’s habit was noticed by adults several times, and he had to put his drink away forcefully. Despite this, the intimacy and comfort provided by the bourbon culture prevailed and have left lasting memories.
However, Ian Somerhalder’s exposure didn’t stop at bourbon culture. As a teenage athlete, he also admitted to going beyond illegal means to enhance his performance through blood doping. According to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, blood doping is a form of cheating that is used to enhance performance by increasing the body’s red blood cell count. Ian’s revelation indicates the vastly different aspects of Southern culture that people outside the region might not comprehend.
In conclusion, Ian Somerhalder’s experience represents the bourbon culture and the people of Southern America’s way of life. To outsiders, it can appear peculiar and, at times, nonsensical. However, it remains a fundamental part of their lifestyle and tradition, and this is what makes it unique.
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Ref: ‘Vampire Diaries’ actor Ian Somerhalder says he had his first drink at 4 years old – Fox News