Two key bits - how drunk and who could afford it.
Safe drinking water was a pain in the ass. So mild alcoholic drinks was the norm. That that'd give you a little buzz at best.
Very few people could have afforded to be truly shitfaced 24/7.
From what I understand, the "safe drinking water was a pain in the ass" thing is largely a myth. Some good information available in this r/AskHistorians Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1svj1q/how_d...
I believe it varies from region to region. In my country natural springs are all around so fresh water is not a problem. But I remember reading medieval era memoirs how people get surprised traveling when others don't have as much access to springs.
Re:America has a drinking problem
by frankzinger on Thursday June 03, 2021 @11:45AM
(#27383083)
The article says that the bad water theory is unlikely because it's easier and cheaper to boil water than to make alcoholic beverages.
Apparently it was absolutely normal for everyone who could afford it to be drunk all of the time, from seamstresses to soldiers. I don't think our modern efficiency-conscious society can really understand what it was like back then.