Booze etiquette?

[Conan The Librarian]

I'm going to visit a friend I haven't seen in 20+ years and was thinking about bringing him a bottle of good booze because I know he enjoys good liquor.
 
But it occurred to me that maybe I shouldn't do it.
 
I once suggested giving a carton of cigs to a guy who smoked and his wife said not to do it because he doesn't like that he smokes but can't quit. That surprised me, but it made sense.
 
Do you think it may be the same with drinkers?
 
As far as I know, he drinks a coctail or two just about every day but doesn't seem to have a drinking problem outside that seemingly harmless habit.

[Swift One]

Conan, you can practice on me.  Come on over with a bottle of rum. We can discuss booze etiquette over a couple of drinks while I thank you for the kind gift.
 
LOL, I dont think you are going to hurt or offend anyone brother.

[Old Fart]

Leave it in the car. Investigate if it's a good idea or a bad idea. If it's good, just say oops I forgot something in the car.

[kennyd]

I took a bottle of decent whiskey to the guy that let me hunt antelope, he used to drink a bit.  Since Colorado's licenses only come around every 4 or 5 years, when I took the stuff in, I found he had 20% kidney function, partly due to the excesses.  Felt like a real bum.  His better closer friends were a bit PO'd ,at me.  I think he finally did have one drink.  He bid me a farewell as he will not be around for next time I draw, lost the will as his wife is already tragically gone.

[Ranger99]

have to go with o.f. on that one.
you can always go outside for it,
and not bringing it in right away
might spare you an awkward moment.

[Brett]

have to go with o.f. on that one.
you can always go outside for it,
and not bringing it in right away
might spare you an awkward moment.

You said you had not seen him in 20 years.  A lot can happen in 20 years.  Maybe he quit drinking for instance.  Maybe you could touch base with his wife or other family member,  or one of his other friends before you go.  You could even approach the subject something like this.  "Hey, I'm stopping by to see Bob in a couple of days.  We haven't seen each other in ages and would like to surprise him with a little gift... does he still drink Scotch?"     

[Bigeasy]

Unless you know he is an alcoholic, I wouldn't over think it...  The only "etiquette" I am aware of is the guy who kills the bottle of tequila gets to eat the worm...
 
Larry