I only get really mashed when I hit the spirits after drinking wine or beer. If I stick to one I usually don't get into trouble. But I have been cursed with a tongue for whisky, and I drink it neat, never a mixer, at the most some rocks, and when I am drunk I knock them back.
Its all about knowing your limits. When I get drunk sensibly, I'll take it easy, even take a pause to pace myself, and have a mellow high all evening. So its all about knowing your limits - but the problem is when I am really happy and drunk I forget what a limit is, and when the whisky bottle comes out, I can be in trouble.
I'm also particularly partial to whisky, especially bourbon. You're wise to try to follow the 'grape and grain' rule, mixing drinks is usually a recipe for disaster. If dining before going out I'll usually stick to red wine. If going straight clubbing then rum and coke. If going somewhere with a decently stocked bar, let the whisky flow...
