I started drinking at age 16 on pure 96% moonshine. Got absolutely blackout legless hammered every time. I drank it because it was the easiest to get hold of and way cheaper than any other alcohol. Almost died the rock star death of choking in my own puke a couple of times. When I got to 18 and was allowed to buy it I switched to mostly beer and wine. Still got blackouts every now and then since, up through my 20s, but not anywhere near to the levels I was at in the beginning. I think that was both attributed to knowing my limits and maturing a tiny bit. Now in my 40s I hardly ever drink a beer and even one gives me quite a buzz.
Not sure if I would have had the same experience if moonshine was legal.