I might get some hate from others here for saying this, but I think 16 years old is old enough to start experimenting in order to learn about yourself as long as it is DONE WISELY (I.E no unprotected sex and only drinking in moderation while avoiding the heavy alcohol such as Vodka, Rum, ect)

I drank my first drink at 15 yet I'm not an alcoholic so drinking young doesn't automatically make somebody into an alcoholic as long as it's done in MODERATION.

Just do try to be safe regardless of what you do and don't do something really stupid like get a DUI and I think you will be better off than most teens.

On an off but related note, I have always thought the 21 age limit of alcohol in the US was a load of B.S especially since in many other places of the world the legal drinking age is 18, yet they seem to be doing just fine.