1. Behavioral and EEG responses were examined in nonalcoholic males with (FH+) and without (FH-) a family history of alcoholism following the consumption of a placebo and real beer. 2. FH+ subjects were less confident of being able to resist another drink following consumption of the placebo and reported higher taste ratings and feeling more intoxicated immediately following ethanol consumption than FH- subjects. 3. Both groups showed increases in EEG alpha activity (9-12Hz) following alcohol consumption. 4. Alpha activity was positively associated with desire to drink in the FH+ group before and after consumption, but was positively associated with perceived intoxication in the FH- group only after consumption.