Bah, beer is for sissies. Three shots of 151 will put you to bed early.
Just kidding, don't listen to the devil talk. Wait until you're 21, even in a foreign country, and you'll be glad you did. I did, and six months into the pro years I only drink on rare occassions, and even then I don't drink too much. Haven't been plastered yet, and I don't intend on getting plastered anytime soon. If you don't wait until 21, you could risk joining the underage rebel crowd and become a looozer long before you fulfill your life.
Other than that, enjoy the isles and report back!!!