Libations

One of the hazards of working in a fine tobacco shop is that cigars are quite often paired with alcohol. Those drinks are usually high-end due to the clientele the shop attracts. In order to suggest a proper pairing of cigars and libations, you have to know both products. This has exposed me to some quality liqueurs.

Because of that, my personal tastes have gotten exclusive. Long gone are the days of a six pack of Budweiser or a bottle of Jim Beam or Jose Cuervo. Well, to be honest, I was over the Bud for a while anyway, but now even a nice premium beer like a Stella or Sam Adams can seem maudlin. I now like and enjoy limited reserve, small batch, and/or rare stuff, the problem with this is the cost. We are starting to get into ales that are $9 a bottle, yes you read that right; $9 a bottle. I know what you are thinking, that is expensive for a 12 oz. bottle, but in my defense, at least I am past the days of having to drink to get drunk or even buzzed. I now drink just for the pleasure and to enjoy the taste.

I was at a friend's party a few months ago, and his guests were all hard working and make more then enough to pay the bills. I was offered a pour of Johnny Walker Black, before I could think, out of mouth comes, "You don't have any Double Black or Gold?" Sounding like a complete pretentious asshole, which I most likely am not, I just like what I like.

Not everything I drink is expensive, I have discovered a few, that are cost effective for most budgets.

So with all that said, I have developed two short lists of the libations I like, and with a milestone birth anniversary coming up......

First the hard stuff....

• Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
• Glenlevit Nadurra
• Johnny Walker Blue
• Ron Zacapa Solera Rum
• Belvenie Caribbean Cask
• The Glenrothes Select Reserve
• Elmer T. Lee Bourbon
• Blanton's Kentucky Bourbon
• Paddy's Devil's Apple
• Jameson Black Reserve
• Powers Irish
• Espolon Blanc

Next onto the ales....

• Anything by Lagunitas (Especially; Undercover and Lil'sumpin')
• Anything by Goose Island (Esp.; IPA and Bourbon County Porter)
• Guinness (of course)
• Smithwick's
• Anything by Saranac
• Local Brewpubs/Breweries (Willibrew, City Steam, Two Roads, Hooker)
• Three Floyds Alpha King
• Victory Hop Devil
• Farmington River Mahogany 
• Magic Hat Humble Patience
• Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter
• ...and of course stuff my friends or I brew.

Contact me for delivery....