“I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me.” – Winston Churchill
Why am I writing this little column? What makes me an “expert”? Well, honestly, nothing really. There are a lot of folks out there just like me, and probably more knowledgeable. I was asked by a friend to give it a try. And … I have the temerity to actually do so.
There is a little more. I love the stuff! I love the history. I love the bottles. Who hasn’t bought a bottle of bourbon simply because it looks snazzy? I love the advertising. I love the glassware – Glencairn please.
I love the smell. I love the Kentucky Chew. I love that first sip; the vanilla, the caramel, the oak, the burn. I love the cocktails: Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Paper Planes, and Boulevardiers to name a few.
I love going to a fine dining establishment, cocktail bar, or speakeasy and having a great mixologist make me an unforgettable cocktail. And yes, I’m one of those who strives to get my hands on any bottle of bourbon I can find.
I suppose my journey began the same as bourbon’s did. With Scotch! My dad was an old-school kind of guy. His favorite cocktail was Chivas and Soda. When I started imbibing, seeing that my dad was pretty cool, and not wanting to drink cheap beer or wine coolers, I went with Chivas and Soda as well. This piqued my interest in whiskey in general.
Many years later I went to a bourbon tasting at a local liquor store. There I had the opportunity to sample many nice bourbons. I was hooked! Couple that experience with the fact that my wife and I are foodies who enjoy fine cocktails, and my lust for bourbon was off to the races. At that point I had a few dusty bottles of Scotch languishing on shelves. The joke amongst my friends was that I would buy a bottle and never drink it. But I had caught the bourbon bug … let the buying and drinking begin!
One doesn’t mean to be the “crazy bourbon person.” It just kind of happens. You’re at the liquor store staring wide-eyed at row upon row of impressive looking bottles with distinctively lofty names on them; Woodford Reserve, Old Fitzgerald, Jefferson’s Reserve, Buffalo Trace … you get the picture. Next thing you know you’ve bought a bottle, or two, or four.
My father owned a bar a long time ago. He used to say to me, “It’s all made to sell, son.” He’s right. And I bought it! To the tune of about three hundred bottles and growing. Next thing you know, friends are giving you bottles for Christmas and birthdays. Or, just bringing you a bottle. “Hey, have you tried this?”
I wouldn’t change a thing. I know that quite a few of you out there are nodding your heads in agreement. You know exactly what I’m talking about. No shame! Life is short. Enjoy the ride! It’s much more fun with a glass of fine bourbon in your hand.
Till next time.
Jon Smyrnis is a lifelong Indianapolis area resident. He enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, kayaking, dining out, and, of course, fine cocktails and great bourbons.