One of the lasting things of 2020 may wind up being we finally figured out how to properly hang out virtually as a group. Whether it be Zoom, Facetime groups, Google Classroom, we have all been forced figure out ways … Continue reading Drinking Whiskey With Friends…Virtually
The college football national championship game seems like a good time to hit my first sampler box from Flaviar, a whiskey club I signed up for for Christmas. I chose the Welcome Box for my first sampler. They have a … Continue reading Branch on Fire: Flaviar Welcome Box
This was my free bottle I got for signing up for Flaviar through a friend. And well… Who? Jefferson’s whiskey’s are made by father and son Chet and Trey Zoeller, only they don’t make whiskey. They source and blend it. … Continue reading Branch on Fire: Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old
Wait, this isn’t whiskey? What? Dogfish Head was one of my first craft beer loves, so when one of Sarah’s trips took her to Baltimore a few years back, I turned it into my Delaware trip and a stop in Milton, DE to hit my favorite brewery finally. I brought back several beer varieties, and even a Dogfish Head-branded record player…and this gin. I don’t drink gin often. Typically as a changeup cocktail dining out. Which is why I still have this bottle at home. It is the only gin I sip neat. I used others for mixing. Gin is … Continue reading Branch on Fire: Dogfish Head Compelling Gin
I recently had half a bottle of this gifted to me by someone who likes bourbon but not scotch. Bonus for me, I’m equal opportunity with my whiskey. See, this one from High West is a blend of bourbon, rye and scotch. They don’t release the ratios, but the rye comes from High West, the bourbon from MGP and the scotch is an undisclosed source, due to contractual reasons they say. The whiskey was born when the High West distiller was visiting a B&B at Bruichladdich distillery and he tried a dessert that inspired him to mix the peaty scotch … Continue reading Branch on Fire: High West Campfire
I recently hit a milestone of sorts. That is not 2,500 total beers, but 2,500 different beers since joining Untappd (a beer tracking social app) in 2012. Yes, my mother is so proud. Presumably. I remember years ago watching an English documentary about beer tickers. One dude was going for I believe his 10,000th lifetime beer, while another was chasing 1,000. I remember at the time thinking there would be no way I could ever get to a 1,000 while living in Fairfield, the land of two hours from anything. Well, that was in the early days of the craft … Continue reading WHYB: 2,500 and Counting
It’s time I start writing up some of the swill I’m pouring into my body, so consider this the first in a new series here at IAW. I have a shelf full of whiskey, about half scotch and half bourbon. This blended scotch was the newest addition to the shelf, a Christmas present this year. Most of my scotch is single malt, but I do drink blended on occasion, including one of the price point competitors for this one, Monkey Shoulder. Buchanan’s is an 80-proof blend that has been around for several years now. For bourbon drinkers who think scotch … Continue reading Branch On Fire: Buchanan’s Deluxe 12
What was suppose to be a Key West trip in the pre-pandemic world turned into a trip down to Gulf Shores, AL this week. Lot of condo balcony time, avoiding people on the beach, taking the next elevator when it … Continue reading Gulf Shores–2020 Style
For a lot of years, I’ve called Fairfield the land that is an hour from anything. “Anything” has most certainly included craft beer. I’ve also more recently started referring to Jovalou as our little escape from Fairfield, right in the heart of downtown Fairfield. Some of the escapism comes from the staff, some from the higher quality of the food, and some from the people I usually congregate with there. But also, Nikki and crew try to offer something beyond the ordinary in regards to drink options. They do a ton of quality hand made cocktails, often using fresh produce. … Continue reading A Craft Beer Oasis In A Small Town Desert, Or At Least Trying To Be
I was never much of a coffee drinker. Couldn’t get over the taste, with or without all the sweeteners and creams. For years, I have stuck to my Rockstar Recovery a day regimen. Not the healthiest, I know. But, I … Continue reading Morning Buzz
