Whiskies of the World

In light of Kyle's posting of his top five whiskeys, I thought I would take the time to alert everyone to an event that could change your life: The Whiskies of the World Expo 2005. I have homefield advantage in that it will be held in San Francisco.

So Hirsch, you want me to embarrass myself by telling everyone how Booker's 127-proof bourbon almost ended my life? Kyle said the following about Bookers:

It is bottled at a natural proof between 121 and 127; straight from the barrel. I know it sounds a little harsh, but it's incredibly smooth.

When he first got me to try Booker's, he poured me about a shot and a half of the stuff and said, "Take it all down fast, it is really smooth." I was kind of a rookie bourbon drinker at the time, so I tried to be concious of good bourbon edicate; I would smell the aroma then drink a sip and measure its taste on my palate, while savoring its riches. Instead, I found it slightly odd that he would tell me to throw it back in one, "smooth" shot. Being that he was a good friend, I didn't even question it.

Here is how it unfolded:

Picked up glass and without hesitation, poured "smooth" shot down my throat.

Knees buckled. Grabbed counter to keep from falling.

Esophagus caught on fire.

Face turned 14 shades of red.

Toe nails and finger nails popped off.

Heard angels singing arias for a few seconds.

Lost all memories of 6th grade.

Then Kyle laughed his southern-ass off shouting, "The South will riiiiiiise again!" at my yellow-bellied, Yankee sorry-ness.

Posted by 10 fingers 6 strings at February 11, 2005 01:08 AM | TrackBack