So, what are you drinking now?

@YakLord - congrats!

@bwmccoy Thank you!

@Victor interesting observations about liqueurs with intense flavours that overcome the sweetness. I have read from sources that vintage or very old bottles of some liqueurs are to be treasured. That time and bottle effect totally transform many of them, I imagine the quality of the ingredients and sweeteners used is likely also another factor.

What about whisky based liqueurs? I used to really enjoy Drambuie but haven't bought a bottle in ages. I know Arran and a few others produce some.

@YakLord - Congratulations on your anniversary!

How was the grain? And how are you finding that Shackleton? I have an unopened bottle that I've considered gifting but, so far, curiosity has overpowered my generosity.

@Victor I’m a sucker for a good Limoncello

@cricklewood - Yes, I've heard the same about older liqueurs - I'm not sure if Pimm's qualifies as a liqueur but can imagine 60s bottles being fantastic. Yes, I'll admit it, I like a Pimm's cup!

As for whisky liqueurs, I've not tried them but Old Pulteney's is supposed to be very nice as is the Arran you mention.

@cricklewood yes, whisky-based liqueurs like Drambuie give their own peculiar quality. I think of whisky-based liqueur being to general liqueur as oude jenever is to dry gin, an interesting grain-y variation which establishes its own space. Compass Box had fun playing with this concept with their own whisky-based liqueur, Orangerie.

@RianC why shy away from Pimm's? It's a good one. Wikipedia calls it "a gin-based fruit cup which can also be considered a liqueur." Pimm's Cup probably makes my top 5 favourite cocktail list.

@FMichael I have had some delicious limoncello, and also some which were just way too sweet for me. If the sweetness is kept in check they can be wonderful.

@Victor - I think any 'fear' of admittance comes from the old skool British/English mentality that some drinks are 'for girls' - with a Pimm's cup being very much in that bracket. Not that I now, or have ever, cared too much about what others think of my particular likes and dislikes.

I remember being on a stag do at the races years ago with a lot of 'lads' I grew up with and free Pimms were being handed out. Everyone was knocking them back whilst simultaneously trying to avoid looking like they were enjoying it ha! They are perfectly refreshing on a hot day.

@Victor I first tasted Limoncello on my honeymoon. We were at an in just outside of Orvieto. The dinner meal was “sanity style” with everyone around a big table. I met a few interesting people. After dinner the host brought out grappa (I did not appreciate it) and limoncello, which had been made on site. It was delicious. I bought a bottle from the host to take home. I still have it. I wonder sometimes if limoncello has a shelf life...

@RianC There are plenty of North American macho dudes who think some drinks are “for chicks”. Lucky for me, I don’t drink to impress other people, so I have no qualms ordering a Martini, a Gimlet, or a Gin & Tonic.

@OdysseusUnbound I will see your bet and raise you 5. I have no qualms about ordering frozen strawberry daiquiris. I doubt that there are many people who want to mess with you,...or with me.

Karlovarska Becherovka, 38% ABV, a funky Czech liqueur given to me by my niece, followed by a sample from a half full bottle of Benedictine, 43% ABV, inherited from my parents who passed away 20 years ago. This bottle of Benedictine has been open about 50 years.

Both are a lot of fun, and full of flavour. Sweet, too.

@Victor I have a nearly full bottle of Benedictine that I bought to use in Vieux Carré; I’m almost embarrassed to admit I haven’t tried it on its own. Maybe I’ll venture into that territory later tonight....

@RianC a Pimm’s cup was my very first cocktail. I was in studying in the UK back in the 90’s. Very fond memories are associated with a Pimm’s cup.

@Victor that is a special bottle of Benedictine indeed. Benedictine is probably my favorite go-to sweetening agent for a cocktail. I love the herbal qualities.

That said, Chartreuse is quickly becoming a close second place.

Last night at my brother-in-law's house;

Braeval SMWS 113.24 (7 year - Oct. 2011) "Attack of the killer florists!" - 1st-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 63.4% ABV.

Benriach Twelve

Glendronach 15 year

Glengassaugh Torfa (peated)

Caol Ila SMWS 53.298 (11 year - September 2007) "Tokaji and tug boats" - Refill ex-bourbon hogshead - 60.0% ABV.

Glen Scotia SMWS 93.136 (7 year - March 16th, 2012) "Powerful!" - 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel - 58.4% ABV.

Ardmore SMWS 66.154 (10 year - July 23rd, 2008) "Robocow" - Refill ex-bourbon barrel - 59.8% ABV.

Ardmore SMWS 66.167 (7 year - April 24th, 2012) "Big and punchy" - Refill ex-Oloroso sherry puncheon - 61.6% ABV.

@OdysseusUnbound @Victor - I'll raise that bet by adding that I often used to drink white Russians (Big Lebowski inspired) and vodka and cranberry juice on nights out with 'the lads'. The ribbings were inevitable but what many of them failed to spot was that they were always a good conversation starter with the ladies, which would only add to the bamboozlement!

Although I should add, I lay no claim to being 'a Sean Connery!'. RIP, Bond.

@Nock - How interesting. Whereabouts, may I ask?

@RianC Thank you! The Cameronbridge is quite nice! Quite a light colour for 21 years: it's from a refill barrel, so not as much wood influence. Very hot at 58%, and reminiscent of lemon pound cake.

I've been enjoying the Shackleton. It's a pretty decent blended malt. Does well on it's own and in cocktails.

The time change is taking its toll on me (it always does), so I'm unwinding with a Cognac Hot Toddy. It's the last of my Courvoisier VS cognac. I don't see myself replacing this. Cognac is expensive in Ontario, but it might be worth spending a few more dollars to get a VSOP from one of the big guys, even if it is mainly for cocktails. This Courvoisier isn't bad per se, but it's pretty flat and one dimensional.

@OdysseusUnbound The time change seemed to take a bite out of me too. I ended up asleep for half the afternoon. Another dramming opportunity missed...

Just came in from working in the yard all day. Man, it got dark early.

Anyway, Amazon delivered the dehydrated oranges this afternoon, so time for another Black Manhattan (w/ Maker’s Mark 46), but this time it is properly garnished.

@bwmccoy

After all that you could actually remember it all to write it in a post. Now that is impressive.

Cracked a couple of bottles the last two days, doing a thing on Instagram in parallel with this.

Kilkerran 8 CS 2019 re-charred Sherry. Will be impossible to replace in the future so I really wanted to hate it but it's really quite lovely. Sherry is present but not overpowering. Meaty, oily, leathery, sweet/sour. Much less hot than the previous bourbon cask only versions.

Second bottle I cracked open was a "trade" of sorts, I'd sent an acquaintance a bottle of Deanston as a thank you for sourcing some bottles for me. Unbeknownst to me when he sent along my package he cheekily put in a bottle of his own.

Carn Mor Benrinnes 1996-2015 18yrs old, from a vatting of 2 ex-bourbon casks. 46%.

One of Diageo's ugly stepchild distilleries, used as blend fodder and broker material. This would be the second oldest version I've tried. Surprisingly spicy, sweet, floral, sunflower oil and a bit of wool. Should be interesting to see how it develops.

@cricklewood I've been tempted on Benrinnes lately. Look forward to your verdict on this one.

@cricklewood - They look very inviting, enjoy!

I've never had any of those Carn Mor bottlings but have looked at a few. What's their reputation like?

Last night, Ardbeg An Oa - 46.6% ABV.

@BlueNote there seem to be a few examples available lately, the few I've tasted have been interesting although one was a young px cask that was really mostly all cask. I think these unsung distilleries (Benrinnes, Dailuaine, Blair Athol) can be quite good or worth a shot.

@RianC Carn Mor has just undergone a bit of a shake up and surprise, surprise a re-branding so who knows what the future holds (although there does seem to be an effort to streamline the differences in their lines)

In general, the strictly limited line has been well priced. and in my limited experience, there seems to be some decent quality overall. Of course getting a 5-10yr old whisky from an nth refill hoggie comes with a measurable risk.

I'd pick em over Hart Brothers, Hepburn's choice and some other that are spottier if the price is right.

I have decided to open my first bottle of the Glendronach 18yo, and enjoy it.

No matter the results of the various elections federal and state. I will drown my sorrows and celebrate in style simultaneously.