I often strike up conversations with folks at the liquor store. I study the bourbon aisle like I’m waiting for the myriad of bottles to form a sailboat if I stare at ‘em long enough. Occasionally, I meet someone with the same hawkish look. I ask “What are you huntin’”, and more often than not, like me, they’re just waiting for something to leap from the shelf and seductively whisper, “Take me home…”
A while back, I met Bernie. I’d actually come for a bottle of rum (we’ll get to that another day), but I’m always compelled to peruse the bourbon– just in case, you know? I spied Bernie, asked him what he was looking for in case I could make a suggestion, and he responded with, “I’m always on the hunt.”
My man.
Bernie suggested I give the Old Forester Straight Rye Whisky a day in court and at $25 a bottle I felt like rollin’ the dice. First off, it’s a 100 proof rye with some kickin’ heat and a welcome spiciness. It’s got a pleasant but quick sweetness on the front end that turns peppery on the finish, and while I’m partial to drinking it straight, a cocktail made with some Red Rock ginger ale could be just the ticket on a fine spring day. The best thing I can tell you is that once the bottle’s empty, I’ll buy another. Thanks, Bernie!