Okay kids, it’s officially here. GRILL SEASON IS ON BABY!!!!!! Now out here in the great Pacific Northwest it’s the mid 50’s with steady rain, but no reason not to grill though, right? So with grill season in mind, I bring to you a recipe from the good folks at Maker’s Mark bourbon. You guys know I’m a bourbon lover, and that my favorite is Maker’s Mark. There is a quality to this bourbon that is head and tails above the rest. It may be because they use water from an onsite limestone spring fed lake. It could also be the corn and grains. It may also be the fact they use a small number of barrels per batch. Personally, I think it’s just the fact that the company is run by folks who give a damn about producing a quality, uniquely American product and it shows. Now, on with the grilling!
Quantity or Quality?
We all have a limited time here on Mother Earth. How do we spend that time? Does quantity trump quality? Or is it the other way around? Do we want to live a long life, or do we want to live? Whatever the answer, it is a uniquely personal one. We all need to keep this in mind. How we look at it may not be the same as our family or friends.
Most, if not all, of us have been in a position of dealing with a loved one who is dealing with a life-threatening situation. “Do whatever it takes!” “You have to think of the kids” “What would your wife (husband) do without you?” “So what if it hurts, you’ll live 6 months longer!”
Bourbon Basics
I thought it might be fun to take a break from the recipes and reviews and just dig a little deeper into that uniquely American adult beverage, bourbon. We’ll go back in history a bit, figure out just what makes a bourbon, “Bourbon” and maybe even go over a couple of way to enjoy it. So sit back, pour a couple of fingers in a glass and enjoy the ride.
Cocktail Hour
Okay, we’ve been hitting the food end of things pretty good, so I think now would be a good time to go into something a bit more spirited. Queue up some of “The Chairman” in iTunes, dim the lights a bit, and pass the martini shaker… It’s Cocktail Hour kids!
First and foremost, what I’m talking about here is a true retro cocktail party. Classy, refined, full of good conversation, food, drink and company. I am NOT talking about filling a garbage can with fruit punch and pouring whatever someone brings into it. Although, that has it’s place. (coughs) No, I’m talking the throw-back cocktail party. Back to the birth of cool. Sinatra, Miles Davis, Beatnik Poetry, Audrey Hepburn ( oh yeah, the cabaret scene in Funny Face). Dean Martin, and the Martini. Cool man, real cool.