liquor stories vol. 1

This past Saturday, Chuck, Reese and I ventured to South Hills Village to get Chuck fitted for his tux. (I am, always have been, and will ever remain his ride) So he gets fitted for a tux in record time, and we peruse the mall. I buy my obligatory "shirts on-sale" from Aero. Reese conquered a candy store. All the buyin' worked us up a mean hunger, so we went to the Olive Garden where I was reunited with a former love - balsamic vinegar. (I dined on jelly beans and salad) After our meal, Chuck pointed out a large liquor store. He wanted to pick up some juice for his old man. I originally thought I'd just do some window shopping, since I'm not much of a liquor drinker anyway. Fate again reunited me with another former love. This time, it was Black Velvet.

My favorite section of a liquor store is where the rum/gin/vodka/whiskey/tequila collide. If I were to make hay at a state store, this is where I'd do it. (Now, friends - a tale) I was in a whiskey mood. But, for whatever reason when it comes to whiskey I can't really stand JD or Jim Beam. I think its because they've both got a nasty bite right after you finish shooting it. To me, drinking that stuff sort of makes me feel like I'm using industrial-strength rubbing alcohol as mouthwash. (and... uhh.. I get COMPLETELY out of control when I drink that stuff. Almost left that out...) Its a different story when it comes to Black Velvet. If I could choose one word to describe Black Velvet, it would be "smooth". There's no harsh bite at the end. No shrill aftertaste of industrial biohazard. As far as I'm concerned, it's all good. I still get a bit out of hand, but that comes with the territory. Anyway, back to the liquor store. They're having a sale on this stuff! Typically, fifths of it can be sold anywhere between the $8.99 - $9.99 range. (not bad) The markdown was an entire dollar! I'll take your $8.00 whiskey.

Later that night, Reese, Rollo and I are drinking in my kitchen. I'm three glasses deep and I'm getting a bit out of hand. That's the beauty of a nightcap, though. If I feel I'm headed down the wrong path to sobriety, I can always crash on the couch and watch a movie with Reese and Rollo.

The moral of the story? "There Will Be Blood" is a DAMN good movie.