Cure for a cold winter night.

~ Meg

Week 1 in The Year of Drinking Adventurously. Scots Whiskey. (Find all 52 weeks here.)

While the rest of you all are hitting the gym, drinking barley grass smoothies for breakfast and giving up refined flour and sugar, I am starting the new year by flying in the face of convention. This is the year of drinking adventurously!  (All things in moderation, dear friends.  I am not advocating overindulgence.)

Based on Jeff Cioletti’s book of the same title, my adventure will take me (figuratively) around the globe to sample the potent potables of the world.   (And possibly go broke – life’s too short to drink cheap booze, after all.)  Each week, I’ll let you know how I enjoyed the beverage of choice and hopefully find a way to tie it into writing.  This is a writing blog, remember?

I’m joining my friend Lula on this tour.  You can see how she traveled the globe here.  And follow Jeff’s blog, here.

Week one:  Scots whiskey

I do enjoy my whiskey.  Especially in the winter when comforting heat can be had in a glass.  I’m not above drinking a blended whiskey but prefer the single malt.

irish-whisky-map-225x300
Image thanks to Pinterest

There are differences among the regional varieties that I won’t go into here.  If you want to know, Jeff’s book has a nice overview.

My liquor cabinet currently holds Dalwhinnie Highland Malt Scotch Whiskey.

img_3115
A decent bottle, medium priced and smooth.
laphroaig-18
Seawater filtered through dirty ashtrays, pricey, exquisite

 

 

 

The Laphroaig is one of my favorites but I know it’s not for everyone. I grimaced at my first sip of Laphroaig.  But I fell in love after the second.  Jeff’s book compares it to “kissing a supermodel who smokes.”

 

Or if you prefer, kissing Aidan Turner:

images
Thanks BBC America

Sorry, I’ve been looking for an excuse to post a photo of Aidan Turner.  Anyway…  I take my Scotch neat or with just one ice cube.  I’ve never had a Scotch cocktail; not even the classic Rob Roy or Rusty Nail.  Why mess with a good thing?

At the end of the day, whether it be a day I spent in practice or a day spent writing and editing, it is a joy to savor that glass of liquid smoke.  Sometimes there is a flash of inspiration in that last sip – one that has me pulling out my notebook and pen, scribbling furiously while the words roll off the tongue of the invisible narrator.  So fill your glass with a dram of good Scots whiskey.  And find a beautiful companion to share it with! (Here’s more Aidan.  Sorry, couldn’t help myself.  Wait.  Why am I apologizing?!?)

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Photo of beautiful companion courtesy IMDB

 

Published by Meg

Easily amused, never bored and constantly distracted. My creative pursuits include writing, drawing, painting and photography.

29 thoughts on “Cure for a cold winter night.”

  1. I had my hand on the bottle of Laphroaic and just couldn’t pull the trigger. Your “Seawater filtered through dirty ashtrays, pricey, exquisite” has me both scared and intrigued. Cure for the common anything, indeed!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. There are a series of humorous descriptions of Laphroaig out there. Like: “it tastes like a burning hospital” or “I fell asleep next to my dogs.” Funny stuff! You have to try it at least once. But don’t buy a whole bottle!

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  3. No apologies needed for posting pics of a handsome man 😉 I’ve never drank Scotch but perhaps this is the year. I know my taste in alcohol has changed over the last few years so maybe it’s time to try it.

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  4. When you venture to the Bluegrass, let me recommend some true Kentucky Bourbon.

    And I will laud your pictures of Aidan. I am not gay or at least not aware I am, but the pics made me feel…well…strange. I need time to think…

    I love your counter-intuitive plan for the year. My resolution is to start smoking and drinking more.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Meg! I love this idea!I look forward to following your drinking adventures. For the record, I’ll stick with the smoking supermodel over Aidan Turner, although, truth be told, the smoking might be a deal breaker. An attractive woman with a glass of scotch however has a certain irresistible swag. When I travel for work I’ll consult your blog to guide my drink choices!

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. I found it easier on me when out of shape and rushing in the winter to help more with aches and pains. Then I get in better shape and switch back to Vodka, but I can drink almost anything except beer. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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