Bottoms Up!
Health Warning: This post may impair your ability to drive a car, operate heavy machinery and may cause other health problems. Also, this post is for 21 years of age and older, and probably 90 years of age or younger.
While I don’t condone drinking to excess (or not often), I find that I do enjoy a good drink while out with friends. It’s hard to not fall into the familiar pattern of ordering the same drink. Our brain instinctively tells us that this (familiar) drink led to an enjoyable night and adequate next morning. Nonetheless, this week’s Findgives acknowledgement to the expected, but seeks out the unexpected in order to spice up your alcohol repertoire!
The Yamazaki, Single Malt Japanese Whisky, Aged 12 Years
Expected: Scotch Whisky.
Unexpected: Japanese Whisky!
I like to start my evening with a little bit of whisky to take the edge off. There is nothing wrong with Macallan 18, even Johnnie Walker Black (Andy S!) or Chivas Regal (Leroy S!) will do. You might even be so lucky to score some rare (but good) Pappy Van Winkle. However, let it be known that the 2015 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named Suntory’s Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 the best whisky in the world — the first time the honor has gone to a whisky from Japan. The Japanese are not new to Whisky (spelled the Scottish way) as they have been manufacturing for over 100 years and actually learned their techniques from the Scots. Obviously demand has picked up significantly since the award and they are harder to come by, but every bar needs at least one. While the Sherry Cask 2013 is difficult to find, I have been trying a few and think that the 12 year variety is excellent for sipping. Next occasion you host, surprise your guests with the unexpected…some Japanese whisky!
Expected: Tequila Don Julio 1942.
Unexpected: Tequila infused with Jalapeño!
After whisky I like to find my groove, and that groove is usually tequila. I love Don Julio 1942 (like all of you), don’t get me wrong, but again this is almost too expected at this point. Months ago, I tried a Jalapeño infused tequila and have been searching for one that doesn’t require hours of (home) infusion. The only commercially available Tequila with a kick is Tanteo which is 100% Agave and it is great. This tequila is great for sipping, or even perfect for margaritas in your new Vitamix blender. Most parties will not have this product, so try first at home. Besides Jalapeño, there is also Cocoa and Tropical for more diverse taste buds. 1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila, Floor.
The Imbibe, A Spirited History of Drinking
15 Vandam St, New York, NY 10013
Expected: Broadway revival shows.
Unexpected: Off Broadway Shows in Speakeasies!
If you don’t have a party, have already seen Hamilton five times, and are looking for something unexpected, head over to The Imbibe. It is an off (off?) Broadway show that takes place at an actual speakeasy used by the Tammany Society during Prohibition. The creator is Anthony Caporale who is Director of Beverage Studies at ICE (Institute of Culinary Education) and he is an expert on alcohol. The show is a very entertaining romp (actually singing) through the history of alcohol and even provides audience members with various tastes along the way.
998 Amsterdam Avenue, New York City, NY 10025
Expected: Hamilton on Broadway.
Unexpected: The Hamilton on Amsterdam!
Alexander Hamilton is on everyone’s minds. The Hamilton on Amsterdam is a Whisky Bar with a great, founding father/new age vibe. They have an amazing selection of whisky from all over the world and the bar tenders have encyclopedic knowledge that will take you to unexpected (whisky) places.
Their printed House Rules (constitution worthy) are one for the books and nails the ambience:
1. There is no such thing as a best whisky, the best whisky is the one you love the most. Your job is to hunt this whisky down
2. Five percent off for Tinder dates, you need to prove it by showing us your initial awkward messages
3. No credit card minimum, but if you keep swiping your card all night you are wasting paper, killing trees and in the long run killing all of humanity you selfish bastard. Start a Tab!
4. Do not ask for free drinks, heavy pours or “shots for your friends birthday”, it’s beneath you
5. Gentlemen, this is a lady friendly bar, if it’s clear that they are not interested in you then stop talking to them. Obviously this rule does not apply to me!
Now you can go out and expect the unexpected, and consider Yamazaki, Tanteo, The Imbibe, and The Hamilton Found!