Ok, maybe it is you.

Ok, it's you.

I've been obsessing over a particular bourbon since I read its back story. When I say obsessing, I mean OB.SESS.ING! Really. I read every article about the distillery. I had it on my wish list to purchase. I talk about with others that I know enjoy bourbon.

Quite simply the story behind the brand just resonates with me. It's plucky. It's historical and I just plain dig it. I've been trying to get my hand on a bottle for over a year. It isn't sold in my state, so it feels like a unicorn - elusive. Magical. Special. I've come to think of this brand as my bourbon version of Lucky Charms - magically delicious. All before a drop has passed my lips I have created an experience. Well done marketing team, well done.

Recently I traveled out of state for the day job. I was having cocktails before a team dinner and asked the server if they had it. They did not. I then told my co-workers about it being my Lucky Charm. That always leads to a good conversation. You get to know people at a different level when you talk about bourbon. Unfortunately I've become used to the bitter disappointment of being unable to hold in my hands and drink this wonderful elixir.

And then we went to dinner... And there it was. I rubbed my eyes. I emitted a small gasp of shock. I asked if the cocktail menu was still in season, it was. I asked if they had it in stock, they did. I felt like the heavens opened and I could hear singing. This being a work dinner, I contemplated for 32 seconds and then I ordered a splash of it to taste it.

It arrived in a beautiful Glencairn taster. The color was a rich amber. My initial sniff made me squint. It was harsher than I expected; but that didn't stop me or cause me to hesitate. I swirled the drink in the beautiful glass and prepared myself for the first sip. This was the moment a year in the making. When was the last time you yearned for something and when you are about to have it and check it off your list, you have that sense of accomplishment? Excitement?

I raised it to my lips, I closed my eyes and I prepared to be wowed. I even stopped to make sure I was truly going to savor it. It was harsh. I mean really harsh. No, that can't be right. No. Just no. I needed a second sip, because I was experiencing cognitive dissonance. This wasn't how MY Lucky Charm bourbon was supposed to taste.

So with trepidation, I had my second sip. I think my eyes watered, it was so strong. At this point I knew I needed to stop tasting and allow it to breathe. Surely allowing air to work its magic would mellow it and make easier to consume. I even considered putting a couple of drops of water in the remainder to help it mellow. I didn't. But after the third and final taste, I should have. When the server came back and asked if I wanted a glass, I quickly said 'no thank you, as I dabbed the unshed tears.

The moral of this story - enjoy each new bourbon on it's own without all of the mental editorial on how it should taste.

Cheers!
~Kimberly Elise

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