New Winter Beverage

My paternal Grandfather was pretty cool.  He was a tugboat captain and his legacy expression was "you can always learn something, even from a damn fool."  I learned about a new beverage combo on the last trip that is worth sharing.  The gent who suggested it was NOT a damn fool.  Quite the opposite.  But  some will never try this. The folks on these trips are not going to speak the praises of "Olive Garden."

After the stirring last dive on the last day with the Great White Sharks, a "Cage Mate" introduced me to LAPHROAIG 10 year old single malt Scotch.  Wow.  I am not necessarily a fan of Single Malt Scotch, or opposed.  Got a 1/2 price deal on this in Texas last month on a "Managers Special."  In Texas, you are free to do these things.  Pro-business, far fewer regulations than in NYC.  This is an $80+ bottle I got for less than half.  So this is a sometime thing to hoard and savor.

It is VERY SMOKY and taste like Peat Moss.  What an experience.  Simply put, it you like Cognac or Grappa, you will be here.  One trick is that you need to do it on the rocks with a splash of water.  And - IMPORTANT have a Guiness Stout handy to alternate sips as a chaser.  Funny, I find that the Guiness does not benefit from a proper beer glass.  There is almost no nose so the can or bottle is fine.

My variation tonite was to have the Laphroaig neat in a snifter.  The Guiness was nearby of course.  Wonderful.  Laphroaig has a very grassy aroma, like Polish Buffalo Grass Vodka in a way or a nice Viognier to ward off the cold.
Cheers,
JA