Pass the Weed please...

I grew up around social drinking.  I suppose that is why I've always had a casual attitude toward adult beverages.   I'd say that observing my parents and their friends consuming in what was usually a "responsible" manner has been why I approach alcohol the way I do.  That is, I enjoy the beverages and the social lubricant, but I know where to draw the line. I already consider myself too old to have to deal with the ill effects of overconsumption.

Oh sure, there are the occasions where binge drinking got the best of me.  I'd like to think that the occasions for me were far less frequent then your average college experienced individual.  I recently posted about some of my food interests.  I've think that one can have some pretty unique experiences around drinks as well. I am referring to the drinks themselves and not the experiences around consuming too many of them.  Most of those stories won't be shared here. 

So craving all things adult beverage themed and currently denied access to them, I'll share a few more of my favorite things...

In college, my tastes were not all that sophisticated.  Beer, beer and more beer.  If there is a lesson here it is this:  I was 6'4" 165 pounds when he graduated high school.  Graduating from college 5 years later (I was a double major), I tipped the scales at a solid 245. I guess there were a fair amount of empty calories consumed.  Mr Busch and bartender Brian @ Brenda's corner bar in Wentworth had a fair amount to do with that. 

Keeping on the beer theme, Coors Light is my preference for your basic beer.  Boulevard Wheat is my go to.  When traveling I generally look for something local or regional.  I have had a lot of really good beers this way.  I don't like dark, stout beers.  My favorite, hands down if I can find it is Boddingtons.  It's got to be on tap though; the canned version is not the same.


My first experience with Boddingtons was when I was working in LA on when of my first projects for Daktronics.  It's a golden beer, really hoppy and a bit bitter, but really thick and creamy.  I like the creaminess and if I can find it on tap, which is not often, I am a happy camper. Drinks on me if anyone can tell me where I can get it on tap in Sioux Falls. 

Before I move on from beer, I'll share another story. I have met many great people in my travels for work.  Many that have come to consider friends first, customers second. One such person is Craig W. who works for the St. Louis Cardinals. We tend to cross paths a couple of times a year and it is always a good time. Back when I was first diagnosed with AML, we received all kinds of gifts and care packages. All of them were greatly appreciated, but Craig's care package stands out. Craig, knowing just what would cheer me up sent me a 4 pack of Dragon's Milk from New Holland Brewery in Michigan.

It is a dark beer which is aged in oak barrels (according to the label).  Though I don't care for dark stout beers, in this case the color is coming from the aging process, so it is different from stout beers.  But I am getting ahead of myself, I didn't come to learn the details of this beer until later.  It was New Years Eve on 2010.  We were at the farm and I was finally feeling good enough to have a drink.  I had been patiently waiting for the occasion for a while so I was eager to get to it.

It was the most unique beer I have ever tried.  Since it was aged in oak it had this whiskey\bourbon taste to it.  It was not what I expected in a beer but really easy to get used to.  I was enjoying, but I only got about halfway through the first bottle and realized this beer was hitting me hard.  At first I chalked it up to the fact that it was my first drink in a very long time; then I looked at the label.  Turns out that Dragon's Milk is 20 proof (10% alcohol).  Considering the alcohol level and I was extremely out of practice, it was certainly going to have a bit more of an impact then the 4% I was generally used to. 

When I started writing this I didn't realize I'd have so much to say about beer. I'm not into wine that much. I really only like whites and sweet reds, so that's all I comment about wine.  I've still got liquor to talk about.  Gin and tonic has typically been my go to drink, though I have never made one for myself.  I've never really gotten into the various Canadian whiskey's that my Dad prefers.

Once again, I can credit my travels for allowing me to become more cultured in all things intoxicating.  I gave Kentucky bourbon a go in Louisville, definitely not my thing.  I've survived the fruity Hurricanes on Bourbon street in New Orleans (barely).  I have a fondness for Saki; both hot and cold.  I'll credit a coworker (Mark E.) for introducing me to Saki and another coworker (Rich H.) for refining my taste.  I like saki.  I have an unnatural craving for the mojitos I first had in vacation in Mexico.

But now we circle back around to Craig.  It was he who introduced me to Jeremiah Weed, a sweet tea flavored vodka.  If I recall correctly we were both in KC at the time.  I enjoy "real" sweet tea when traveling in the south and order it whenever I can.  Craig ordered his drink, a "Weed and Lemonade".  It sounded tasty.  Since Craig has never led me astray...  I followed suit.  At this particular moment, I am wondering if the nurses can just add a constant drip to my IVs.  I am eagerly anticipating my next Weed & Lemonade

I hope people (my kids) don't get the wrong impression when reading this.  Drinking responsibly is extremely important, not just a tagline.  My parents were excellent examples and they made sure I knew the dangers as I got older.  I know people who struggle with various addictions , alcoholism being among them.  My liver and I have not always been on the same page, especially with all this chemo. 

When the time comes, I do enjoy my adult beverages because they are best enjoyed with friends and family.  Through all the college events, family\friend gatherings, post-hunt festivities and what I often get to call "work", enjoying with good family and friends is what it's always about.