MySideOfTheBar

I first heard of Branch Water many years ago when watching an episode of the Waltons. The idea intrigued me as do all ideas when it comes to imbibing and improving on a cocktail or drink. Now I know there are purist that believe that adding anything to a good Whiskey is pure blasphemy and I myself kind of have some of the same thoughts. However, you may (as I have done) want to give this a try. (A bottle would also make a great Christmas Gift) Adding the right amount of water to  your Whiskey may really surprise you and open up an entire new experience almost to the point of a new Whiskey. History of Branch Water: The Term Branch Water dates back to 1835 and Branch is simply another term for stream, brook or creek. To Bourbon experts it is the water that really separates Bourbon from other Whiskeys. (To me this also applies to Scotch) "Water, Fire and Time... The three essential elements for the manufacture of Whiskey. However, the most important of these is undoubt...

Normally I do at least one post like this each Holiday Season, however this year I thought I would be a different spin on the article. Having watched the Christmas Classic, "Christmas Vacation" for the last 25 years and probably over a thousand viewings I starting looking for things in the show I may have missed. This year while watching I have noticed all the Christmas Gift ideas the show gives us. Here are just a few: 10. Lingerie This one is probably the most obvious in the entire movie and always a favorite and since there are plenty of shopping days left and my wife don't wear underwear it can be a dilemma. 9. A new saucer for the kids Since Clark set a new amateur-recreational- saucer-sled land-speed record, the old one has seen better days. 8. A few more Moose Mugs Because with Eddie, dogs and squirrels around it is only a matter of time before you will need them. 7. A good supply of stogies for Uncle Lewis Every time he turns arou...

I was sitting in a local watering hole a short time back enjoying many a cocktail with some barfly when he says to me "You are really putting them away, you should just have all your drinks intravenously." Hum, not a bad idea on the surface. I know they have been doing something similar with vitamins and the like, however I never really gave it a thought in terms of alcohol. While it is a funny thought, some internet research shows otherwise. However to me it is not the idea of how dangerous this would be it is the simple fact that I like to drink. I like the taste of alcohol and cocktails as well as the social aspect of drinking and being in bars and pubs. My sole purpose of imbibing is not to become inebriated, but to enjoy myself. So while this makes an interesting joke, not much practical aspect of this method of consuming alcohol. And with that I see my glass is empty. Cheers The Professor

Recently one of the Usual Suspects from Fidel's Cigar Shop, Gary Moore has started a venture into the world of Cigar Making. If you don't know how much work this is just do some internet research and you will find that it not only takes a lot of effort, but also capital. You have to get your product on the shelf in business' which is also easier said than done. The stick I was given to try was the BlackNight King Solomon. Size: 7 1/4 X 56 Tobacco: Wrapper: Corojo Filler: Dominican Dlor Plant from Cuban seed grown in the Dominican Republic Binder: Dominican SRP: 16.50 to 18.50 USD First 1/3 The stick due to it's nipple foot is very easy to light (which I really enjoy in a cigar) even in the most difficult weather. If you have cut the stick correctly you will find the draw to be very easy. You will immediately get a spice, wood/leather taste that is nice and smooth. Second 1/3 Second verse same as the first, still smooth with the only difference bein...

No I am not talking about burning bread, I am talking about using a beverage to toast to someones health, wealth or happiness. With the upcoming Holiday Season we well be seeing and participating in many toasts. One of my favorites is attributed to Dorthy Parker: One Martini Two at the most Three Martinis I am on the floor Four I am under the host What is your least favorite you ask? Send all inquiries to C.O. she knows ;) However I digress from my original point. With all the Holiday toasts that will be flying around we should not forget to toast life's everyday moments. A good sunrise or sunset, good friends and family or even a good cup of coffee. (Yes you can toast with coffee) One of the Baypoint "Usual Suspects" (D.G.) favorite lines if "Life is Good" and this statement is reason enough to make a toast. Cheers The Professor

I last visited the Rooster, formally know as "The Rooster Crepe Sandwich Cafe in December of 2012 and at that time (see blog post Feb 2013) I stated that this establishment did indeed live up to the hype. "BEST BREAKFAST IN MISSOURI,” AS WELL AS “BEST CREPES, BLOODY MARYS, AND BRUNCH IN ST. LOUIS!” In 2012 I could only really speak to the Bloody Mary aspect as that was all I sampled. When visiting St Louis last month I rectified this earlier error. not only did I enjoy another Bloody Mary with bacon and cheddar stuffed olives, but I also (along with 5 other Usual Suspects) ordered breakfast. I ordered a BELT, which I am sure you can figure out is the bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato sandwich which is served on Texas Toast along with an ample portion of their breakfast potato. Others dined on pancakes, eggs Benedict and french toast and all portions were very, very large. How large you ask, well so large I could not finish even my entire sandwich much less th...

Ok last weekend it was in the 80's and this morning it is 41! So yes I am going to bitch about the weather just a little bit. While the weather may not be great it does give me a chance to try out a few cold weather cocktails I have been saving for just such occasion. Now I could use the go-to cold weather drink, the Hot Toddy, however I usually save that for cold and flu weather. The other night a usual suspect was having coffee and added some Fireball Whiskey to it and I have to say I did not hate it. Speaking of coffee a great idea for a cold weather gathering is to server coffee and have a add-on bar including items like Irish Cream, Rumchata, Irish Whiskey etc. Or for holidays include items like the flavored (pumpkin, mint, chocolate) creamers for your coffee and you can still offer the alcohol bar add-on. This option gives you a non-alcohol option. Here is one that I have served and has always been a fan favorite, the Hoppin' Hot Scotch. Which is Butter...