We May Never Pass This Way Again
Dad passed away last November. My brothers and I decided to delay the celebration of his life until safe travel to Wisconsin for family, friends and well-wishers could be assured. The three of us chose to mark his passing on Saturday, 24-July-2021.
THE GATHERING
After the service, the brothers and I invited the throng to the family cottage on the lake built by my grandfather back in the early 1940s. There we had spent the summers of our youth and knew Dad would be near.
As our guests arrived, my brothers and I worked our way through the gathering crowd. We visited, recounted memories and told stories of our father, enjoyed adult beverages, and thanked those had who stopped by. Old friendships were rekindled and the forging of new ones began.
Later in the day, after our meal of pulled pork and chicken, smoked beans, assorted tubs of salad and fruit, chips and various trays of cheese and crackers, some of us migrated inside the cabin. And as we may never pass this way again, all were invited to experience a few pours from the whiskies we’d assembled. There was quite a line up from which to sample …
THE WHISKEY COLLECTION
Hannah and I had brought bottles of Booker’s 2021-02 (Tagalong Batch), Larceny Barrel Proof B521, and a Cask Strength Smooth Ambler Old Scout from a barrel our local Facebook group had secured. (Thank you Boise Whiskey Enthusiasts!) And on the ninety minute journey from the airport to the cabin, a pit stop at 45th Parallel Distillery yielded a bottle of 6-year Bottled-in-Bond New Richmond Rye and another of 5-year Cask Strength Border Straight Bourbon.
To help round out our whiskey bar, a cousin contributed an Elijah Craig Small Batch and the husband of another came bearing Belle Meade Reserve. A partial Larceny Straight Bourbon from a past gathering was found and a brother brought bottles of Cask Strength J Henry Patton Road Reserve from the bottler’s tasting room. The other said a friend would be bringing something special in a short while. We were pretty much set.
ASSEMBLY AND PREPARATION
None of us had ever enjoyed a lineup like this before and we were in for an eye-opening adventure. There were all levels of whiskey familiarity in the group; young nieces and nephews, cousins and old family friends alike. Many were novices, though several had toured Kentucky Distilleries.
For me and for the first time in many years, new bottles of whiskey would be opened for pure enjoyment, with no intent of review. Yet I felt a certain amount responsibility (possibly mis-guided) to share the knowledge I’ve acquired over the years. After all, shouldn’t we be ambassadors for our beloved nectar?
All manner of drinking vessels were dispersed; assorted small juice glasses, rocks glasses, and Glencairns. I (with help from Hannah and our donators) explained whiskey was meant to be sipped and enjoyed (not taken in shots, as we did in our youth). We discussed cooperage, flavors, profiles, and the origins of each offering. The documentary “Neat – The Story of Bourbon” was referenced on several occasions.
POURS, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
We encouraged those who wished, to select a bottle and pour themselves a sample. A few abstained, but most picked from the array before them and when the whiskey began to flow, toasts to Dad were offered. And while Dad preferred Brandy (there was some of that too), I’m sure he would have humbly accepted. As new people trickled in, lessons were repeated and questions answered:
▪︎Early on came, “What is the difference between Whisky and Whiskey?”
~ We discussed labeling and tradition with Scotch, Irish, Canadian and American whiskies.
~ Then came, “Why does Maker’s Mark proclaim their products as Whisky rather than Whiskey?”
▪︎Our selections were primarily Bourbon, so someone posed, “How does Bourbon differ from Scotch?”
~ I’ve not yet dabbled in Scotch, so those with the knowledge explained Scotch regions and the subtleties of each.
▪︎Somebody asked, “What is a Mash bill?”
~ Hannah and I delved into the typical mix of grains used to make bourbon giving a brief overview of the process.
▪︎When bills with rye and wheat were mentioned, someone asked, “What difference does it make?”
~ As there was a variety of both options, small pours of each were offered up as tastings for the inquisitive.
▪︎A couple of people had samples from Larceny bottles.
~ This made for a perfect segue to discuss barrel proof options versus standard fair. (And we had many high proof bottles.)
Our Q&A session continued as people came and went. Glasses emptied and new drams were poured. Occasionally two-fisted drinkers were in the mix as differences were compared.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
About an hour in, my brother’s friend came in bearing a bottle of 10-year Old Rip VanWinkle. We discussed bourbon lore, its lineage and place in the Pappy lineup. Soon the gift was uncorked and my brothers and I toasted Dad again. Someone suggested we return the stopper to save the bottle for another time. I declined, noting this moment and gathering would never happen again and assured anyone who wanted a pour would receive one. The bottle was passed. Surprisingly, it came back to me and I was able to make a second pour (what a nice bourbon).
GIVING BACK
By the end of Dad’s celebration, I felt contentment and peace settling over me. In several previous hours, whiskey had been responsibly shared and enjoyed. I had sipped more than a half dozen new offerings with friends and family, and now have memories from which to draw in future tastings.
As whiskey enthusiasts, we have a responsibly to impart our knowledge to others. And share we should. So buy new bottles. Bring out your “dusties”. Enjoy with family and friends. And as Seals and Crofts wrote, “We May Never Pass This Way Again“.
Love you Dad.
We May Never Pass This Way Again
written July 2021 by Brian Dawson,
Editor, Whiskey for the Ages
