Tom, for bourbon... On the rocks or mixed drink?
I've been to a few scotch tastings, and my choice of drink has wandered: first was brandy, then gin, then scotch. (And my beer is usually a selection from the LCBO: one woman many beers.)
Then I watched Anthony Bourdain's show.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2 ... olina.html
And chef Sean Brock shows off bourbon. Bourbon has become "drink du jour" , a collectors item for old bottles of certain names, and lots of controversy from the theft of barrels from Jack Daniels distillery (not unlike the maple syrup theft from a Quebec warehouse). Plus I have a Mens Journal mag where there was a feature story. The only American Bourbon I like (from the bottles i've tried so far) is Buffalo Trace.
I am an occasional tippler so if you come for a visit I have nothing on hand: if I buy it I drink it.
Diligently follow the path of two swords as one. Percieve that which the eye cannot see. Seek the truth in all things. Do not engage in useless activity.
The Book of Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsmen