Let Me Wine about Sake and Whiskey

I've got to be honest with you, and please don't hate me for what I'm about to say. I'm not a big wine fan. Nor am I a big sake fan, brandy fan, whiskey fan, gin fan, or vermouth fan. Vodka, Midori, Bailey's and other mixer liquors are a different matter, but that's another post all together. I learned to love those in college. Refined drinks were just too expensive and not cool enough for my parties and get-tipsy-quick attitude. Plus, I'm just not a big drinker anymore. I might have a drink once a month, if that. Catch me a year ago and you would see that was a bit different.

Often you might have found me on any given Friday or Saturday night very wet boned, wrapping my arm around a friend to keep myself up, a drink in that hand and the other prolly holding a cig (it's literally the only time I smoke and how to tell I'm pretty close to drunk if not already) or someone's tush.

My parties were off the hook. I was known for my Fear Factor-esque spicy lime grasshopper jell-o shots (with real grasshoppers), and my SUPERSHOT. A shot glass that was about 5 times taller than a normal shot glass. I later found out that it was just a really tall and slim flower vase that I mistook for a highball shot glass when I bought it. Still, I have good memories, even more bad ones, and I think a blackout tied to that thing. My liquor bookshelf was better stocked than most bars.

Nowadays I just keep a few choice alcohols around for cooking purposes. I keep a thing of vodka in the freezer and a bottle of rum in the pantry just in case, but they rarely get used.

I find my lack of wine knowledge is sad. As a foodie, and as a graduate of UCD where I took more than a few wine classes, I know little about wine. I mean I know how the grapes are grown, barely is malted, rice washed, processed, labeled, cared for, etc. But the flavors and tasting of wine and the appreciation of it is so foreign to me.

Wine primarily serves only as an ingredient in this kitchen, but I'm slowly changing that. I'm not just buying it only when the recipe ordains it. I am trying to be adventurous and learn more about wine, reviewing old books and reading any articles I come across. Many friends and fellow bloggers are giving me great advice. I'm even finding a few I like and keeping them on-hand now for those times Rob and I find a quiet evening by ourselves or with friends. Or boredom. Whichever.

I think it's about time to break out of my wine shell, my brandy box, my anti-sake sanctuary and brave this spirited new world.