All Aboard the J-Train

So is everyone ready to begin?

For those who don't know what the heck is going on, please be patient. Not many of us really do. Not really. However, for those who do know what is going on, remember one thing: You're not any cooler for knowing what's going on, and no one will treat you any differently (including me).

THE WORLD OF BEVERAGES IN LAWRENCE, KS...

Things have changed around here, folks. Take a look at the shelves next time you're in the liquor store. What do you see? I'll tell you what I see. I see a new 21st Anniversary Smokestack Series Pale Ale from Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City. I see 12-oz 4-packs of Tank 7, Sixth Glass, Dark Truth Stout, and Single Wide IPA, for around $10.00. I see our very own Free State Brewery has finally overcome years of difficulty and produced 6-packs of Oatmeal Stout, Copperhead Pale Ale, Wheat State Golden, and (my favorite) Ad Astra Ale. I see a bright new future for the bustling burg of L-town, and it just keeps getting better.

But it doesn't stop in Lawrence, friends!

I see EUPHORIA PALE ALE from Ska Brewery has finally made it to Kansas this year! Euphoria, for those who aren't aware, is a seasonal pale ale made in the west coast tradition, featuring bright cascade hops glimmering in a copper color that warms the heart on those cold winter nights. Served in a throwback RC-Cola-blue can, this ale is quite nice; among some of the best stuff you can find in a can. If you can still find it on the shelf, do yourself a solid and (like the ska kids say) pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up!

So hold on to your helmets, kids...

The world of beverages in Kansas is changing, and not in a bad way. In fact, it has taken me some time to realize this, but beer and wine are not alone in the world of crazy changes. So let's take a few minutes to sit back and gaze upon the larger world of libations, shall we?

WHISKEY AND RUM

Indeed, whiskey and rum are no new thing. In fact, whiskey may be one of the oldest things. When Scottish farmers first stored their mash in barrels and kept them in caves along the coast, they gave the viscous liquid the name ouise-ge which, I believe, loosely translates to something like "drinky, drinky, let's get stinky." But these days, whiskey is getting a new face (and no, I'm not talking about Kid Rock). With the new infusions of honey being introduced by Wild Turkey and Evan Williams, new cherry infusions presented by Jim Beam and Evan Williams, and other products working their way into the market, like cachaca rum from Brazil, it certainly looks like our holidays may be filled with some interesting hot beverages. Rest assured, I will post new recipes for the updated ingredients.

I'm just saying:

Hot Honey Toddy, Hot Buttered Cachaca, and Cherry Bomb hot chocolate. Oh, yeah. Also, you may want to start saving up to try and pick up a bottle of something called Rum Chata. It's only around $25.00 a bottle, but well worth your while. Do it. Seriously.

After all...

You're worth it!