Day's End

I have come to find that I enjoy bartending. There is something rewarding to me in mixing the right amounts of ingredients to cause the simple sound I call the Bartender's Symphony: "ahhh!" But making refreshing drinks (alcoholic or not) is only the half of it. I enjoy the role of a bartender. Ear to the world. Sympathizer for the downtrodden. Audience to the comedian. Reveler with the celebrators. Accommodating to any and all, providing they display simple courteousness. I love it. It's one of the coolest things in the world, to me. Sure, I'll make a living in life in some other way. But I'd love to open a pub one day (not a bar, mind you) and just enjoy being that ear to my guests.

Today's Theme: Winding Down the Day
Today I'll be giving you a little taste for the day's end. We'll get a drink that sweetens the evening, a smoke to savor, and a song to set the mood for a quiet end to a good day.

Today's Drink: Midnight Cowboy
2 ounces Bourbon (Jack Daniel's)
1 ounce Dark Rum (Captain Morgan Tattoo)
1/2 ounce heavy cream (your choice, but half and half would work)

If you're a fan or Kentucky Bourbon, or dark liquor in general, this drink is right up your alley. Depending on the cream you use, and in combination with the rum, it will have a sweeter taste to it. The cream ensures that your liquor doesn't dominate, but doesn't dilute like water or club soda would. Perfect after-dinner drink.

Today's Smoke: Romeo Y Julieta Reserva RealToro
At 54x6, the Toro is a bit bigger in ring size and length than your traditional Robusto. However, the longer smoke does this cigar well. Nice, medium bodied smoke with a dark oak taste. Does not finish well, but the end is bearable. Ash at 1.5 inches. Grade: B+

Today's Song: C Jam Blues: Oscar Peterson Trio
My Oscar Peterson Trio album is one of my all-time favorites, and this song lists up there at the top of that album. Chances are you've heard this song before, but you haven't heard Mr. Peterson inject soul into it like he does. Excellent song for winding down the day.