Monday, March 22, 2010

Spring cold impacts Bourbon drinking

I'm in a dry spell right now because of a wonderful Spring cold/flu. Coughing, sneezing, stuffiness, sleeplessness and overall achiness. I've tried Nyquil but now I'm thinking George T. Stagg. Something to break through all the crud keeping me from enjoying a nice dram of something. Truth is, I have no desire to drink as I really can't taste anything anyway which is why I was thinking Stagg as that may power through to the taste buds.

So, when you're down and out, do you cease drinking or do you rebel against your body and keep it flowing in spite of the illness?

My VOB re-barrel is still aging and I wanted to break into it this last weekend as we've had a warm spell for early Spring, but alas, the barrel goes untapped. Maybe by the end of the week .

13 comments:

  1. I tend to back down on my drinking when I feel a cold coming on, but when I am on the rebound I do like some high proof stuff just to "break through."

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  2. Ben - I find that I just don't enjoy bourbon or any other whiskey when feeling under the weather. I hope to shake this in the next day or so.....it's time to get drinking again!

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  3. I cannot stomach booze when sick...plus it's taste and intended effect are wasted on me when on the D.L.

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  4. If I'm congested from allergies or a light cold, then I'll use some Old GrandDad 114 straight to kick it out. Otherwise, I refrain from any whiskey until I feel better.

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  5. Sorry to hear you are under the weather Greg.
    I may drink more when I am sick. It all depends on how I am sick and with what. I may not get everything I could out of a glass of bourbon while I am sick. But being sick with a buzz is better then just being sick. :)

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  6. Hmmm...good point Micah. I'm feeling somewhat better today so maybe I'll try a little Stagg later on. Couldn't hurt, right?

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  7. I find that illness renders taste and smell non-functional. I stay away from quality liquor in that state. I use cheap rum for hot toddies, or being sick with a buzz. Save the Stagg for better times.

    JG

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  8. LOL Micah is my wife. I hit her Google account went I had to go through all the steps it takes to post you your blog.

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  9. I go with homemade Rock and Rye when I'm down. Wild Turkey is my choice for the base (no slouch at 101), and the fruits and spices act kinda like internal Vapo-Rub.

    Good for what ails ya!

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  10. Sam - you're correct that WT101 is no slouch. I've tried to drink during a wicked cold but really can't find the enjoyment. My cold is pretty much on the down and out so last night I enjoyed a small pour of a '95 OWA. Nice!

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  11. Greg:

    I find that when I have a cold I don't drink until I am on the downhill slide. I can't taste anything usually, so it is wasted, and being buzzed while sick just makes me feel worse. I'll use something like an OWA on the downhill side to see if I am ready to get back with the living.

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  12. This is my Ultimate Cold Remedy that works EVERY TIME I feel a cold coming on or have a cold:

    Night 1.) buy 2 pints of raspberries and 2 pints of blueberries. Pomegrantes and acai juice is good too. Eat one pint of each. This builds up anti-oxidants and helps your immune system. Turn the A/C up in your house (or make it cold if youre in a cold climate) and put on at least 2 layers and sleep under the covers. You should wake up a sweaty mess which is good.

    Day 2.) Eat healthy lunch & dinner

    Night 2.) Consume no fewer than 5 bourbons, neat or with minimal rocks (Japanese Ice Ball!!), each of 90 proof or higher. Yes, the goal is to get hammered so pour with a heavy hand. The bourbon will destroy germs, especially if youve got an ass kicker like Bookers or George T Stagg. Again, 2 layers, cold climate, under covers, sweat your ass off.

    Day 3.) You will wake up feeling way better in terms of your illness but you may have a slight hangover if you get those things. This is where the other pint of blueberries and raspberries come into play. Raspberries reduce brain swelling. Head to McDonalds for a cheeseburger and fries and be ready because it'll probably want out in a few hours.

    If symptoms still exist, repeat steps. Youre welcome.

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  13. Holy cow....thank you Dr. Steve.

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