Post #345652 by Chip and Andy on Fri, Nov 23, 2007 1:23 PM

Sorry, I'm not trying call you, or anyone out, Gentle Hangman. My goal is not to single out anyones cocktail sins, professional or amateur status, or anything else in regards to what you use, drink, or how you get there for your cocktails.

I only used your statement for the quote line because it was a handy and easy example of a point I wanted to make to myself and anyone else reading and that is cocktails are supposed to be something enjoyed (that is why I pulled your name off the quote line). You should enjoy the making of a cocktail, the drinking of a cocktail, the whole experience of a cocktail... And saying Always or Never in that regards is potentially limiting to that goal. The age-old question is how do you know if you haven't tried?

You have tried. You are still trying. I know I am. Most of us are still trying to find the 'perfect Mai-Tai' or any number of other drinks worthy of enjoyment.

But, the new people joining the conversation are not going to know how any of us that have been around here a while came to our absolute positions and may be afraid to try something new because so many of us are so certain of what we have found to be 'the best way for our tastes.'

For me, it is 'only' Appleton VX and St James Amber for my Mai-Tais. And I say only in this context because that is my preference. I will, however, try just about any other pair of rums to see if it works.

My long-winded point is that we all have our preference for the liquors in our drinks. Most of us try and stick to the original or authentic versions as much as we can (or afford). We shouldn't limit ourselves from other options because it might run contrary to what is authentic or original because it just might be better.

So, like I said... Expand your horizons and try something new and break your own rules in the next cocktail you make. You just might find something exciting to share.