taking a tennessee swig

The wanderlust is getting stronger, folks. This time I’m having visions of creekside picnics, long hot (but wonderful) days full of distillery tours and some of the best folk music you’ll hear in the North America. Yes, those deep South states are calling out to me and it is only a matter of time before Byron and I will have to pack our rucksacks and head down there.

It is not just the sweet bluegrassy sounds that are sending out siren calls for me – it is also the beautiful brown liquors that make you want to sidle up to the porch in an antique rocking chair and breath in the fresh Appalachian air. Tennessee in particular is topping the destination list for me right now. It may have been a vision in the night or perhaps it was the Jack Daniels‘ party I went to last week launching the Sinatra Select bottle in Canada. Invited to attend the soiree at Teatro’s Opera House, I was sent a simple wooden humidor engraved with ‘Join Jack and Frank’ – enclosed was a Mombacho cigar.

Yes, it was a well known fact that ol’ Blue Eyes had a thing for a good bottle of whiskey and Jack Daniels’ was his first choice. It is no surprise that the two brands (Frank Sinatra Enterprises) eventually came together to create a flagship bottle that fans of both would enjoy and savour. The finish is smooth and the taste is reminiscent of butterscotch and caramel corn. I’ve never been much for sipping straight up booze but after learning how to drink it properly (ie. slowly) I find it quite enjoyable. So yes, you might find me curled up with some No. 7 on the rocks this holiday – not sure about the cigar however…

photos via + Jack Daniel’s