Beijing Boyce

Hear ye, hear ye, the inaugural assembling of the Bourbon, Rye and Whisk(e)y League, heretofore known as BRAWL, convened upon the eve of September 23 in the year of 2006 in an establishment familiarly known as the Pub of John Bull but in due consequence to be christened the Texas BBQ of Tim’s. In attendance were seven founding fathers and two founding mothers, who imbibed four Bourbons of Kentucky and two Whiskies of Tennessee, and established Procedures, Policies and Plans for further congregations at which the Art and Science of Tasting and Evaluating Spirits shall be recommenced and heartened to such an extent that the words “the fullest” would best describe it. Founder Ed pontificated upon the process of manufacture and distinguishing characteristics of the aforementioned Bourbons and Whiskies to which our humble palates saw exposure. He expounded on the nuances that source of water, type of grain, duration of aging and material of cask might impart upon the ultimate form of these fine and worthy spirits. This honorable fellow noted his patronage of one particular Bourbon, named for the Fowl That Doth Be Untamed in Spirit Yet Plump of Body and Desirous Upon Certain Christian Holidays (Editor: Wild Turkey), for a tenure on approach of three score years. Founders Frank and Jennifer delighted attendees by generously sharing victuals that included the Smoked Meats and Baked Beans soon to be procurable from their new establishment, the aforementioned Texas BBQ of Tim’s, and Fellow Founders Mike and Debbie shared their estimable thoughts as to the merits and demerits of each Whisky and Bourbon served. Founder Tom recommended tactics and strategies by which to ensure the vigorous progress of the League, and drew upon his experiences with our fair city’s Society of Cheese, of which his esteemed wife, popularly known as the Vixen of the Aforementioned Milk Byproduct, is a co-founder. Founder Lee noted that he ranked among the few Men and perhaps the only one in our presence of whom his ascendant bears the same moniker as that of a particular Whisky, to which the attendees raised a glass. Of relations to the topics of liquids, founder Alan regaled attendees with a breathtaking tale of successfully swimming betwixt Qingdao proper and its attendant island, and henceforth, a few years later, falling slightly short in a similarly spirited water-borne effort in the waters off the City of New York. Worldly duties necessitated that Founder-in-Absence Kristan be in far and distant places that perhaps may posses superior Bourbons and Whiskeys in quantity and quality, but are without doubt lacking in the Comradeship found in BRAWL, though we expressed hopes that some of those spirits might accompany him back to our fair city. These minutes submitted by B. Boyce.

Now that I’ve put most everyone to sleep - and no, I did not write that under the influence - let me briefly state that the Bourbon, Rye and Whiskey League (BRAWL) held its first meeting on September 23 at John Bull Pub. It was the pub’s last event as the upstairs was being gutted for Tim’s Texas BBQ even as downstairs ten of us sipped our way through four Kentucky Bourbons - Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark and Wild Turkey - and two Tennessee Whiskeys - Jack Daniels and Jack Daniels Single Barrel. What a difference it makes to compare them side by side! Ed Ohlin led the meeting and explained how the Whisky- and Bourbon-making process.The group agreed to focus the first few future tastings on basic events, such as comparisons of Bourbon, Scotch Whiskey and Single Malt Whiskey, of 12-year-old Whiskies from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Japan and the U.S., and of five or six products from a single distillery. Those on the BRAWL mailing list will get an event announcement in the next two weeks. Those who would like to join, please email me.