In 2007, Congress declared September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. I have adopted this as a personal annual resolution since my birthday is in September and because I like resolutions I can keep. I have been strongly devoted to my cause, tasting a few of my favorites this month, including Blanton’s, Basil Haydon’s, and Eagle Rare. 

I also stopped by Char No. 4 on a recent evening to sample some Larceny, a wheated bourbon produced by Heaven Hill. In contrast to their wheat whiskey – the delicious Bernheim – a wheated bourbon still follows the bourbon rules of 51 to 79 percent corn, but the rest is wheat instead of, say, rye. Not too sweet, not too much of a kick in the gut, it’s a nice balance. And makes a really good Manhattan.

I would normally advise against putting anything between me and a bottle of Scotch I would like to drink. But my boyfriend gets a pass – this time. He waited patiently on my birthday for me to get off work late, agreed to go out to dinner rather than get take-out, then bid his time while my mom called. Finally, he asked, “Don’t you want your presents?” 

Oooh, presents. 

Even better, he hands me a canister with a bottle of Benromach single malt Scotch inside. 

Oooh, whisky. 

Excitedly, I tear the top off the canister and there’s my Scotch. With something shiny taped to the top (yes, with Scotch tape). It took a moment to realize what was going on in this canister. But with a little prompting, I figured it out. And we conveniently had the Scotch at hand to celebrate! 

Tasting notes:
Color: Platinum with clear and dark blue
Palate: A nice kiss
Finish: Lasts a lifetime
Price: Most expensive bottle I’ll ever receive

Oh, and the Scotch? One of the best I’ve ever tasted. I would describe it as extremely memorable.