The older I get, the more I enjoy things I did not when I was younger. My taste for beer has changed, and I drink less of it, but still have a few favourites. Thanks to my wife and her influence, I enjoy wine more than I ever did. I no longer find hard liquors tasting like pure gasoline and burning my throat when I drink them.

One of the reasons I decided to blog is to explore things that interest me, or that I’m gaining a greater appreciation for. I would put scotch and whisky at the top of the list.

I like scotch and whisky. There are a few people who I can thank for this influence. Over the years in our thirties, my best friends were willing to try various whiskies, scotches, rums, etc. I tried here and there but never with any gusto. It’s funny because as wedding gifts for being my groomsmen and best man, I gave them all gifts of scotches I thought they would enjoy. I never thought I would ever get them gifts like that, but they were from the heart. I have also been fortunate to be gifted a bottle or two over the years of the good stuff they like. I appreciate that they would share what they like with me like that. I keep the bottles for their visits so we can enjoy their favourite drinks together.

My father-in-law has been a big influence on me. He provided me with the best advice I have received to date – keep a record of what I drink, write down what I like/don’t like and the reason. The second piece of advice is never to overlook airport shops. I found one of my favourite scotches, The Balvenie 12-Year Old Triple Cask, this way. Finding it in Ontario after I finish it will be problematic, but I have high hopes I will be able to! The more I do this, the more I will learn about what I enjoy and what I may not like. This is how he started and how I would like to start my education in this area.

My wife’s aunt and uncle have been another influence, and mixing the simple pleasure of a wee dram with another Scottish tradition that I love, haggis. Regardless, I appreciate the attention everyone has provided me to teach me over the years.

My hope is that I can further explore drinks that I try and talk about them with you. Maybe this will encourage you to do the same. Do you have a favourite drink or a discovery you have made that you want to share with others? Tell me in the comments below.