Due to the way that heat from one’s hands can tend to melt ice in an otherwise splendid cocktail, thus dilluting the spirits within, it is commonly held that ice shouldn’t be introduced to a serving of fine Scotch whisky. Instead, it is widely recommended that mixologists opt to serve it “neat”. However, the Macallan Company (makers of the Scotch of the same name) are now offering a device which creates a perfectly round ice ball, which by itself can add its frosty element to your quality spirit, without compromising the age and flavor. But how exactly does a round ball of ice cool your drink more effectively than a regular ice cube?

By virtue of its pleasant round shape, a ball of ice not only floats conveniently in the center of your beverage, but it also has less surface space capable of being in close proximity to the edges of the glass, where heat from one’s hand can collect. Macallan’s ice-maker can be viewed by following this link.

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Beer Ya'll

Recently I was treated to a viewing of the new film Beer Ya’ll by Curt and Will Arledge. The film’s motto is “Beer. Rock & Roll. North Carolina” (trust me, this describes it very effectively) and details the July 2008 trip seven friends made across North Carolina to tour 27 microbreweries and brewpubs, ranging from the mountains to the coast in a seat-less cargo van. “Beer Y’all follows their nine days of hanging out with brewers, partying at rock shows, and drinking many, many beers as they celebrate friendship, music, and a Southern microbrewing explosion,” their website states. But fortunately for those interested in craft-brewing, there is quite a bit more “meat on the bone” with regard to the way this film portrays the cultural aspects of the fine art of brewing beer, and in addition to learning a lot, those who view this film stand to gain a bit of worldly perspective that has been growing in the mountains and foothills of NC for the last few decades.

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Perhaps the distorting effects of the beer goggles helped the parking area appear to be ten feet closer to the liquor store wall...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Normally, this kind of story doesn’t really have to rely on commentary from those of us at Culture of Spirits, and instead would have been filtered over to the RECENT HEADLINES section. However, the extraordinary serendipity exhibited here warranted an actual post, since this is close to being one of those “dumb criminal” stories; I say so, specifically, due to the vivid illustration we’re given of the obvious dangers of drinking while under the influence. Like the chemist drowning in a huge vat of his own toxic concoction, or Batman suffocating under a mountain of guano, in this story, synchronicity strikes, perhaps a bit harder than usual.

As reported by Tacoma, Washington’s News Tribune, “a suspected drunken man trying to get more alcohol crashed his car into an Edgewood liquor store Tuesday, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said. The 52-year-old man pulled into the state-run liquor store about 11 a.m. and, unable to stop, crashed the car through the front of the store, sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said.”

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Recent legislation has introduced tough new anti-smoking laws in the U.S., which now give the federal government sweeping power over how cigarettes are made, packaged, and sold. Recently, President Barack Obama commented that, “Along with legislation to protect credit card owners from unfair rate hikes, homeowners from mortgage fraud and abuse, and taxpayers from wasteful defense spending, this kids tobacco bill would be the fourth piece of bipartisan legislation that I’ve signed into law over the last month that protects the American consumer and changes the way Washington works and who Washington works for.”

Cigarettes displayed for sale

“It will force these companies to more clearly and publicly acknowledge the harmful and deadly effects of the products they sell,” said the president, “and it will allow the scientists at the Food and Drug Administration to take other common sense steps to reduce the harmful effects of smoking.” The intention here, I believe, is honest and good. Also, I think that we members of the cultured alcohol elite would all agree that keeping potentially harmful products like cigarettes away from minors, much like preventing underage drinking, is of great merit without question. Still, the notion that the tobacco industry is being handed over to the FDA to be regulated doesn’t sit well, since it evokes the beginnings of something we already know is inherently flawed: Prohibition.

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Australia, as seen from a little higher up than your potential flight may take you.

Arguably, one of the most appealing things about being a frequent flier is the ability for one to enjoy cocktails while traveling without having to be concerned about getting DUIs and other nice law enforced punishments for imbibing prior to operating a vehicle. Of course, most airlines charge something akin to five bucks per pony bottle of spirits, in addition to whatever soft drink you may want to mix it with. However, this may not be the case for passengers en route to the land-down-under.

Up until recently, Qantas Airlines has been the only carrier to offer unlimited free alcoholic drinks on their flights from Los Angeles to Sydney route, since all other major US airlines have removed such services in years past. However, Delta airlines has now decided that following suite with the provision of free alcohol may help them garner attention from long-distance travelers, by offering free beer and wine on their flights.

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