Scorpiofest 2007
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 1:07 pm
Last night Gayle and Martha hosted the second annual "Scorpiofest". The Bourbon Society has a large number of Scorpios as members so it is basically a combined birthday party. Last night was a great party. Gary and his wife Libby flew down to join us again this year (actually this was Libby's first but hopefully not last Scorpio fest). Doug Phillips was up from No Hope, er New Hope, Kentucky and this trio were are long distance people this year. John and Linda did not make it this year. There were many members of the Bourbon Society and all brought either bourbon, food or cigars or a combination of the three. I made homemade bean soup, Martha made some killer corn chowder with chicken. Gayle made a bourbon pumpkin pie, Carrie made butterscotch brownies that were out of this world. and someone (I did not see who) brought a Kentucky Silk pie.
The bourbons were plentiful and flowed freely. I do believe Gayle is going to post some pictures later so I will not try to mention them all. My favorite for the night was Shay's first find of old bottles and was an Old Grand Dad 1.75 from 1980-1981 - a grenade shaped bottle with some damn good bourbon in it. The bourbon was fruity with cherry and blackberry with caramel, vanilla and a hint of sweet spice like cinnamon and clove. Other great bottles included some of Gayle's finds from the other day - the Heaven Hill 8yo bond is excellent, Doug's usual case of mixed goodies like Virginia made Virginia Gentelman and Old Taylor and a few bottles I brought along. Gary enjoyed the 90 proof Jack Old No. 7.
As par for the course the party ended up in Martha's pottery barn - a converted garage, sitting near the wood stove, smoking cigars and playing name that bourbon. Someone would go into the house and pour a bourbon. The glass (or loving cup as we were calling it at some point) would be passed around for everyone to taste and then ask one question until someone named the bourbon. Shay's wife Joanna was very good at this game with many great question's, but then she cheated - she was completely sober whaen we started playing. Everyone else had had several drinks before eating and several more after eating and before we played the game.
The night ended with Gayle and Martha playing Murder Ballads (a Kentucky musical tradition) on Guitar, Mandolin and Banjo. If you ever get a chance to hear Martha on the Banjo you will have a real treat - she is very good. Gayle does alright himself on Guitar and Mandolin so it is a great way to end the night.
The bourbons were plentiful and flowed freely. I do believe Gayle is going to post some pictures later so I will not try to mention them all. My favorite for the night was Shay's first find of old bottles and was an Old Grand Dad 1.75 from 1980-1981 - a grenade shaped bottle with some damn good bourbon in it. The bourbon was fruity with cherry and blackberry with caramel, vanilla and a hint of sweet spice like cinnamon and clove. Other great bottles included some of Gayle's finds from the other day - the Heaven Hill 8yo bond is excellent, Doug's usual case of mixed goodies like Virginia made Virginia Gentelman and Old Taylor and a few bottles I brought along. Gary enjoyed the 90 proof Jack Old No. 7.
As par for the course the party ended up in Martha's pottery barn - a converted garage, sitting near the wood stove, smoking cigars and playing name that bourbon. Someone would go into the house and pour a bourbon. The glass (or loving cup as we were calling it at some point) would be passed around for everyone to taste and then ask one question until someone named the bourbon. Shay's wife Joanna was very good at this game with many great question's, but then she cheated - she was completely sober whaen we started playing. Everyone else had had several drinks before eating and several more after eating and before we played the game.
The night ended with Gayle and Martha playing Murder Ballads (a Kentucky musical tradition) on Guitar, Mandolin and Banjo. If you ever get a chance to hear Martha on the Banjo you will have a real treat - she is very good. Gayle does alright himself on Guitar and Mandolin so it is a great way to end the night.