I've actually been exploring more wine lately. Never been much of a wine drinker but I had a very disappointing beer recently so I'm taking a break from beer.

Witch's Brew spiced red wine. Very tasty.

Problem is it's easier to become an alcoholic with wine. Beer is much lighter.

Not if you do it right.

Just drink whiskey. It's a tasty and spiritual experience.

Is the spiritual experience part where I should be going "Badum tssss" ?

My friend stopped by earlier with her hot buttered rum concoction, made with a dark rum called Diplomatico, apple cider, hot maple butter (oh God), cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Never had hot buttered rum before. So delicious and comforting.

Fun fact about rum. First, that was my main fix for 30 years.

About 6 months ago I made some molasses cookies and it was the first time I had a jar of the stuff in the house. Ended up REALLY digging the aroma and taste of it. It's sinfully sweet and all but there was something else.

Come to find out, molasses is basically the 'resin' you get leftover after distilling rum. I'm not getting any booze buzz but my brain sure is familiar with that particular sugar/dopamine rush.

Too bad it's so fleeting. :(

That's very interesting Chula, and in light of your post I've been reading a bit about rum production. A third of the Diplomatico was left behind here and I've been sipping it (*hic* :)) and it does seem very sweet to me. I understand this particular brand has added sugar (which not all rums do), but it also has a slightly spicy finish - which is probably why it was a good choice for the hot buttered rum/apple cider drink.

Alberta premium and mcclellands Islay scotch