Spirits

When I left school, I was summoned to The Headmaster's study, and, along with a few fellow leavers, was given a short lecture on 'life after school', etc.

He gave us two particular pieces of advice, the second (I won't mention the first) of which was NOT to drink spirits, as they should be regarded as 'medicine', and should be reserved for later in life when such things might be needed!

Well, I have followed his advice (plus the one I won't mention), and have restricted my alcohol intake to moderate amounts of Beer and Wine.

However, these days I have found myself drinking tiny amounts of either Single Malt Whiskey, or more often Rum. Just a thimble-full before bed.

We do also have quite a collection of Gins in the house. Not my tipple at all, but I'm pleased to see that there's a bottle of Brighton Gin amongst them. These are mostly reserved for Lady M's Friday Night Girl's Club Gin Parties.

I think most of the spirits in this house, are used for culinary purposes. I don't think anyone actually drinks either Cognac or Armagnac, but the bottles seem to empty quickly enough; especially around Christmas.

In France I have several bottles of 'Eau de Vie'. People make far too much (illicitly) and give it to friends, who tuck it away at the back of cupboards, waiting for the day when they need to clean some old tarnished brass. It's lethal stuff, and comes either made from Grapes, Plums, or Pears. It's best use is (diluted) for preserving Prunes or Greengages. Otherwise.... DANGER!

It's a bit dark and miserable at the moment, so I might well have a tiny tot of Captain Morgan tonight..... CHEERS.