#bushmills irish whiskey

[sandiegosisters]

A big thank you to the liquor sponsors for CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION ~ Crystal Head Vodka, Bacardi, and Bushmill's Irish Whiskey

Thank you to Dottie Deville from the Til-Two Club for securing the sponsors and creating a special cocktail menu just for CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION tomorrow night.

Join us for a drink and an extensive entertainment line-up starting at 7PM.

Your suggested donation of $5 benefits the ACLU Drag Defense Fund

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION is the Novice Project of Judith Priest

#sistersofperpetualindulgence #cocktails #liquorsponsors #bacardi #bushmillswhiskey #crystalheadvodka #pride🌈 #childrenoftherevolution

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[lifeinthewg]

I can vouch for the Black Bush – it is smooth and sublime.

A little late for St. Patrick’s day, but…

The Old Bushmills Distillery is a distillery in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The distillery is a popular tourist attraction, with around 120,000 visitors per year. According to the company, a distillery by this name was first recorded in 1743, although at the time it was “in the hands of smugglers” (in a quote attributed to Victorian whiskey journalist Alfred Barnard).

All of the whiskey bottled under the Bushmills whiskey brand is produced at the Bushmills Distillery. A license to distill in the area was granted to Sir Thomas Phillipps in 1608 by King James I, and the 1608 date is printed on the labels of the Bushmills brand whiskey. It uses water drawn from Saint Columb’s Rill which is a tributary of the River Bush.

Bushmills uses two kinds of malt, one unpeated and one slightly peated. The distillery uses triple distillation, something they’ve done since the 1930s. The core range of single malts consists of a 10 year old, a 16 year old with a finish in port pipes for 6-9 months and a 21 year old finished in Madeira casks for two years. There is also a 12 year old Distillery Reserve which is sold exclusively at the distillery. Black Bush and Bushmills Original are the two main blended whiskeys in the range.

The Bushmills Distillery claims to be—and is almost unanimously considered to be—the oldest licensed distillery in the world.

I suggest buying a bottle so that when someone asks for an Irish Whiskey, you are in really good shape.

[play-now-my-lord]

A wrinkle to that "lmao the irish didn't invent anything for 300 years after the invention of whiskey" post is this: we don't think of distilled spirits this way now, but they were an early way capital controlled labor, with the equipment and expertise necessary to make potable spirits being mostly the province of at first monasteries, then prosperous landlords.

In an American context the introduction of spirits was absolutely devastating - they represented a cheap-to-produce (hence profitable to sell), shelf-stable alcohol delivery mechanism that cultural norms simply didn't exist to grapple with. Like most nations here had alcoholic beverages of whatever sort, but they were weak, short-lived ones similar to beer, and the resources necessary to produce them meant that they were consumed moderately or, if in excess, usually at special occasions. In the 18th century British empire, distilled spirits were considered a scourge both in an indigenous context and in the context of the British working poor. (See Beer Street and Gin Lane.)

And then you look into the history of whiskey distillation in Ireland... and the first people given legal license to produce and distribute whiskey on an industrial scale were English mercenaries-turned-landlords. Old Bushmills was established by an English soldier of fortune!

In short, even at the time, the idea that cheap spirits would be bad for the general life-quality of the working poor was mainstream in the imperial core, but that malevolence was seen as positive when imposed on imperial subjects - the Irish, native Americans, trade partners in Africa and Asia. This represents an early form of the narco-imperialism that matured by the time of the Opium Wars and is present in the war on drugs pushed globally by America today

[evita-shelby]

We didn't start the fire

Jack and Katie Nelson end up meeting Rose and Samuel Coldwell after getting arrested for the same crime in the same neighborhood

rose and sam belong to @justrainandcoffee

cw: drinking, drunk people, arson, absent dad, arrests

When Jack and Katie decided to track down his father, whom not even his elder half-brother knew, they didn’t think they’d end up in London.

Eva had come on business and while she did what she came here for, Jack had called Katie, who was visiting Colin’s family here, and went pub crawling for old time’s sake.

He should’ve known it was a bad idea when, despite being busy with vlogging everything they did, his sister managed to find his dad’s address. Katie was white girl wasted by now and Jack had reached that point of fuck it we ball moment of the night.

Jack had gotten a bottle of Bushmills Whiskey for the road somehow remembering that was his dad’s favorite drink when Eamon O’Neil met Rosemary Nelson during graduate school.

When they found the nice house empty and showing signs of a happy upper middle-class family it brought up all those times his mother struggled to raise him and his sister and all those times he could’ve used a fucking dad.

“Fuck him! Fuck that guy, you don’t need him, Jack. You hear me!” Katie pulls him down to her height as she assures him that his father doesn’t deserve to even know him.

And suddenly the ribbon in Katie’s blonde hair is shoved half ways into the bottle they were sharing at the curb and the lighter he kept from that day he met Eva in Vegas is in his hand.

The Instagram video has him tossing a Molotov cocktail prefaced with the words, “Fuck you!”. An iconic moment followed by him angrily ranting at the security camera closest to him about how Eamon O’Neil was a piece of shit who abandoned two pregnant women in Boston during his time at MIT.

In the same neighborhood, Rose and her brother had done the same to the house of Samuel Coldwell.

They are put in the same cell and nature takes its course.

Katie leads the way, always the funny charming one who knows how not to step on people’s toes while Jack has the subtlety of Godzilla trampling Tokyo. But with a few drinks in, a shared hatred of their absent fathers and being in here for the same crime two Irish Catholics and two English Jews become unlikely friends.

“Yeah, Jack can make molotov cocktails because he w---” Jack using his sister’s drunk state and his greater height to successfully put his hand over her mouth to prevent her revealing where his skills came from.

“Huge fan of the Good Place.” He says with a laugh that works good enough for the two women who end up changing the topic while Sam Coldwell silently agrees to keep his secret.

He’d been in a gang until he got too good at it and pissed off the leader causing him to end up in fucking Melbourne, Australia to avoid prison. Luckily there had been no proof and Jack was able to return with a masters in finance and a short but lucrative career as a webcam model.

Now he had graduated from Harvard Business College, gotten the investment firm off the ground to great success and would marry the love of his life if she could just get here to bail them out.

“Do you guys need any help getting bailed out, my girl says she doesn’t mind.” He offers after the phone call goes well enough.

“My brother-in-law is already coming, thanks for the offer.” Sam rejects the offer, and both guide their sisters ---who are tearfully bidding each other farewell and exchanging numbers as jumbled as they come out their mouths--- out of their cells.

Jack finds Eva chatting amicably with what he presumed is Rose’s husband and greets his future wife with a short kiss and threw his arm over her shoulder before asking, “How do you guys know each other?”

“We fucked the same guy.” Evie answered far too casually as she led them out the station and into Colin’s car.

[jor-elsemissary]

Treasure Chest Opened! You Acquired 5 flasks of Bushmills single malt, irish whiskey neatly arranged inside the chest with a mysterious note~

“For the eventful times ahead,” read the note and Lionel frowned at the words and then at the whiskey. He didn’t know what it meant other than that something may be happening in the near future that’s going to leave him too stressed and overwhelmed.

He shrugged and crumpled the note before tossing it into the waste basket at the side of his desk. He lifted one of the expensive whiskeys and smiled at the age. “At least they sent me the good stuff.”

[stairnaheireann]

#OTD in 1608 – Sir Thomas Phillipps was granted a license by James I to the Old Bushmills distillery in Co Antrim, which is thought to date from at least 1276 – the oldest distillery in the world.

Uisce beatha is the name for whiskey in the Irish language. The word “whiskey” itself is simply an anglicised version of this phrase, stemming from a mispronunciation of the word uisce. This may in turn have influenced the Modern Irish word fuisce (“whiskey”). The phrase uisce beatha, literally “water of life”, was the name given by Irish monks of the early Middle Ages to distilled alcohol. It is…

[rickchung]

2023 Science of Cocktails x Science World x False Creek.

The sixth annual sold-out signature open bar fundraiser finally made its libatious return after a three-year hiatus to once again transform [...] into the world’s largest cocktail laboratory—all in support of its Bursary Program.

Lemonade & negroni rosa: Empress 1908 Indigo gin, honey, lemon, and lavender.

Fairground margarita: Cointreau, Teramana tequila, lime, sugar, and pineapple cotton candy.

Seaside black Manhattan: Bushmills Irish whiskey, Amaro Lucano, dry vermouth, black charred cedar bitters, activated charcoal, and dry ice.

Smoked old fashioned: Choya 23 plum wine, plum bitters, sugar, and cherry wood smoke.

[lsundarinfo]

Explore the Emerald Isle: A Dream Vacation to Ireland

Ireland, often referred to as the Emerald Isle, is a destination that captivates travelers with its lush green landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. From ancient castles perched on cliffs to lively pubs filled with traditional music, Ireland offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler. Whether you're drawn to its history, natural beauty, or warm hospitality, a vacation in Ireland is nothing short of magical.

The journey begins in Dublin, the country's vibrant capital. This city seamlessly blends history and modernity, offering attractions like Trinity College, home to the famous Book of Kells, and the historic Dublin Castle. Stroll along Grafton Street to experience the buzz of local shops and street performers or take a moment to enjoy the tranquility of St. Stephen's Green. Dublin's pubs are legendary, and no trip is complete without a visit to the Temple Bar district, where you can sip a pint of Guinness while listening to traditional Irish music.

Beyond Dublin, Ireland's countryside unfolds with breathtaking beauty. The Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world's longest coastal routes, takes you through rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and quaint fishing villages. The Cliffs of Moher, rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, are a must-see, offering panoramic views that will leave you in awe. The Ring of Kerry, another iconic route, meanders through lush green hills, sparkling lakes, and charming towns like Killarney. For those seeking adventure, the Burren National Park offers hiking trails through a unique, rocky landscape dotted with rare flora.

Ireland's rich history is evident in its ancient castles, monasteries, and stone circles. Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence, or explore the Rock of Cashel, a medieval complex steeped in myth and history. The ancient city of Kilkenny boasts a well-preserved castle and cobblestone streets that transport you back in time. Meanwhile, the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, with its interlocking basalt columns, offers a geological wonder steeped in legend.

Food and drink are integral to the Irish experience. Indulge in hearty dishes like Irish stew and soda bread, or sample fresh seafood in coastal towns. Ireland's whiskey distilleries, such as those in Jameson and Bushmills, offer tours and tastings that provide insight into the craftsmanship behind this iconic spirit. Pair this with the warmth of Irish hospitality, and you'll feel right at home wherever you go.

For those planning to explore Ireland by car, it’s important to note the driving requirements for foreign travelers. An International Driving Permit Ireland (IDP) is highly recommended for visitors wishing to rent a car and drive in Ireland. The IDP serves as a translation of your home country’s license and is essential for smooth communication with local authorities or rental agencies. Driving in Ireland is a unique experience, with its narrow, winding roads and breathtaking scenery. Keep in mind that the Irish drive on the left-hand side, and be prepared for occasional encounters with sheep crossing rural roads. With an IDP in hand and a sense of adventure, you'll have the freedom to explore Ireland’s hidden gems at your own pace.

As your Irish adventure comes to a close, the memories of rolling green hills, lively pub sessions, and the warm smiles of locals will stay with you long after you leave. Ireland is more than just a destination; it’s a feeling—a sense of belonging, wonder, and joy that lingers in your heart. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and genuine hospitality, Ireland offers a vacation experience like no other. As you pack your bags and bid farewell to this enchanting island, you’ll likely find yourself planning a return trip to discover even more of its magic. Safe travels, and may the luck of the Irish be with you on your journey!

[bizonmark]

Baileys Original Irish Cream - 1L

Baileys is produced using the best quality ingredients: fresh Irish dairy cream, Irish whiskey, finest Irish spirits, cocoa, and vanilla. We only use the finest ingredients in our Original Irish Cream liqueur. We source our Irish whiskey from a number of quality distilleries including the famous Old Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim. The whiskey complements the full, richness of the fresh Irish…

[bar-blend-tales]

Τα πιο δημοφιλή ποτά για κάθε γούστο!

Ποιο είναι το αγαπημένο σου ποτό;  Αν δεν έχεις αποφασίσει ακόμα, μην ανησυχείς! Υπάρχει μια τεράστια ποικιλία που σε περιμένει να την ανακαλύψεις και να την απολαύσεις!

Από το ουίσκι με χαρακτήρα μέχρι τη δροσιστική βότκα και την αρωματική τεκίλα, τα αγαπημένα σου ποτά είναι εδώ για να κάνουν κάθε στιγμή πιο απολαυστική! 😎

Αν θέλεις να μάθεις πώς να τα απολαμβάνεις σωστά και ποια ποτά ταιριάζουν στη διάθεσή σου, διάβασε παρακάτω για να βρεις αυτό που σου ταιριάζει!

Ουίσκι: Ο κλασικός σύντροφος για στιγμές χαλάρωσης

Αν θες να νιώσεις την απόλυτη χαλάρωση, το ουίσκι είναι το ποτό για εσένα! 🥃 Είναι το ιδανικό συνοδευτικό για μια ήρεμη βραδιά με φίλους ή για μια στιγμή προσωπικής απόλαυσης μετά από μια κουραστική μέρα.

Το σωστό σερβίρισμα είναι το παν! Προτίμησε το ουίσκι σκέτο (neat) ή με λίγο πάγο για να απολαύσεις την αυθεντική του γεύση.

Αν θέλεις να το συνδυάσεις με κάτι, τα αγαπημένα συνοδευτικά είναι ξηροί καρποί, μαύρη σοκολάτα και λίγο τυρί. Απόλαυσε το σωστά, και θα καταλάβεις γιατί είναι το αγαπημένο ποτό τόσων ανθρώπων!

Ποιοι τύποι ουίσκι υπάρχουν;

Είτε είσαι νέος στο κόσμο του ουίσκι, είτε έμπειρος γνώστης, υπάρχουν τόσοι πολλοί τύποι για να εξερευνήσεις!

American whiskey: Αν αγαπάς το πλούσιο και γλυκό ουίσκι, δοκίμασε το bourbon όπως το American Eagle.

Blended whiskey: Το αγαπημένο της παρέας! Τα blended ουίσκι όπως το Bushmills είναι ιδανικά για να τα απολαμβάνεις σε κάθε στιγμή.

Irish whiskey: Αν προτιμάς κάτι πιο απαλό και ήπιο, το Tullamore είναι η ιδανική επιλογή για σένα.

Single malt whiskey: Αν θέλεις κάτι πιο έντονο και γεμάτο γεύση, το BenRiach και άλλα είδη single malt θα σε καταπλήξουν με την πολυπλοκότητά τους.

Βότκα: Το απόσταγμα που ταιριάζει παντού

Η βότκα 🍸 είναι το απόσταγμα που δεν χρειάζεται ιδιαίτερες συστάσεις. Είναι φρέσκο, καθαρό και ιδανικό για κάθε περίσταση.

Από σφηνάκια με φίλους μέχρι κοκτέιλ με στυλ, η βότκα μπορεί να τα κάνει όλα! Αν είσαι λάτρης της καθαρής γεύσης, μπορείς να την απολαύσεις σκέτη ή να τη συνδυάσεις με οποιοδήποτε κοκτέιλ σου αρέσει.

Σκέτη ή σε κοκτέιλ;

Η βότκα είναι εξαιρετική σκέτη ή σε κοκτέιλ όπως το Moscow Mule, το Bloody Mary και το διάσημο Vodka Martini.  Αν θες κάτι πιο φρέσκο, δοκίμασε μια βότκα με φρούτα ή αρωματικά βότανα!

Μερικές top επιλογές βότκας για να δοκιμάσεις:

Absolut

Beluga

Cîroc

Crystal Head

Τεκίλα: Ένα ποτό με έντονη προσωπικότητα

Η τεκίλα 🌵 είναι ένα απόσταγμα με πλούσια παράδοση και χαρακτηριστική γεύση που κερδίζει συνεχώς έδαφος στις προτιμήσεις των ποτών. Υπάρχουν διάφοροι τύποι τεκίλας που καλύπτουν κάθε γούστο:

Blanco: Φρέσκια και χωρίς παλαίωση, με πιο έντονη γεύση αγαύης.

Gold: Έχει ελαφριά γλυκύτητα, ιδανική για κοκτέιλ.

Silver: Κάπως πιο απαλή από την Blanco, κατάλληλη για σφηνάκια.

Reposado: Παλαίωση σε δρύινα βαρέλια που της προσδίδει μια πιο ώριμη γεύση.

Πώς να απολαύσεις την τεκίλα πέρα από τα σφηνάκια;

Αν θέλεις να ξεφύγεις από τα κλασικά σφηνάκια, απόλαυσε την τεκίλα σε ένα ειδικό ποτήρι snifter, το οποίο βοηθά στην ανάδειξη των αρωμάτων.

Ορισμένες premium επιλογές, όπως η Cabo Maya, η Clase Azul και η Don Julio, είναι ιδανικές για πιο χαλαρή και πιο αργή κατανάλωση, καθώς συνδυάζονται τέλεια με φρούτα, ξηρούς καρπούς ή σοκολάτα.

Gin: Το αρωματικό ποτό που ταιριάζει με όλα

Το Gin είναι η τέλεια επιλογή για τους λάτρεις των αρωματικών και φρέσκων γεύσεων. 🍹 Με γεύσεις που περιλαμβάνουν νότες βοτάνων, μπαχαρικών και φρούτων, το gin γίνεται απόλυτο must σε κάθε μπαρ.

Μερικές διάσημες επιλογές είναι το Beefeater με τον κλασικό χαρακτήρα βοτάνων, το Bombay με λουλουδάτες γεύσεις και το Bulldog, το οποίο έχει πιο πικάντικες πινελιές.

Gin κοκτέιλ που αξίζει να δοκιμάσεις

Το gin & tonic είναι αδιαμφισβήτητα το πιο κλασικό κοκτέιλ, αλλά υπάρχουν κι άλλες επιλογές για να απολαύσεις το gin σου.

Τα αγαπημένα Negroni και Martini είναι εξαιρετικές επιλογές που αναδεικνύουν τη μοναδικότητα του gin, ενώ μπορείς πάντα να πειραματιστείς με παραλλαγές και προσθήκη φρέσκων υλικών.

Ανακάλυψε το δικό σου αγαπημένο ποτό

Όποιο κι αν είναι το αγαπημένο σου ποτό, στο The Distiller θα βρεις μια μεγάλη γκάμα από ποιοτικά ποτά που καλύπτουν όλα τα γούστα, αλλά και αξεσουάρ μπαρ για να απολαύσεις στο έπακρο την εμπειρία σου.

Επιπλέον, μπορείς να βρεις και προτάσεις σε πούρα, ώστε να ολοκληρώσεις τη στιγμή με απόλυτο στυλ.

[sunmarketing]

Belfast, Northern Ireland

In this episode, the FAQ is: Using QR Codes. Are they safe?

  Today’s Destination is: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Today’s Misstep: My leaky water bottle was in the overhead bin on the airplane.

  Travel Advice: Secondhand stores in Belfast are good deals.

  FAQ: Using QR Codes. Are they safe?

  Answer: When you open a QR code, pay attention to the context and the brand because it could contain a virus or even worse. Be careful when accessing websites on your desktop, laptop, tablet, watch, or phone. Preview the destination before you go there.

   A QR code from a reputable source is more likely to be safe. It is best to proceed cautiously if you find a QR code in an unsolicited email or on a random website. Criminals have placed stickers over legitimate QR codes in public places like bus stops.

  Today’s destination: Belfast, Northern Ireland

  https://visitbelfast.com/

  The best part of Belfast, in Northern Ireland, is outside the city and exploring the countryside if possible. See the Giants Causeway, a national treasure of 40,000 hexagonal basalt stone columns that are 40 feet tall along the coast. These were formed 50-60 million years ago.

  For perspective, there are 70 million people in the UK and 2 million people in No Ireland. The UK left the Left EU, but there is still a Land border with Ireland. The overall goal is one nation across the island. It’s been mostly peaceful since the 198 Belfast Peace Agreement on Good Friday.

  The forecast usually calls for rain, so bring your gear.

I booked a tour that included many of the Game of Thrones locations, and I have never seen the films, so I was not very impressed. However, I'm told that scenic, narrow roads and unusual serpentine beech trees made this series memorable. It’s an atmospheric tree tunnel and a little bit spooky; on my tour, with Patrick as a guide, we made many stops for castles, caves from 400 million years ago, Bushmills’s Whiskey factory, churches, and pubs.

Castle at Carrick Fergis 

https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/carrickfergus-castle-p674971

  I have relatives from Northern Ireland’s Counties Leitrim and Louth, and my grandparents used to vacation along the Antrim coast and Glens National Landscape, a legacy of the Ice Age. I felt a tug of my ancestors here as I walked around a few graveyards in the countryside.

I enjoyed Queen’s University, the Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum, and Saturday Food and Craft Markets in the city. The Troubles Museum at Queen’s University was really good. Its full name is the Museum of the Troubles and Peace. It’s worth your visit, and it’s free.

  http://museumofthetroubles.org/

You can read about the conflicts between the English and the Irish. I heard about them growing up, as my grandfather was born in Ireland. I can have dual citizenship, which is very common among the locals here.

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster_Museum

On my next trip to Belfast, I will visit the following:

Titanic museum 

Black Taxi Cab Political Murals Tour

The Crown Pub

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/the-crown-bar/visiting-the-crown-bar

  Sandy Row: What is it? It’s part of the turbulent history of Belfast.

  https://belfastmedia.com/the-turbulent-19th-century-history-of-belfast-s-sandy-ro

  Maybe by then, I will have watched Game of Thrones.

  https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/giants-causeway

  If you need special accessibility help, you can find wheelchair-accessible tours in the show notes.

https://www.getyourguide.com/belfast-l442/wheelchair-accessible-tc239/

  What else is there in Belfast? Fairies

https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/irish-folklore-fairies/

Today’s Misstep: I had a leaky water bottle in the plane's overhead compartment.

  Tighten the seal on the water container. Mine leaked. I was on a plane and put the container in the overhead compartment. It leaked through my water container into another passenger's luggage on the flight. I was embarrassed to say anything but hoped nothing was ruined. Sorry about that.

  Today’s Travel Advice- Secondhand shops in Belfast have good deals.

    Connect with Dr. Travelbest

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In the news

  Check out this Dr Travelbest episode!

[yousaythatsooften]

I'm already shadow-boxing

I'm already listening and it's getting loud

so I do know that it's not really time to be proud.

Don't go "dropping chili knowledge into my brain"

Especially since it burns me up! Already been insane!

I haven't read everything everything just about everything though.

I think I can get my face under control fairly quickly 😅 🤔 😬 that's not gonna get me outta jury duty, though 😑 🙃

I seriously seriously soaked this brain a long time in a lot of Bushmills Irish whiskey.

And bacardi silver and Belgian ales. Yucky 🤮

[jeffgarvin]

Good Will Hunting

Grab a bag of caramels, brush up on your sines and cosines, and let’s go beat up some smaht kids. This is the hero’s journey of Good Will Hunting. Side Quests Elixir DAN’S ELIXIR: Rebellious 2021 Pino Noir   JEFF’S ELIXIR: Bushmill’s Irish Whiskey  

[stellar-waves]

staring down the sun [29] *

⏯ chapter index

⚠ warnings: suggestion of suicidal ideation

. . .

swallow your pride and drown

. . .

“Ye gonna talk to me, or are ye just going to sulk?”

Connor stares at the ground, avoiding his brother’s inquiring eyes. Murphy had followed him into the woods anyway, completely ignoring the “fuck off” Connor had yelled. And here they sit, on a rock next to some small stream running through the warm glow of October in Massachusetts. 

“And ye won’t talk to Elena,” Murphy mumbles as he picks leaves off a twig. 

Her name causes Connor’s jaw to tighten, and he lifts his eyes to follow the trail of water, watching it disappear through the trees. 

What do you want, Connor? 

He draws in a breath, his eyes still reaching far into the forest as he softly asks, “What do ye want, Murphy?”

“I want ye to tell me what’s going on in that head of yers,” he asserts. 

“No,” Connor shakes his head and finally locks his eyes with Murph’s. “What do ye want?” he asks firmly in Irish, hoping their Gaelige can help emphasize the deeper question he needs to know. 

The brothers stare at each other like they do whenever they’re on their wavelength. Murphy’s tone drops low as he admits, “I don’t know.”

Connor looks away, glaring down the stream as if it’s taking away everything he thought he knew. He rubs his hands together, sweeping his fingers over the tattoo. Veritas. “I want this all to be over. Because I��m responsible for…for everything.”

“Connor, it’s not just ye. We’re both responsible here. We’re in this together, have been from the beginning.”

“But I started it. I didn’t have to call that number from the Russian’s pager.” He rubs his palm over his face. “Fucking free will, yeah? God tells us to destroy all that which is evil, and this is where we end up?” He feels the realization drop deep into his gut as he stands up, and the words crawl out of his throat with ease. “Son-of-a-bitch should have taken me when he had the chance.” 

If only the water was deeper… 

“Stop.” He hears Murphy plead as he stands up quickly, moving closer to Connor. But Connor cannot focus his eyes on anything. He steps off the rock, his foot sliding a bit as he walks along the bank, following the water toward whatever void it disappears into.  Murphy’s voice becomes muffled as Connor’s skull fills with deafening guilt. “Just fucking stop that shit.”

Connor stops, looking around helplessly like he has nowhere to go, nowhere to disappear. He lifts his arms, running both hands over his face and sliding them up into his hair. His lungs feel heavy…maybe he can drown in his own misery.

“It’s all my fault.” 

Murphy grips his shoulders, holding Connor steady to look him square in the eye. “Nothing is yer fault. Ye hear me? Nothing is yer fault, Connor.” 

They stare into each other, their MacManus-blue eyes reflecting everything they feel, back and forth infinitely if God wills it. 

“I can’t…I don’t think I can do this anymore.”

Murphy’s lips curl halfway up his face, looking just like their mother. “Nothing has to be decided today.” He sounds just like their mother, too, every time she would remind them about the romantic notion of tomorrow. 

“But if ye wake up tomorrow morning and tell me ye want to stop…then we’ll stop. I promise ye.”

. . .

They mirror each other as they light their cigarettes, the smoke swirling from their tattooed fingers as they blink the bar into focus.

Romeo smiles, his brown eyes shining even in the dim light, and he wiggles a bottle of Bushmills in front of them. “So real men hide their feelings, huh?” 

Connor and Murphy blush, dipping their heads down as they realize the biggest difference between Rocco and Romeo had nothing to do with their performance as vigilantes. 

“Fuck. We’re sorry, Rome,” Murphy admits. 

The Mexican waves his hand with a smile. “Don’t worry about it. I knew what you meant, always.” He pours them all a shot of whiskey. “Thank God, Irish,” he toasts. The three men tap their glasses together before throwing back their drinks. 

“But if it wasn’t for us…” Connor starts, still reeling with guilt. 

Romeo nods sympathetically. “If it wasn’t for you, we all would not have fought for something. Right, boys?”

The twins turn around to see Rocco and Greenly sitting in a booth, holding up their own shots of whiskey with warm smiles. 

“If it wasn’t for you, evil would continue to reign.”

The boys turn back to Romeo, smiling at the Mexican. 

“Hell, do whatever you want with your feelings, but promise me you won’t stop. Promise you won’t stop fighting for good. Promise you won’t stop feeling. Prometeme.”

Murphy smiles, a small laugh breaking out of his mouth. “Nosotros prometemos.”

Connor taps his chest. “Mucho corazón, siempre.” 

A familiar Celtic tune fades in, just enough to draw their attention to the door. When the boys look back behind the bar, they see Romeo crying. Smiling through the tears, he nods his head to the door. “Thank God, Irish.”

They exit the bar and step onto the brilliant green grass of their sheep farm. Their Da stands at the top of the hill, looking out over the Irish countryside. His voice calls out, “While the wicked stand confounded, Doomed to flames of woe unbounded, Call me with Thy Saints surrounded.” He slowly turns around, his lips curling up under his silver beard. “My boys.”

Connor and Murphy look at each other, tears stinging their blue eyes as they approach their father. They shove their hands in their coat pockets, and both of them suddenly feel so small, like little kids. 

“Remember, sons, what ye have been called to do.” Da smiles softly, his eyes twinkling. “The question is not how far. The question is, do ye possess the constitution, the depth of faith, to go as far as is needed?” 

The twins share a look, their eyes burning from the salt. “Aye,” they say simultaneously.

Da walks forward, lifting his hands and cupping their faces, much like their mother used to when they were young lads. He rubs his thumbs along their jawlines, and the brothers feel his unending love. 

Connor blinks slowly, releasing the tears to roll down his cheeks. But when he opens his eyes, Murphy is gone, leaving Da cupping his face with both hands. “As far as is needed, Connor.” 

“But…I’m not sure I can.” He feels so weak, so embarrassed in front of his father. But Da smiles warmly as he wipes Connor’s tears.

“When yer heart feels it, yer very soul…ye will know.” He nods to the side, directing Connor’s attention to a stone path crossing over the hill toward a church. The sun catches in his eyes, and as he blinks he sees a figure walking away from him. She looks over her shoulder to him, her eyes and her smile shining as her hair blows around her face. Elena…

Connor tries to take a step, but his feet are heavy against the green grass, and he looks at his father with wide worried eyes. “Da?”

Da rubs a hand on Connor’s shoulder, that knowing smile curled up more under his beard. “You deserve peace. Creid dom, a mhic,” he softly assures. Trust me, my son. 

. . .

Connor wakes up suddenly to Murphy shaking his shoulders. His eyes struggle to focus, and he groggily swears in displeasure.

“Ye didn’t wake up with me,” his brother explains, a wash of worry coating his voice.

Connor’s eyes finally adjust as he sits up straight, pressing his eyebrows forward in confusion. “What?”

Murphy’s face is clearly distraught. What he occasionally lacks in logical thinking, he always makes up for in emotional maturity and empathy. “Ye always wake up with me when we share dreams. Ye didn’t wake up this time.”

Connor can tell Murphy is still recovering from the adrenaline rush. They were only separated for a few seconds in the dream, but it’s hard to tell how long Murphy spent in reality, fearing his brother would not wake up. 

Murphy gnaws on the side of his finger, studying Connor intently as he groggily sits up in bed. The dark-haired brother’s voice softens as he asks, “What happened to ye?”

“What do ye mean?”

“In the dream.”

Connor blinks, trying to hold on to that look Elena gave him, trying to hold on to what their father had said, trying to make sense of it all. He doesn’t even hear his own voice repeat the words, just Da’s gruff, soothing voice echoing back from heaven.

“When yer heart feels it, yer very soul…ye will know.”

Murphy narrows his eyes carefully. “The fuck does that mean?”

Connor shrugs and rubs a hand hard over his face. “No fucking clue, brother.”

Confused and unconvinced, Murphy moves to get dressed, as if it’s the only way he feels useful anymore. He chuckles lightly, a realization warming up his tone. “Ye’ll figure it out, though, yeah? I mean, ye always do.” 

Connor rubs his face again, like he’s trying to shake the lingering self-doubt. He watches Murphy stick a cigarette behind his ear, indicating that the dark-haired twin is ready for their morning routine of coffee and cigarettes. He raises his eyebrows curiously at Connor. “Ye coming?” 

He waves him off, still gathering his senses from the abrupt wake-up. “I’ll be down in a minute.” Murphy gives him a look but leaves without argument.

Blinking a few times, Connor gets up and pulls on his jeans. He glances at his healing wound on his abdomen, and as he picks up his t-shirt, a folded piece of paper falls to the floor. After he finishes getting dressed, he picks up the paper and sits back on his bed. And his heart skips a beat as he unfolds it.

A torn page from Elena’s notebook, with a sketch of Connor and Murphy. 

He searches for the memory, realizing that the drawing is from their first therapy session with Elena in prison. They had sat stubbornly in silence, staring at her for the entire hour. The memory becomes clearer as Connor remembers watching Elena’s hand moving a pen across that notebook. He figured she was writing down her observations and assumptions about the MacManus brothers. It wasn’t until later that he realized she had been drawing, too, during their sessions. Once, he caught a glimpse of her sketch of his rosary. Even after they escaped, he’d see her sketching something whenever they had downtime. But he never bothered to make the connection back to that day they met. 

He blinks, seeing her handwriting under the drawing. “Síochán leat,” she signed. Peace be with you. 

Peace. The enemy of memory. But something Elena believed Connor and his brother both deserved. 

The weight of his reaction from the day before pulls at his heart. He was feeling angry, hurt, and guilty all at once when she told him how Copley Plaza…how he set everything in motion. He’s not mad at her…he’s angry at himself and took it out on her. 

“Connor?” Murphy calls softly from the door. Connor quickly wipes his eyes, avoiding looking at his brother approaching. “Elena’s gone.”

The statement makes his stomach drop. “What?”

Murphy’s face creases with concern. “She left. She’s not in her room, and the guys haven’t seen her since yesterday.” 

Connor looks down at the drawing again, the image blurring as his eyes sting with salt. A tear escapes down his face as he replays that moment he pushed her away over and over, that moment he walked away from her. And now, he’d give anything to be able to take it back, to fix it…to know what the fuck to do with his feelings. 

“As far as is needed, Connor,” he hears Da’s voice echo in his soul.

His heartbeat accelerates, and Connor swallows hard, ready to drown from the adrenaline burning in his chest.

His brother looks on while Connor hastily ties up his boots and gathers his things, his mouth a thin line still laced with worry. Murphy picks up the drawing carefully, shaking his head with a slight smile as he studies the image and reads Elena’s handwriting. “Gotta love Catholic guilt, right?” But as he’s met with silence, Murphy’s face falls again, obvious concern coating his tongue. “Connor?” 

Drawing in a slow breath, Connor straightens his back and answers with certainty, “I’m going to go find her.”

He stares at his twin, his entire body aching with the truth he’s been so afraid to admit.

Murphy shakes his head. “No, we are going to find her. Me and you.” He hands the drawing to Connor, the half-smile crawling up his face again. “And I think I have a plan.”

. . .

. . .

⏮ [28]

[30] ⏭

[almanach-international]

17 mars : la Saint-Patrick, fête mondialisée

Ce n’est pas l’Irlande seule mais une communauté entière d’Irlandais de par le monde qui célèbre aujourd’hui leur saint patron et réaffirment haut et fort son appartenance irlandaise et combien ils sont « proud to be Irish » (fiers d’être irlandais). De Dublin à New-York, les trois maîtres mots pourraient être : bière, musique et danse ! Le caractère festif de la journée dépasse depuis quelques années la seule diaspora irlandaise.

À Dublin débutent cinq jours de fête où se mêlent carnaval, musique à tous les coins de rue, théâtre, feux d’artifice, défilé de plus de quatre mille participants devant un million de spectateurs dit-on, sans compter des pubs ouverts nuit et jour où l’on peut déguster tout ce que l’Irlande a de meilleur en termes de boissons alcoolisées : bières et surtout la fameuse Guinness, véritable symbole national, la Beamish ou la Caffrey’s, whiskeys Bushmills ou Midleton de renommée mondiale et le nom moins célèbre irish coffee.

Cette fête a traversé les frontières pour donner lieu à des manifestations parfois surprenantes. Outre Atlantique, C’est la ville de New-York qui abrite la plus grande parade le long de la 5e Avenue, au pied de la cathédrale néo-gothique St Patrick devant plus de deux millions de spectateurs tandis que la colonie irlandaise de San Francisco défile derrière la statue de St Patrick qui trône sur un char habillé de vert, couleur de l’Irlande, comme la plupart des participants à la fête. À Chicago, la rivière du même nom qui traverse la ville est, elle aussi, colorée en vert !

[leowhite092]

Dive into the World of Pairing Machine-Made Cigars with Beverages and Foods

Cigars, whether hand-rolled or machine-made, have a rich history and a devoted following. While aficionados often celebrate the craftsmanship of machine-rolled, they also have their place in the world of tobacco enjoyment. In this bookmarks, we’ll explore the art of pairing some of the best machine-made cigars online with various beverages and foods, enhancing your smoking experience.

Why Pairing Matters

Pairing cigars with complementary flavors can elevate the overall sensory experience. Just as wine enthusiasts savor the interplay between wine and cheese, cigar enthusiasts seek harmonious combinations. Here’s how to dive into the world of pairing:

1. Whiskey and Machine-Made Cigars

Scotch Whisky:

Pairing Notes: The smoky, peaty flavors of Scotch whisky resonate well with medium to full-bodied cigars. Consider a classic Glenlivet or Lagavulin with a Villiger Export Pressed Maduro, one of the top swiss machine-mades.

Best Matches: Highland Park 12, Ardbeg 10, or Glenfiddich 15.

Bourbon:

Pairing Notes: The sweetness and caramel notes in bourbon complement milder cigars. Try a bourbon like Maker’s Mark with a Connecticut-wrapper cigar like the Villiger Export Pressed.

Best Matches: Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve.

Irish Whiskey:

Pairing Notes: Irish whiskey’s smoothness pairs beautifully with lighter cigars. Opt for a Jameson or Bushmills alongside a mild cigar.

Best Matches: Villiger Export Pressed, La Paz Cigarillosor Redbreast 12.

2. Wine and Machine-Made Cigars

Red Wine:

Pairing Notes: Full-bodied red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, complement robust cigars or Cuban Cigars and Cuban Culture. The tannins balance the cigar’s flavors. 

Best Matches: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Zinfandel.

Port Wine:

Pairing Notes: A rich, sweet port wine pairs wonderfully with a dessert cigar. The sweetness of Mehari's Red Orient enhances the cigar’s nuances.

Best Matches: Ruby Port or Tawny Port.

3. Coffee and Machine-Made Cigars

Espresso:

Pairing Notes: The boldness of espresso contrasts beautifully with a mild cigar. Enjoy this combination after a hearty meal.

Best Matches: Dark roast espresso or a cappuccino.

Cold Brew:

Pairing Notes: Cold brew coffee’s smoothness complements a medium-bodied Villiger Export Round cigar. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon smoke.

Best Matches: Nitro cold brew or homemade cold brew.

4. Food Pairings with Machine-Made Cigars

Dark Chocolate:

Pairing Notes: Dark chocolate’s bitterness balances the sweetness of many cigars. Try it with a Maduro or Oscuro cigar.

Best Matches: High-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher).

Nuts:

Pairing Notes: Almonds, cashews, or pistachios provide a crunchy contrast to the cigar’s texture.

Best Matches: Roasted almonds or salted cashews.

Charcuterie:

Pairing Notes: Sliced cured meats like prosciutto or salami enhance the savory experience of Meharis Ecuador cigar smoking.

Best Matches: Prosciutto di Parma or Spanish chorizo.

Remember, pairing is subjective, and personal preferences play a significant role. Buy cigars, experiment, explore, and find what delights your palate. Whether you’re enjoying a machine-made cigar on the patio or at a cozy lounge, these pairings will enhance your smoking journey.