Mike, in my drinking days I was lover of Scotch and Liane favored Rum, especially Bacardi Black. My attraction to Scotch might have had something to do with the frugal Whisky rather than the wastrel Whisk
ey on the label. In 1996, we took a two week drive in England and Scotland, including my bucket list tasting tour of the Whisky Trail. Best stop was the
Edradour Distillery near Pitlochry, which was the smallest in Scotland back then (lots of small craft distilleries have sprung up since). Had my last drink almost 23 years ago but didn't have the courage to throw out anything in the liquor cabinet. In addition to the thick layer of dust on everything, the plastic bottle of Popov vodka has imploded a bit. I also feel like my not needing a drink shouldn't stop a visitor from having one.

Actually, the Popov vodka was a special purchase for a friend who only drank Smirnoff vodka and hated the taste of any other brand. When I finished off the Smirnoff one morning I decided to refill it with the cheapest stuff I could find. Served a ****** Mary and later a Screwdriver to my friend, pouring the vodka from my "Smirnoff" bottle and was truly surprised she gagged it down without a word. I can easily believe a whisky drinker who takes it neat or with an ice cube or two can tell the difference between top and bottom tier stuff (especially the single malts). But I have a hard time believing a Taquila drinker can tell the difference between a Margarita made with
Patrón from one made with
Los Cabos Silver. The salt on the rim might be an easier test -- is it Himalayan or Fleur de Sel? -- with the color being a hint. My guess would have been Morton Kosher regardless because that's what's in the bucket next to our stove.