I understand that I’ve become a bit of a celebrity amongst the GIN hiking and snowshoeing community and there have been requests to document my life over the past five years or so.
Well, I originally was a receptacle made of plastic containing 50cl of Johnny Walker Black Label 12 years old whisky, but these are distant memories. Since then I’ve had to suffer hot sun, freezing temperatures, wind, rain and snow in the side pocket of my owner’s rucksack with no consideration for my comfort. I’ve been out on many hikes and snowshoe outings and much to my chagrin, my contents have not always been appreciated or needed. Sometimes, the GINtlemen drink lots of wine from my glass cousins, so they’ve had enough alcohol by the time my contents are offered. I’ve been pulled out on the top of mountains, and in woods and refuges, and been drunk from shot cups, fellow plastic glasses, wine glasses and coffee cups. Some of the drinks I’ve contained have been a bit strong and apparently, some have been downright awful. Often noses have been turned up – you know who you are! However, some have gone down very nicely, thank you, and I’ve had some pleasant compliments.
There’s been a wide variety of drinks poured into and out of me and all have been recorded on cheap labels stuck on to my sides. I actually feel overdressed and as there’s hardly any room for more, I’m wondering if I will soon be consigned to those muddy and snowy trails in the sky.
So before that happens, here’s a list of the concoctions I’ve had to suffer over the years, in no particular order:
1. Limoncello – Italy
2. Lakka – Finland
3. Grappa – Italy
4. Slivovitch – Serbia
5. Lagrimas de Granada – Spain
6. Genepi – France
7. Sambuca – Italy
8. Prime Uve Nere – Italy
9. Le Truffier – France
10. Benedictine – France
11. Sirin Lingonberry – Finland
12. Linie Aquavit – Norway
13. Ballantines 12 year whisky – Scotland
14. Jameson whisky – Ireland
15. Manzana Ice – Spain
16. Genepi (again) – France
17. Ouzo – Greece
18. Tequila – Mexico
19. Poire Williams – Switzerland
20. Couderc Prunelle – France
21. Gammel Dansk – Denmark
22. Cognac – Armenia
23. Unicum Zwack – Hungary
24. Diplomat Diabolic – Venezuela
25. Liqueur de Cedra – France (Corsica)
26. Disaronno – Italy
27. Nocinodi Modena – Italy
28. Bohemian Kirsch – Czech Republic
Coming soon…
29. Bombay Sapphire GIN – England
30. Stolnaya Pepperoni Vodka – Russia
Cheers/Santé/Salud/Yamas/Sláinte/Cin Cin/Skål/Na Zdravi/Proscht/Živeli/Egészségedre/Kippis/Genats/A Salute
A selection of sightings of the Bottle (PedroPics)
For such a small bottle you have created much pleasure and some dizziness, sensible, strong or terminal. Your diverse libations have transported us all over the world, with our heads either in the clouds or preferably in mountain sunshine. You have brought a smile to many a weary hiker’s countenance, enabling the way home to be shortened by a transport of delight, stiffening our sinews too. You are commendably addictive. I commend you to all who may encounter you.
Pedro
PS : I have some Latvian Riga Black Balsam for you to try and peddle (45%) (All natural botanicals, single barrel process).
What a great bottle blog!
A highly spirited and fully international member of the GIN Group. Sometimes mellow and easy going, sometimes more complicated and less easy to fathom and sometimes it’s best just to keep your distance!
Given the small size of this GIN bottle, does this mean you have some 30 larger, mostly full bottles hanging around? That would be quite a collection. And, what about adding a 60-year-old Armagnac for a future snowshoe?
Dear Richard’s Bottle of Liquid Delights,
What a wonderful memoir. Seems like all that alcohol might have caused a bit of an identity crisis — calling your original self Johnny. Oh well, we all have our moments of misremembrance. Long may you continue to share flavors and memories.
And a (mostly) appreciative toast from me.
Iyechyd da !
And a (mostly) appreciative toast from me.
Iyechyd da !
Thank you iconic bottle for your autobiography – don’t feel downhearted as you are (mostly) appreciated. Keep refilling….