Shorty mentioned about a weekend trip to Akron, Ohio soon. We did our version of Smokey & The Bandit two years ago to Akron driving up, grabbing bourbon and returning the same day without getting busted by Sheriff Buford T. Justice. A whirlwind trip that had me wanting to revisit the following week but y’all know…Covid.
After a long wait, Shorty, myself and 2 other good guys (Mr. Goulash & B-rad) made a weekend outing to visit one of their frat brothers, Beckett. One of the coolest dudes on the planet with a bourbon collection that rivals some of the best in America.
He was a most gracious host sharing plenty of open bottles and giving us a culinary tour of Akron. With LeBron being the number one citizen of Akron, I believe Beckett is a close second.
He wanted us to experience an AYCE Sushi bar. Being the raging redneck that I am, I was thinking; it’s bait, I can eat 25 rolls…Nope!
This was a place that didn’t want novices in their midsts. I ordered 3 rolls and my chest was all puffed out. Beckett bitched slapped me back to reality. These rolls weren’t the quarter size I was used to in Va., these bastards were the size of silver dollars.
An impromptu stop on Saturday had the group visiting a new watering hole in the 330, Smoke On The Water. A BBQ joint with a modest cigar selection and an impressive bourbon/rye selection.
Our bartender Drew was absolutely amazing! She made each of us feel like royalty and we enjoyed her banter.
One of the bourbons we were hoping to find in Ohio was from New Riff Distillery. This establishment had a nice line up along with a unicorn, New Riff 6 yr. Malted Rye.
After getting a sample, the bulk of us got pours and truly enjoyed that distilled goodness. This rich beverage maybe one of the best distilled products I’ve ever tasted.
That lasted about 15 minutes until Shorty opened his pie hole.
Shorty feeling generous asked about a fancy bottle on the shelf. Turns out it was a high price bottle of tequila – Gran Patron Burdeos Tequila Añejo.
He and B-rad got a pour and shared with the group.
DAMN!
I had no idea tequila could taste that smooth!
I would have never guessed in a million years that I would sample 2 of the best distilled products on the planet that day.
We retreated to Beck’s basement and enjoyed his open bottles. B-rad suggested that we walk down to the local cigar shop, The Cigar Lodge.
I’m always ready to burn one so he and I walked (or stumbled) to the local shop. A very impressive lounge with a private area and spots for newcomers. They had pool tables, a full Bar as well as a golf simulator.
I chose Davidoff Signature Toro to burn. I got a pour of the Willet Rye and B-rad got Weller Antique.
B-rad did enjoy the Davidoff and I’m sure he will buy more after this outing. We stumbled back to the house and sampled more whiskey. However, the next day, we head back to The Old Dominion.
crazynvirginia 