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The Whiskey Ledger with Bourbon Apprentice
Back in April of 2020 and amidst the height of the pandemic, a number of NC bourbon enthusiasts were brought together by my buddy Cam to establish what is now known as the NCBurbCrew. I could honestly write a full article on the group’s inception (and I might), but for now, you can just follow that hashtag on social media to find out more about it. One of the mainstays of the group, affectionally called the “Crüe,” is Daniel Spivey, who is @Tipples_And_Drams on Instagram. Daniel knows more about whiskey in his eyelashes than I’ll likely ever know. I’ve learned a ton…
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The “Euro” Pointer
By Edgar Castillo History reveals that this bird dog should be renamed to show its true countries of origin. Let us start with the origin of the Pointer. Just because “English” is in the description, it does not mean the dog originated in England. The English will probably tell you, yes, citing the old British policy to “Make the world England.” Think more along the lines such as the canine was “created” or refined on the British Isle. If an English Pointer could speak, it would tell you the same thing in a profound British accent. To their owners, we can refer to them as English Sympathizers, the Pointer is…
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Atlantic Brant & The Death of Blackbeard
It’s the morning of November 22nd, 1718, and the North Carolina Island of Ocracoke will be witness to a battle that will result in the death and beheading of the most famous pirate in history, Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. The golden age of piracy ended almost 300 years ago, but our fascination with pirates is as strong today as it was during the Golden Age. Blackbeard is, without a doubt, the most well-known pirate, but many myths and legends surround him...
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Heart Wood Trade Landing Nets
I love unique hand-crafted sporting items, especially when they have a wood component. I just love the beauty of wood grains and the way polished wood feels in my hands; that is why I always prefer wood stocks on my guns. I like a beautiful wood reel seat on my fly rods and exotic wood handles on knives. I also like to support boutique craftsmen that make these heirloom quality items.
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The Whiskey Ledger with Bourbon Apprentice
Last March – 2019…the year before COVID that sadly seems like a distant memory – I took a trip to Kentucky with my wife and another couple. Although it was only for three days, and there were no beaches or waves to be seen, it still ranks up there as one of my all-time favorite vacations. After all, it’s an adult Disney World of sorts. I’ve gone back and forth in my head about where to take this entry of the Ledger…do I want to go the history route, or do I want to reminisce? If you’ve read any of my previous columns, I think you know what direction we’re…
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Bringing Autumn Indoors
Happy October! Cooler weather, sweaters, bonfires, pumpkins, and all the spookiness. During this season, I love to bring the outdoors inside, by using pumpkins, dried florals, wood tones, and moody colors. I wanted to give you some practical tips for decorating during the fall season and how to incorporate in Halloween.
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From Alaska to Africa: The Art of Rebekah Knight
If you collect sporting or wildlife art, you are familiar with Rebekah Knight. If not, allow me to introduce you to this Missouri based artist. I have had the pleasure of knowing Rebekah for several years, and aside from being a talented artist, she also has a passion for wildlife and wildlife conservation. She recently had a break in her busy painting and travel schedule, so she graciously gave me a bit of her time for an interview.
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The Whiskey Ledger with Bourbon Apprentice
“Dad, what are you doing? Why do you do that?” This is a pretty regular question from my 11-year-old daughter as I’m nosing my bourbon one nostril at a time. “Because he’s a ______,” answers my wife before I can respond (you can insert, “nerd,” “idiot,” “tool” or other descriptive noun of your choosing). No matter how much grief I get, there will be no quit in my game.
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The Wild Fowl Tastes of Twain
When speaking about Mark Twain (1835-1910), we usually think of him putting pen to paper and not holding a fork. Twain loved to eat. Most people traveling throughout Europe would say the food is exquisite. Whether one is in Spain, France, or Italy, the cuisine is supposed to be the pinnacle of culinary refinement. However, for Twain it was far from it. Twain made it clear while traveling in the 1870s that he preferred and longed for good, ol’ American food.
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The Whiskey Ledger with Bourbon Apprentice
Some people may think bourbon heads and whiskey nerds are a bunch of drunks. I think it’s extremely important to dispel that rumor every chance I get. The reality of it is that we are like-minded individuals that enjoy getting to know people better through sharing the spirit we all love. And there are many ways to turn that passion into a way to help others as well through charitable efforts. My third entry into the Whiskey Ledger is a great example of that told through an interview with Brent Hamby from the North Carolina Bourbon Society.
