Words On Wednesday

Summer vacation is a time when you go commando in cargo shorts and drink cheap spirits and beer while the kids play on a bouncy house. At least that's what it means for me. Except it's not summer, and this isn't vacation. I'm working from home, because of the coronavirus. With the risk of transmission of COVID-19, my employer has strongly suggested we work from home if at all possible. Because I don't have to commute to work or take a shower before I clock in (or get dressed for that matter), I can party pretty late into the evening and still get started with work on time. Plus, it's definitely hot enough to feel like summer. Hence, this is the working man's summer vacation. Recently, I picked up some Jim Beam on sale from my local Eagles. I've always got my eyes peeled for a good price on a distilled spirit I enjoy. Since I've gotten away from bourbon lately, a good deal on a cheap bourbon was just what I wanted to get my taste buds acclimated ...

During a recent vacation to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, I learned about the woeful unavailability of distilled spirits, and discovered a new brand of bourbon. At the beginning our trip, I decided that we could pick up some alcohol after we arrived and unloaded all our luggage. I understand that liquor laws vary widely between states, but SC tends to have some of the more strict laws than other nearby states. Hence, I tend to assume that I can typically pick up spirits during the same conditions as what I would be able to back home. When visiting an area that I’m unfamiliar with, I often rely on the expertise of local employees for information. Waitresses, store clerks, and other such workers almost always live nearby, and because of that, they usually know where the best options are for a variety of goods. In my case, I asked a waitress at our new favorite wing restaurant in the area  if she knew of any good liquor stores around. She asked if I’d seen the cross up in the midd...