I better not finish that. It might be considered copyright infringement.
If you’ve gone beyond having one or two favorite bottles, and started building a collection, you might want to consider starting and “Infinity Bottle”.
If you’re not familiar with the idea, you will need an empty bottle to start, or better yet, a nice decanter. The idea is that every time you open a new bottle, you add a small amount, creating your own unique blend, not available anywhere else in the world.
This is not an exercise in immediate gratification. At first, you will only be adding. Once it is full, then every time you add, you will need to take a little out to make room. As you make each “withdrawal”, you get to sample it, and watch your bottle change and evolve with each new addition. It is called an “infinity” bottle because in theory, there will always be some minute influence of every sample added.
One of the great things about this exercise is that there are no rules. But there are some guidelines, and some decisions to make:
- Will you use one specific type of whisky, or mix different types? While some enjoy the complex liquor produced by blending Scotch, Bourbon, and other types, others are “purists” maintaining an infinity of only their favorite type, or a separate one for each type. Also, don’t be afraid to start an infinity for other favorite spirits. Ginfinity, anyone?
- Avoid particularly strong flavors. A little bit of a dominant flavor, such as an especially peaty Scotch, will quickly take over an entire bottle. While a lightly peated style like Bowmore is probably OK, you might want to omit the Laphroaig. Another option, if you are a big enough fan of those, is to set up a separate bottle just for them.
- How much of each sample will you add? One ounce is probably typical. If you want to get off to a faster start, 1 1/2 or 2 ounces might not be out of the question. My suggestion is to keep the amount consistent. We are not looking to become master blenders here.
- I’ve seen articles that call for adding the final ounce from each bottle. I think that’s like someone asking for your last french fry. Seriously? I’ve been eating these things for 20 minutes, and now you decide you want one? Like the last fry, or the last bite of cake, nothing is as special as that last pour from a bottle. I prefer to make my donations up front.
- Sample first. While I prefer not to contribute the final ounce to the cause, I don’t like to use the first ounce either. When I open a new bottle, I like to pour a dram and sample it. That way, if I do find one that I just don’t care for, I can omit it. It’s the second ounce that goes in.
- Last, but not least, share! Although the rule is to only draw out as much as you’re going to replenish from a new bottle, don’t be afraid to take a little extra to pour for an honored guest, especially if you’re proud of your current blend. It will be replenished soon enough, and I think a special guest deserves a special pour. Whether it’s that rare bottle you found, one with a special story behind it, or yes, your very own personal infinity that isn’t available anywhere else, nothing makes me feel more welcome than a fellow enthusiast greeting me with “you have to try this!”
Have an infinity of your own? Thinking of starting one? I’d love to hear about it. And if you would like to receive notification of future posts, please consider subscribing.