Science Review: An In-Depth Analysis of a Piece of Shit

Today on the menu we have...


Study Title: An In-Depth Analysis of a Piece of Shit: Distribution of Schistosoma mansoni and Hookworm Eggs in Human Stool


Authors: Stefanie J. Krauth, Jean T. Coulibaly, Stefanie Knopp, Mahamadou Traoré, Eliézer K. N'Goran, Jürg Utzinger

Recommended Pairing: George Dickel Barrel Select - high potential for a good laugh, means a whiskey for good times. 

Did I read the whole paper? 

Synopsis.

First I'd like to say that the work contained within is probably important to that field...but...WTF?  This is a legitimate, peer-reviewed article, about in-depth analysis of a piece of shit.  The word shit is used in the title.  If you don't believe me click the link, is leads to PLoS ONE, a legitimate open access journal.  You could argue that because the authors might not be native English speakers they maybe didn't quite use the correct wording?  WRONG.  The word shit is used only one other time in the end in quotations.  They knew.  Let's get to the highlights shall we?  I present to you:

Figure 1.  Field Procedures. 

I shit you not.  That is a person squatting, and in case it wasn't clear, that arrow points to the front of the piece of shit.  I love science.  

Figure 2.  How to process the shit. 

The shit is referred to as "sausage".  Enough said. 

Conclusion.  I don't know what their conclusion was (you can read it), I could never make it past figure 2 without laughing so hard that my face hurt.  At SOME level, this must have been a bit of a joke from the authors.  Getting the word "shit" into a professional manuscript as well as these two figures is a coup for the traditionally stuffy and all too boring science papers.  Authors, I congratulate you, this is amazing.  If I were ever to get a publication that contained content like this, I would probably look like:

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Whiskey Review: The Balvenie Doublewood 12 Years

Because sometimes, when it comes to good single malt scotch, one wood, is just not enough, so I present to you The Balvenie DOUBLEwood.

I wish I had some story as to how smart I was finding this particular bottle, but truth is, I was in a hurry at Bevmo (as always), and grabbed the wrong bottle.  By the time I realized it, I was home and really not in the mood to go back, so I opened it.  According to the label, this single malt scotch is matured first in a traditional whiskey barrel, which imparts the vanilla flavors.  It is then finished in sherry oak casks, which gives the fruity honey flavors.  Well I like both of those, so it is of NO surprise I really dig this scotch.   I tend to like sherry oak matured scotches like the Macallan 18 year.  You can clearly taste that grapey/fruity honey-like start here that is reminiscent of the Macallan 18, but what is not lost is that nice and unmistakable whiskey hit for the finish.  Throw in a nice smooth feel and you have a great scotch that all can enjoy.  

I have come across this bottle at various bars and restaurants, but not as often as I would like.  In addition, I have also spoken about this bottle to your average whiskey drinkers, and they were unaware of this yummy goodness.  Time to change all that. 

The numbers: I get it for $49 at BevMo when it's on sale, and it is worth it.

It reminds me of...that moment you butt hits the couch and you have nothing else to do for the day.

The verdict: I think I would be very aggravated if I opened my liquor cabinet and did not see a bottle of Balvenie Doublewood 12 year sitting there waiting for me.  Warning though, I have tried the 17 year version and did not find it to be worth the increase in price ($149!).  For your value, stick to the 12 year.  If money is no object, get the 17, and send me cash...now...

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Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Professional tasting notes:
TheWhiskeyJug.com
Whiskey.underthelabel.com

Whiskey Review: Cragganmore 12 Years

One day I came home from work and found a bottle of Cragganmore 12 years delivered to my doorstep.  It was a gift from my former student Matt, as a present following the publication of the first paper from my lab.  He was co-first author.  I waited all of about 30 seconds before I opened the bottle.  From the moment you even smell it, you know you are in for something.  After the first taste, it punches you in the face and says "I'M A SCOTCH YA WEE LIL'BASTID!!!"  It is assertive in flavor, but smooth at the same time.  As I am reading around about this scotch, I am led to believe it is the malt that gives it the strong flavor.  It is not smokey, not too sweet, and quite honestly, not as nuanced as some other scotches, but it is simple and up front.  Scotch.

Here is a video of me, immediately after that first taste:

The numbers: Since it was a gift, I don't know how much was spent on it, but online research says it should go for around $45 to $50.  I don't actually see it around much my normal stomping grounds, so online maybe the way to go. 

It reminds me of...that moment when you are hanging out with your buddies on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, not friends...the buddies that you always get into trouble with, and someone says "hey I have an idea, lets go and get a drunk stranger to jump over this barricade".  Just at that moment, everyone finishes their drinks, feeling invigorated and...

The verdict: I think that the unique combo of the assertive flavor, but yet smoothness makes it worth having, but probably not for the whiskey/scotch noob.

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

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Professional tasting notes:
masterofmalt.com
thewhiskyexchange.com

Whiskey Review: Basil Hayden Bourbon

This is probably my favorite bourbon.  It has an amazingly complex flavor while still being smooth with a nice mellow finish.  To be honest, I was never a big fan of bourbon, having only experienced the basics, like Jim Bean.  That all changed when my friend Julie introduced me to her brother, Todd, at a party, who was visiting from Washington DC.  Todd is a big fan of whiskey, but specifically bourbon.  I asked him to recommend something, and without hesitation he said Basil Hayden.  When someone is THAT convicted, you have to go with it.  I sought out a bottle the very next week and I have never regretted it.  Once my blog goes global, maybe Todd will be famous for something other than being the unfortunate reporter on the receiving end of this...

I might send Todd a bottle of Basil Hayden to help with the nightmares he must be having.

The numbers: I buy this in the least expected place for bourbon...CVS Pharmacy in Venice Beach.  Yes CVS.  I can get it for $39!! If you buy 6 at once you get 10% off too, so you'd be able to get it for almost $36 per bottle.  Anywhere else, they go for $42 even up to $50.  Even at $42 per bottle it is worth it.

It reminds me of...summer time barbecues, hanging out with friends at the beach.

The verdict: If you are looking for a bourbon to add to your bar, this is the one.

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

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Professional tasting notes:
boubonbanter.com
whiskey.underthelabel.com

Whiskey Review: George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey Barrel Select

I first met this bottle while on a date night dinner with my wife at Hostaria del Piccolo in Venice Beach.  As usual I went straight to the whiskey list for my pre-dinner drink, and I noticed one item: Dickel's Barrel Select.  Some tiny voice in the back of my head was telling me, "order that one, someone said it's good!"  I debated with myself for a long time, "but it has a funny name!"  When the waitress showed up to take our order, I decided to take the plunge.  In about 10 minutes, I ordered my second and never looked back.

There really is not much more to say about this bottle other than, it is really good.  This is an everyday kind of whiskey, exceptionally smooth, with a nice mild taste that leaves behind a nice warm feeling.  I want to say vanilla is in there somewhere, but I seem to find vanilla in most whiskies.  Most importantly, George Dickel's Barrel Select, reintroduced me to the playground that is American Whiskey, and I have met many new friends since.  Makes you feel all 'Murica and fuzzy inside.

The numbers: I get it for $42 at BevMo when it's on sale, mostly because I don't have the patience to wait for it, as you can see the bottle in the picture is almost empty.  If you can wait, I have seen it for $35 online, but expect to pay some shipping.

It reminds me of...sitting in a dark restaurant with my friends talking about old times.


The verdict: All alcohol enthusiasts should have a bottle on hand.  This is a nice whiskey that can be shared with whiskey and non-whiskey drinkers alike.  Although oddly, none of my friends have taken up my offer to come over to my place and taste my Dickels...

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

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Professional tasting notes:
TheWhiskeyJug.com
Whiskey.underthelabel.com