For many drink enthusiasts, Scotch and Bourbon stand strongest at opposite ends of the “brown spirit” battlefield. To the West, the sweet punch to the face of Bourbon, America’s whiskey; to the East, Scotch whisky — a deep, smoky Highland warrior.

While plenty of whisky — or “whiskey,” take your pick — drinkers cross sides, most have their favorite kind. Far more, however, couldn’t tell the difference between a Maker’s Mark and a Johnnie Walker, or don’t realize there’s a difference in the first place.

If you’re only experience with drinking whisk(e)y involves a chaser, you’re doing it wrong. Not that shots suck (never would I say such a thing), but they do limit the drinking experience to “not drunk” and “drunk,” without leaving room for a bit of beverage enjoyment – you know, tasting the whisky, not just washing it down.

Between that and not knowing where to start among the thousands of different whiskeys, it doesn’t seem worth the effort when alcohol still works, regardless of what you know.

But with a little bit of knowledge, a whole new world of drinking is opened up to you. Plus, people will think you’re smart. Here’s how to spot the differences and appreciate Scotch and Bourbon alike. (more…)

Like clothes, jobs, favorite movies and whether or not you voted for George W. Bush, the type of cocktail a person drinks says a lot more about a person than you might think. Fortunately, the lovely Dr. Jackie Black has laid out the lowdown on what a girl’s drink of choice says about her. Read and learn… and then drink.

Click on a cocktail to see what secrets her favorite beverage reveals about your girl’s inner self.

Scotland is a country that is part  of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east. Scotland is also kinda of f**ked up. I I just got back from spending a week there and here are 5 F**ked Up Things I encountered. (more…)

So you wanna be a badass, eh? Here’s your chance. Scotch liqueur maker Drambuie is giving away a spot in their annual Dambuie Pursuit, a grueling and ridiculously rad 100-mile adventure race through the Scottish Highlands, which includes a canoe race on the river Ness, an uphill mountain bike race, rock climbing and off-road dune buggy racing, all of which re-trace the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie, for whom the spirit was created in 1745.

Just head over to Pursuitof1745.com by December 31st to register you and a three of your friends on a team. Or, if you’d rather not be a team leader (or don’t have three friends), you can sign up to land a spot on the “celebrity team,” headed up by actor Sean William Scott. If chosen, you and your team will have all travel and hotels expenses paid, a shot at Drambuie Pursuit-winning glory – and a hell of a lot of whisky.

It’s just a cocktail… or is it? Relationship expert Dr. Jackie Black says your girl’s drink of choice says alot more about her than you might think.

Click on a cocktail to see what secrets her favorite beverage reveals about your girl’s inner self.

                   beer                           martini                           scotch                           red wine

              lemon drop                 champagne                         cosmo                      rum and coke

In your mind you may be Rico Suave, but it never hurts to read over a few pointers on how to charm a lady. I’ll keep it short and sweet so you can get back to sleeping, studying, ripping that bong or doing whatever people do on a Friday morning.

Do Say:

“If you’re not having fun wherever we go just let me know, ok? It’s no big problem.”

In giving your date the option to opt out of a certain plan, you’re showing respect before she earns it. If you’re worried about her being an unhappy, bitchy control freak, you’ll find out soon enough – and you’ll know to never call her back.

“I know we were going to ____ next, but why don’t we just say screw it and go to _______ instead?”

Spontaneity is key in having a quality date. Don’t let the idea of what dating is supposed to be determine your night. At the very least open both of your nights to new places and possibilities. A boring date can be turned on its head with the right attitude and lack of inhibition. (more…)