The repairs to my motorhome from the Labor Day driveway incident are finally wrapping up, and now itās time for the fun part: stocking the bar. The smell of oak still lingers from the last smoke, and my Aged & Ore caddy sits ready, waiting to be filled.
It feels like that classic gameāif you were stranded on a desert island, what four bottles would you take with you?
Iāve got a bottle caddy from Aged & Ore that locks four bottles down safe and snug. Perfect for life on the road. But now the real dilemma begins: what deserves a spot? Do I pick my personal favorites, or try to pack a spread thatāll please everyone around the fire?
And then my wife upped the stakes: āWhat if you stumble across one of those unicorns youāre always talking about?ā
So now Iām down to three fixed bottles, keeping one slot open for that rare and magical find.
ā The Three Bottles Already in the Caddy
Weller Antique 107 ā Dadās favorite, always slotted first.
- Nose: Sweet caramel and vanilla layered over fresh-baked bread, with a whisper of cinnamon spice.
- Palate: Rich and oily with red fruit, toffee, and warm oak. The proof brings a pleasant heat without overwhelming.
- Finish: Long, with lingering notes of brown sugar and baking spice.
- Pairing: A nod to family legacyāpairs beautifully with smoked pork loin glazed in fruit jam, or simply with stories of those who came before us around the fire.
Smoke Wagon Malted Rye – Bold spice, a campfire in a glass.
- Nose: Campfire smoke, cracked pepper, and herbal brightness leaping from the glass.
- Palate: Bold rye spice, malt sweetness, and dark chocolate undertones. It grips the tongue like a frontier handshakeāfirm and unapologetic.
- Finish: Dry, peppery, with a smoldering oak ember that lingers.
- Pairing: Perfect alongside smoked chili or ribs, when the fireās still glowing and the night is settling in.
Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club ā Something special for the guests.
- Nose: Honey, light oak, and a soft floral noteālike walking through a spring meadow.
- Palate: Balanced layers of vanilla cream, dried fruit, and toasted nuts. Accessible without being simple.
- Finish: Medium length, smooth, with a gentle kiss of spice.
- Pairing: A great āsharing pourā with friendsāpairs with charcuterie or a simple cast-iron skillet dessert like peach cobbler.
š¦ The Unicorn Slot
That last caddy slot stays open. Maybe Iāll stumble across a Penelope Cigar Batch, maybe something unexpected. Thatās part of the adventureāalways leaving space for surprise.
This week weāre staying at the Edwin Coe Distillery, a Harvest Host nearby. The take-home pour wonāt be rare, but it will still be magical in its own right.
š¾ The Local Wild Card: Edwin Coe Distillery
While not a unicorn, my next likely addition is local: Old Coe from Edwin Coe Distillery. Sometimes the road isnāt about chasing rarityāitās about appreciating whatās made in your own backyard.
Old Coe
- Nose: Sweet corn and sugar cane, kissed with vanilla and honey. A faint fruitinessāgreen apple or pear.
- Palate: Smooth and approachable. Corn sweetness up front, with oak spice and a gentle warmth from its time in new American white oak.
- Finish: Moderate length, vanilla and oak trailing off cleanly.
- Pairing: A perfect āfriendly pourāāworks neat, over ice, or even in a highball. Ideal with grilled chicken or vegetables when you want something light but with backbone.
š Final Pour
In the end, my caddy tells the same story as the road itself: a mix of heritage, bold spice, approachable comfort, and a little room for the unknown.
Looking forward to the creak of the RV, the glow of the embers, and a glass in handāitās all part of the journey.
So Iāll throw it back to you:
If you could only pack three bottles and leave one open for a unicorn, what would your bar look like?
š Join us next week as I share more Smoke, Oak, and the Open Road stories. Follow along for bourbon, fire, and a pour of the unexpected.