My dad is an amazing person.

He has dealt with me for years and hasn’t lost his shit yet, so he is pretty close to sainthood.

He might fall into potholes in Green Bay (see the picture below), but I’d take him anywhere he wanted to go. Except the waterfront in Sheboygan, but that is a story for another day.

I will forever hold this picture against my dad because he passed on “medical advice” and we missed the Packers game. Sure the medical advice was to take two pain pills and drink some beers, but it seems like the very Wisconsin thing to do (note: follow all medical advice – I’m not a doctor).

I can only hope my son will think of me the same way. Sure. I give my dad some shit, but he is a major part of who I am today. And I will be forever thankful. I would go to the ends of the earth (or miss an overtime Packers game for you).

That being said. He doesn’t like bourbon.

And that’s ok.

Let me explain why and give you a few reasons you shouldn’t care what people decide to drink. Partly because it’s my job to write about things like this and partly because why the heck do you care in the first place.

That being said, let me explain what I’m doing to explain bourbon to my dad.

I was going to write an article about explaining bourbon to my dad, but I think I could provide some more insight on a few different lessons. I think bourbon and life is more than just an article online, so I hope this hits a few different areas while still providing some value.

Lesson 1 – Bourbon Is Good and So Is Everything Else

Well duh.

My dad doesn’t like bourbon and that’s ok. He’s more of an Irish Whiskey guy (because he’s Irish).

But I have learned that it doesn’t matter.

My experiences in bourbon have taught me you can take a non-bourbon drinker and enjoy an evening with them. Regardless of if they enjoy it at all. I have sat by my dad and tried some amazing bourbons and scotch. And we have different opinions. And it’s great to disagree on something that doesn’t matter. He has learned about single barrel bourbons and has been to a few tastings. He still not a fan, but he is trying. And I appreciate it. The Evan Williams bottle at is great when I don’t have a beer in the fridge to drink (plus it was a nice tasting). And we go to bourbon tasting together. we don’t agree on most, but we enjoy trying it together.

And I’ll try it all again. And I hope we don’t agree. Because it’s great discussion when we don’t.

That’s the magic of bourbon. You don’t need the same tastes to enjoy a great evening.

Lesson 2 – Bourbon Isn’t What It Used To Be

From my experiences, I have learned that bourbon wasn’t great a few years ago.

Actually, it sucked.

I can remember a tasting at Four Roses where the nice ladies explained the history of Four Roses and their rise from ashes. And it sold me on the idea of better bourbon.

And I had to realize that some people had the idea that bourbon sucked.

And that’s ok.

Bourbon has evolved over the last 5 years and it continues to evolve. And those who haven’t enjoyed it might be surprised with the evolution over the years. And if they aren’t, that’s ok too. I just hope people give it a chance.

Lesson 3 – The Story Makes The Bourbon and So Does The Experience

When you really look at bourbon, it’s all about the story.

I’m one with a really good memory. I can remember what you ordered at a resturant if we only have met once. I remember what my students are interested in and how I can help them in the future.

And I remember the stories.

When it comes to drinking bourbon (or anything for that matter), I remember the experience. And 99% of the time, I remember the great time we’ve had. I remember the burning of a couch and I remember the riding in the back of a Jeep. I remember our trip to Green Bay and I remember our trip to DC. I remember the experience and I could care less on everything else.

And that’s the point. As I “teach” you about bourbon, I think the main point is that it’s the time spent with others enjoying something together. It’s the shared experience that I remember. I don’t need a crazy awesome bottle of bourbon, because who cares!? I want an evening tasting scotch (that I’m not sold on) that we can talk about forever. And that’s why. I enjoy the time spent and I enjoy remembering it.

Conclusion

When I look at all of this, I can say I’m blessed.

I have an amazing dad who might not get the credit he deserves. I know the sacrifices you have made over the years and I appreciate it. I’m a guy of a lot of words, but sometimes I don’t have the words for everything.

I hope my son realizes how much his dad loves him and I hope it’s as much as you love me. It’s sappy, but I have a great dad who worked his ass off to make my life awesome. And he should probably stop being such a cheap ass.

If you are reading this far, I hope you learn that bourbon is more than a spirit. It’s an experience that should be shared with everyone you love. And it’s ok to overshare.

CW