BBQ Weather? Is that you? I believe so. Temperatures are in the high 80s and 90s all day and all night. The smell of charcoal is in the air. Mosquitos are fiending for arms and legs that hold that good blood. And flies. Flies just are annoying for no damn reason. But hey, what’s summer without going outdoors? A warm winter if you ask me. And winter is coming…

One of the things I love about life is the ability to travel. The world is such a big and interesting place. For me, travel is a way to escape but more importantly a way to learn and digest other cultures. Speaking of digesting, food and drink are important to every culture on this planet. Whenever I travel, I like to partake in the local flavors. This curiosity gives me a taste of what the local people eat and drink so that I can experience a piece of their customs and culture.

“Doctor, Keith E. Cradle…” When the proclamation was made and I walked across the stage January 20 in Tampa, Florida, I searched for my family in the crowd and I created the widest smile possible. My journey to doctoral status was complete. 4 years and one dissertation later, I now had my terminal degree. Which essentially means there’s no need for me to head back to school. Unless I want to sign up for classes and keep that in-school deferment. Because, Navient be calling.

The day has come. Yup, it’s here. And I am not talking about spring/summer. Nor I am talking about the day all humans become zombies and I retreat to Atlanta. I am talking about the day where this column discusses one of the spirits I swore off years ago. Man. Who would have thought that I would writing a column on booze, about booze and better ways to try such booze? Not me but here we are. And given that fact, I cannot gloss over certain liquors given my history or lack of enthusiasm. I should, must and will write about them all. So, the day has come…let’s talk about gin.

Spring! Is that you? Perhaps. Maybe. According to the calendar, yes. But with this weather and some form of global warming it’s hard to tell. However, the months that encompass spring and summer are upon us which bring warmer temps. And BBQs. And beach weather. And cool drinks. If you are like me, that still means wine [wine all year around for me] and what a better way to break the habit of red wine than with white wine.

Today is a very special day given it is birthday of the Founder/CEO of Virile! While he likes to be behind the scenes and somewhat anonymous [hence the reason I am not giving out his government name], it is a joyous day and one that needs to be celebrated. This website would not exist if not for his creativity and ideation of making it a reality.