Spring in a Glass: The Vernal Equinox Bourbon Sour

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring! 🌸 The Vernal Equinox Cocktail

Is your palate still wearing a heavy winter coat? It’s time to trade the leather jacket for something bright, crisp, and vibrant! In Episode 63 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey introduces The Vernal Equinox—a sophisticated, spirit-forward riff on the classic whiskey sour that celebrates the return of the light.

This isn’t your average sugary fruit punch. By using Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond as a high-rye foundation and swapping traditional simple syrup for the jammy, sophisticated notes of Starlight Blackberry Whiskey, we create a “Dark Fruit Transition” that is perfectly balanced by fresh lemon and floral plum bitters. Plus, we’re achieving that luxurious, pillowy “cloud layer” using Fee Foam for a silky mouthfeel without the egg white.

In this video, you’ll learn:

  • How to balance tart citrus with craft fruit whiskeys.
  • The secret to a “Dry Shake” for perfect cocktail texture.
  • Why a high-rye, 100-proof bourbon is the best anchor for spring flavors.

Love this build? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and ring the bell so you don’t miss next week’s Episode 64: The Desert Bloom, where we’ll be using unique desert fruit syrups to keep the springtime vibes rolling!

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📖 The Recipe: The Vernal Equinox

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (or your favorite high-rye bourbon)
  • 0.5 oz Starlight Blackberry Whiskey (The “Modifier”)
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Plum Bitters
  • 3 dashes Fee Brothers Fee Foam (for that silky head)

Instructions:

  1. Combine: Add bourbon, blackberry whiskey, lemon juice, plum bitters, and Fee Foam into a shaker.
  2. Dry Shake: Shake without ice first to build that frothy, pillowy foam.
  3. Wet Shake: Add ice and shake vigorously to chill and dilute.
  4. Strain: Double-strain into a Double Old Fashioned glass over one large, clear ice rock.
  5. Garnish: Express a lemon peel over the glass and drop it in (or add a fresh blackberry) to keep it bright!

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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A Real Disruptor? General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel 

The “Rock of Chickamauga” in a Bottle! | General Thomas Bourbon Review

Can a “disruptor” bourbon live up to the hype? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are tasting a bottle that caught our eye (and ears!) at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington: General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (Barrel 3).

Named after the Civil War hero General George Henry Thomas, this brand was launched by Fort Thomas native Dan Gorman to tell the story of a local legend. But is it just a “gimmick” with a cool AI QR code, or is the liquid inside actually battle-ready?

With a high-rye mash bill and a sturdy 110 proof, this 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with an “effervescent” spice and a unique finish that reminds us of a morning espresso. From the brown sugar nose to the lingering leather and coffee notes, this is a “morning bourbon” that will definitely wake up your palate!

In this video, we discuss:

  • The “disruptor” vision behind sourcing 20 premium surplus barrels.
  • A full nose, palate, and finish breakdown (spoiler: it’s a spice bomb!).
  • The incredible personalized AI message from the General himself.

Stick around until the end to hear a direct order from General Thomas!

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General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery (Bottled in Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye (Known for bold spice and a smooth finish)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70
  • Other: Barrel 3
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $73 at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Johnnie Walker Black Ruby Review | A Bourbon Lover’s Bridge

Can a Scotch whisky actually win over a die-hard Bourbon lover? Today, we’re tasting the Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, the groundbreaking new core-range release from Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker. Whether you’re a “recovering wine drinker” or a dedicated member of the Bourbon Journey, this expression promises a “jammy” bridge between worlds.

We first discovered this bottle during a tasting on the Enchanted Princess cruise, and it immediately stood out. With a backbone of Roseisle malt and a finish in First-fill Red Wine, PX, and Oloroso Sherry casks, Black Ruby trades medicinal peat for rich notes of raspberry jam, blackberry pie, and velvety honey.

Join Wayne and Rebecca as we break down the “Roseisle Factor,” the subtle Caol Ila smoke that acts like “salt in a cookie,” and why this 80-proof bottle is a must-buy for your home bar in 2026.

In this video:

  • The story behind the first female Master Blender’s “first baby.”
  • Why the 2026 U.S. rollout makes this the bottle to watch.
  • Deep dive into the tasting notes: From “Maraschino cherries” to “Dark Chocolate.”
  • Is it worth the $50 MSRP?

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Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

  • Classification: Blended Scotch Whisky
  • Company: Diegeo
  • Distillery: Roseisle (Backbone malt), with Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Cameronbridge, and Caol Ila (CUL-LELA)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of Single Malt and Single Grain whiskies
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Statement)
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • MSRP: $50
  • Other: Finished in a combination of PX and Oloroso Sherry, First-fill Red Wine, and Ex-Bourbon casks
  • Purchased: 02/23 for $50 on Enchanted Princess Cruise

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Old Grand-Dad 114 Old Fashioned | Velvety, Bold, Unforgettable

Kick Back with the Post Parade Old Fashioned | Episode 62 Thirsty Thursday Cocktails

Last week’s Dublin Botanist was a crisp linen suit, but the Post Parade Old Fashioned is your favorite broken-in leather jacket. In this episode of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we’re leaving the botanical gardens of Ireland behind and heading home to the bold, barrel-charred heart of Kentucky.

If you love a high-proof bourbon with a velvety finish, this is the build for you. We’re using the iconic Old Grand-Dad 114 to provide a “cinnamon-red-hot” punch, balanced by the “silken secret” of gum syrup for a luxurious, viscous mouthfeel. With the earthy, aromatic spice of cardamom bitters and the bright pop of expressed orange oils, this cocktail is a masterclass in texture and high-rye spice.

Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or just looking for a cozy, high-end drink to wake up your palate, the Post Parade is the ultimate “Kentucky Hug” in a glass.

Next Week: We’re celebrating the shift in seasons! Join us for Episode 63: The Vernal Equinox, where we’ll be leaning into bright, fresh, and balanced flavors for Spring.

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🥃 Ingredients & Recipe

The Components:

  • 2 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon (High-Rye Backbone)
  • 1/4 oz Gum Syrup (The Silken Secret)
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Cardamom Bitters (The Warm Notes)
  • Garnish: Thick Orange Peel

Instructions:

  1. Combine: Add the bourbon, gum syrup, and cardamom bitters into a mixing glass filled with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir: Stir for 20-30 seconds. Because of the high proof and the gum syrup, a longer stir ensures a perfectly integrated, silky texture.
  3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
  4. Garnish: Express the orange peel over the glass to release those essential oils, then drop it in.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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5094 Transplant Bourbon: The Better Double-Oaked? 

Empire Meets Bluegrass: 5094 Transplant Bourbon Review 🥃

What happens when New York spirit meets Kentucky craftsmanship? You get the 5094 Transplant by 5094 Distilling, an incredible 4-year four-grain bourbon that made its debut at Glenns Creek Distilling. In today’s journey, we sit down with a bottle of the very first release (Barrel #1, Bottle #5!) to see if this “transplant” has found a perfect home in the Bluegrass state.

Distilled in New York and finished for three years in world-renowned Radoux Tonnellerie toasted French oak barrels, this 94.8 proof bourbon offers a sophisticated profile far beyond its $54 price point. We’re talking dark brown sugar, charred marshmallow, espresso, and cocoa notes that give even the most famous double-oaked bourbons a run for their money.

We also dive into the story of Tom Jones and his vision for 5094 Distilling at the historic, abandoned Old Lewis Hunter Distillery site. Is this a contender for Whiskey of the Month? Watch to find out!

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✴️ 5094 Transplant

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: 5094 Distilling
  • Distillery: Distilled in New York
  • Bottled: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain
  • Age: 7 Years (4 years in new charred oak, followed by 3 years in a toasted barrel)
  • Proof: 94.8
  • MSRP: $54
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: 02/28/26 for $54 at Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort KY

5094 Transplant Product Link: https://glennscreekdistillery.com/product/transplant-radoux-barrel-finished-bourbon-we-dont-ship-this-product-please-scroll-down/

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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The Best Irish Whiskey Cocktail? Meet The Dublin Botanist

🍀 The Dublin Botanist: A Sophisticated St. Patrick’s Day Irish Sazerac

Ditch the green food coloring and step into springtime with The Dublin Botanist. In Episode 61 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey crafts a “dry” Irish cocktail that fits like a crisp linen suit. Using Ha’penny Irish Whiskey as our floral backbone, this drink is a sophisticated riff on the classic Sazerac, trading heavy syrups for bright, botanical complexity.

We’re elevating the experience with a Dom Bénédictine rinse and a unique blend of Peychaud’s and Lavender bitters. Whether you are celebrating St. Paddy’s week or just looking for a clean, mineral finish to your evening, this cocktail is the ultimate “green” spirit in flavor and soul.

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📋 The Spec Sheet

  • 2 oz Ha’penny Irish Whiskey (The floral/herbal star)
  • 1 barspoon Demerara Syrup (To round the edges)
  • 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters (Classic Sazerac spice & anise)
  • 2 dashes Strongwater Lavender Bitters (The signature floral lift)
  • Rinse: Dom Bénédictine (For an herbal, honeyed foundation)
  • Garnish: Fresh Lemon Peel

🛠 Technique & Instructions

  1. Chill the Glass: Place a rocks glass in the freezer or fill with ice water while you prep.
  2. The Mix: In a mixing glass, combine the Ha’penny Whiskey, Demerara syrup, Peychaud’s, and Lavender bitters.
  3. Stir: Add plenty of ice and stir for 20–25 seconds. Proper dilution is key to letting the botanicals breathe!
  4. The Rinse: Discard the ice from your chilled rocks glass. Add a splash of Dom Bénédictine, swirl to coat the interior, and dump the excess.
  5. The Pour: Strain the cocktail into the rinsed glass. Serve “up” or over one large clear rock.
  6. The Garnish: Express a lemon peel over the surface to release those bright citrus oils, then drop it in.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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Caribbean Rum for Bourbon Lovers: Topper’s Crazy Dave

Tropical Vibes & High-Proof Finds: Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour 🥃🌴

Caribbean Rum Trail – Part 1 of 3

Ever wondered what happens when Kentucky Bourbon obsession meets Caribbean Rum craftsmanship? We’re taking you inside the world-famous Topper’s Rhum Distillery in Cole Bay, St. Maarten, for an exclusive look at their “boutique” operation and a tasting of their most prestigious bottle: Crazy Dave.

In this episode, we share our incredible luck meeting co-owner Tony King, who is bridging the gap between rum and bourbon with his experimental use of new charred oak barrels and Buffalo Trace-inspired toast levels. From watching planes skim heads at Maho Beach to sampling over 40 different rums (including rum gelato!), this was the ultimate St. Maarten excursion.

🏴‍☠️ The Star of the Show: Crazy Dave Rhum

We’re cracking open the Distillery Exclusive “Crazy Dave” Rhum. At 95 Proof, this isn’t your average mixer. It’s a bold, complex sipping rhum created to honor Topper’s most iconic guide. We even took a bottle back to Kentucky to see if “Crazy Dave” could impress our friend “Old Cranky Dave” from Glenns Creek!

In this video:

📜 The History: From Meredith Pratt’s “kitchen table” flavors to a global award-winning brand. 

🧪 The “Nerd Talk”: How Tony King uses bourbon char charts and Kentucky science to age rum. 

🥃 Live Tasting: Cracking into the 95-proof Crazy Dave (spoiler: the legs on this glass are insane!). 

🍦 Pro-Tips: Why you absolutely have to try the rum-infused chicken and that legendary gelato.

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✴️ Topper’s Crazy Dave Rhum

  • Classification: Premium Blended Aged Rhum
  • Company: Topper’s Rhum
  • Distillery: Topper’s Rhum Distillery (Cole Bay, St. Maarten)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Raw Cane Sugar / Molasses (Sourced from across the Caribbean and distilled/blended in St. Maarten)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Statement), but it is a blend of aged rums selected by Dave himself.
  • Proof: 95 Proof
  • MSRP: $65 Distillery Exclusive
  • Released: Special Limited Batch
  • Other: This bottle was created to honor “Crazy Dave,” their most iconic tour guide known for his “corny but informative” tours and deep knowledge of the blending process.
  • Purchased: 02/19/26 for $65 at Topper’s Rhum in St. Maarten

Buy Rhum from Topper’s: https://phoenixinternationalwineandspirits.com/collections/spirits

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Woodford Double Double Oaked 2026: Way Darker Than 2025!

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) | The Ultimate Dark & Decadent Bourbon?

Is the 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked worth the $200 price tag? 🥃 In today’s New Whiskey Monday on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into one of the most coveted annual releases in the whiskey world.

After hunting this bottle down at MSRP, we’re breaking down how this year’s expression compares to the legendary 2025 release. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall promised a “deeper and darker” profile this year—and she delivered. From the heavy toasted second barrel to the complex notes of burnt butterscotch, dark baking cocoa, and espresso, this 90.4 proof powerhouse is an absolute flavor journey.

We explore why the “double-double” process (finishing for two additional years in a second heavily toasted barrel) creates a spicier, more jammy profile than the standard Double Oaked. Does it live up to the hype? Watch to find out!

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✴️ Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Press Release stated: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: January 2026
  • Purchased: 02/11/26 for $199.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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The Darkest Irish Whiskey Cocktail You’ll Ever Taste

The Ultimate Irish Twist: The Pot Still “Black” Manhattan 🥃

If a standard Manhattan is a sharp pinstriped suit, the Pot Still “Black” Manhattan is a heavy charcoal overcoat. In Episode 60 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey explores a dark, viscous, and brooding twist on a classic.

By swapping traditional rye for the powerhouse Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength and replacing sweet vermouth with the thick, Sicilian Averna Amaro, we’ve created a cocktail with a massive, oily “chew” and an earthy profile that commands the palate. Whether you are an Irish whiskey lover or a Manhattan purist, this velvety, buttery build is the perfect way to elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

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📋 The Recipe: Pot Still “Black” Manhattan

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength Irish Whiskey
  • 1 oz Averna Amaro
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
  • Garnish: Luxardo Cherry

Instructions:

  1. Combine: In a mixing glass, add the Black Walnut bitters, Averna Amaro, and the Redbreast Cask Strength.
  2. Chill: Add plenty of ice and stir for 25–30 seconds until the glass is frosted and the cocktail is perfectly diluted.
  3. Prep Glass: Place one Luxardo cherry (and a touch of syrup!) into the bottom of a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into your coupe.
  5. Enjoy: Experience the aromas of dark chocolate and toasted oak before taking that first velvety sip.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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3 Michter’s Ryes You NEED to Try: Tasting & Review 

The Rye Trifecta: A Deep Dive into Michter’s Fort Nelson Experience! 🥃

Welcome back to another episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! Today, we are heading to the heart of Louisville’s “Whiskey Row” to revisit a personal favorite: Michter’s Fort Nelson. As Distillery #15 and Stamp #13 on our Kentucky Bourbon Trail journey, this historic site is more than just a distillery—it’s a masterclass in whiskey maturation.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca are breaking down three incredible (and hard-to-find) Michter’s Ryes. From the raw power of the Barrel Strength to the “sugar rush” of the Toasted Barrel Finish, and finishing with the elegance of the 10 Year Rye, we’re exploring why Michter’s is a must-stop for any whiskey enthusiast.

We also share our tips for visiting the Fort Nelson bar, the “Bottle Your Own” experience (and why you need to get in line early!), and a shoutout to Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Whiskeys Tasted in This Episode:

  • Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022): The bold, spicy baseline at 112.4 proof.
  • Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023): Secondary maturation magic featuring campfire marshmallow and dark chocolate notes.
  • Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025): Sophisticated, herbal, and refined. Is it actually older than 10 years? 

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✴️Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Proprietary “Kentucky Style” rye; high corn and malted barley content)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated, but generally understood to be 5–7 years)
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: March 2022 
  • Other:  Low Entry Proof: Distillate enters the barrel at 103 proof, much lower than the industry standard (125 proof), which Michter’s claims results in a richer mouthfeel.
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS (The base rye is typically 5–7 years old before the secondary finish)
  • Proof: 108.6
  • Released: September 2023
  • Other: Finishing Process: After aging in charred new American oak, the whiskey is moved to a second barrel made of 24-month air-dried wood that has been toasted but not charred. Entry Proof: Like the others, this began its life at a low 103 entry proof, which helps maintain that “creamy” mouthfeel even after the second barreling.
  • Purchased: 12/16/23 for $139.00

✴️Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Michter’s Distillery
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Contract distilled to Michter’s specifications in Kentucky)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Known as a “Kentucky Style” Rye, heavy on corn and malted barley)
  • Age: 10 Years (Though widely rumored to be aged closer to 12–15 years)
  • Proof: 92.8
  • Released: Mid-2024 
  • Other: Barrel No. 24C1550: .
  • Single Barrel: Unlike the Small Batch US*1 line, this is pulled from a single, exceptional barrel chosen by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $210.00

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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