Stop! Look and listen!!

I expect most of us grew up hearing those words of warning. In case you’ve forgotten, permit me to refresh your mind. We are to stop, look both ways and listen before crossing a street, right? The interesting thing is that, as we matured, those words of admonishment were relevant to many aspects of our life — from walking, running, biking, driving and even in conversations. We must never forget them.

One word I hope to never forget is degust. If you can’t define it, let me drop a couple of hints for you.

A long time ago I learned to appreciate the day, and I give thanks to my family and friends for this sage advice. It’s far too easy to just dash through the day’s time frame, and then collapse in sleep. It’s much more difficult to “see” the day, and all the beauty and calmness it places before you, isn’t it? So appreciate the day — you’ll never have another one like it.

I’ve recently appreciated another glass of Line 39 Red Blend wine. What makes the wine unique are the two main grape varietals that are used in the making of the wine — Petite Verdot and Petite Syrah. Both are late ripening grapes and the resulting blend is noticeably plumy and chocolate tasting. Additionally, there’s a bit of spice to go with the chocolate and plum flavors. I never get tired of degusting it.

As a young lad, I never thought to self analyze. As a good lad, I did what I was told to do, and didn’t break (too) many rules. When I got older, I begin to realize how shy and quiet I was, but soon noticed a feeling growing within me. My social moments became important to me. How does one accept being an introvert and an extrovert? By appreciating both personality traits and savoring the fullness of them.

Likewise, I learned to fully appreciate the efforts of wine makers and their products. One of these products is Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon. I savor the luscious full body of the wine and the concentrated flavors of blackberry and black cherry. I fully degust it!

Well, have you defined the word degust yet? If you have, you get an A in English class. For those of you who need a bit more information, I’ll drop some clue crumbs for you.

Don’t you just love liver and onions? Of course, you do. Oh! You don’t! Gee, I hope your sense of sensibility wasn’t hurt. The food dish was offered fairly often at home, but I grew up and away from it. Then, a bit ago, I ordered it and appreciated the savory taste of the dish. Why? Yes, the dish can be less enjoyable than other dishes, but here’s what I discovered. While eating the plate of food, memories flowed through my mind of the old farm kitchen and eating it at our kitchen table. I savored every moment of that meal.

OK, do you get it? The word degust means to taste something very carefully so as to fully appreciate and savor it.

Now, I’ll pour a splash of The Glenrothes Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky and fully degust it. I’ll fully appreciate the complexity and beauty of the liquid as I sip it. I’ll seek the sweet taste of sherry casks to go along with the vanilla and pear/orange flavors. It’s marvelous!

I’ll take a long time with the whisky. It deserves me to stop, look and listen to it.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon.

Cheers!