I had been raised to believe that "gin makes a man mean," and so to steer towards the brown liquors. As I grew up, I learned to appreciate the more complex, less sweet varieties - and to sip rather than shoot, to appreciate neat rather than mix into Coke or gingerale.

I married into a Kentucky family, so I very much doubt I'll be giving up bourbon any time soon. They'll pry that last rocks glass from my cold, dead hands.