The whiskey journal's a very good idea. I enjoy a nice glass of wine at home with a meal, so I've made it a habit of keeping notes on wines that I particularly like with certain foods. Unfortunately, most of my whiskey, bourbon, and brandy experimentation is done outside the home - at restaurants, friend's homes, social events, etc. and I know I'd always forget to bring the journal. And if I really, really like a particular whiskey, I can almost guarantee that I won't remember much about it the next day, except that it was good.

I have to admit, my primary consideration for whiskey is whether or not it goes well with Cheetos. There's nothing like snuggling on the couch with the wife, watching a good movie, and sipping Famous Grouse and eating Cheetos.

The wife hates it though because she says she has a devil of a time getting those orange smudge marks from her unmentionables.