Opening Day

No, not that opening day, which is just over a month away. I’m talking about the reopening of the whisky drinking season. And for those among you who think the whisky season runs all year long, 365 days to be exact, imagine what it’s like when the season comes to a close. Try walking in the door every evening, after a long aggravating day, and pouring yourself a cold glass of ice water. Or how about sitting down after dinner with a hot cup of herbal tea? Think that would get it done for you? Anyway, after more than five weeks away, 37 days to be precise, I cut loose last night with a glass of Macallan 15 after sharing the porterhouse for 2, three ways at the Chophouse. Really, it was in the nature of a medical experiment, to see what would happen, because in another week or so I’m meeting the boys in New York, and we’re planning to dine, where else but Keen’s? And who could go to Keen’s without a taste or two? So the experiment was really designed to see how I would do. So far so good, I’m happy to report. But still, I’m not counting any chickens just yet.

The other thing I discovered last night was exactly how good that glass of Macallan really tasted. I mean, I think I was getting spoiled, having a chance to enjoy a glass or two whenever the urge came over me. Any evening at all, certainly any weekend day, whenever I just felt like it, I could go to the cabinet, and pour out some Aberlour, or some Lagavulin, or a little bit of Highland Park, and think nothing of it. Sure I enjoyed it, what’s not to enjoy? But after more than five weeks without, imagine how it felt to sip on the Macallan last night, to savor every drop, and to feel that soft mellow warmth wash over me. That glass was on a par with the very first taste of malt whisky I ever enjoyed – a glass of Lagavulin that a friend poured for me in DC one night, after we had all been out for Chinese food. One taste was all I needed; I was hooked. This time, I’m going more slowly; I’m trying to work my way back gradually, carefully, so as not to blow up my gut again. But if nothing else, the time away has only made me more appreciative.

Last night’s good cheer seemed to spill over into the afternoon today, as Cuse played a second strong game in a row, dismantling Cincinnati by half time, and coasting to the easiest win they’ve had all year in the dome. They accomplished this without much in the way of outside shooting, which suggests to me that there is still room for improvement. The defense looked good again; this was two games in a row where they held the opposition under 20 points in the first half. Now it’s hard to tell how much of that was good D, and how much was that St. Johns and Cincinnati simply couldn’t knock down their shots. But regardless, it certainly looked like guys were hustling more on defense; the zone looked far more active than it had earlier in the year. AO had a good game, even if he isn’t 100% just yet; KO is playing with a lot more confidence; and the team was running well, getting out on the break, and playing very well in the open court. With over 20 wins already, and with an RPI in the low twenties, and with the 18th toughest strength of schedule, they should be a lock for the tourney. However, the selection committee has been so squirrelly the last couple years, it’s hard to know. My goal for this year is the sweet sixteen. It doesn’t seem impossible. I mean Kansas and Memphis are both ranked in the top ten, and we beat them both on the road. So it’s hardly inconceivable that we could beat a couple tournament teams on a neutral court. Although it’s also conceivable that we could drop the first game to the likes of say, Vermont. Anyway, for the time being, the color of the season is still Orange.