Happy New Year - CHEERS!

Wayne's Package Store had long been known as the last stop heading to Smith Lake from Birmingham, until laws changed for Cullman, making it legal for Cullman County to sell alcohol. As a result the area boomed with package stores and breweries.  Same on the Jasper side too, for quite a while.

When New Year's Eve falls on a Sunday, a problem for most Smith Lake area shoppers is  "the Blue Law". Participating area cities abide by that law which prohibits the sales of alcoholic beverages on Sundays, despite any holiday. So if you find yourself in a bind on New Years Eve, and need some refreshments for your gathering, just take a short trip to a non-Blue Law establishment such as Wayne's Package Store - a short trip from the lake area down I65. You will find a nice assortment of beer, wine and liquor not to mention a few RARE finds sure to please any guest at your party. Wayne’s is usually open until 12am New Years Eve. Grab one of these select favorites.

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First on the list can only be found in the State of Alabama at the Last Stop… Salted Caramel Crown Royal. “Crown Royal Salted Caramel Flavored Whiskey is a blend of the finest Canadian whiskies, "carefully selected by master blenders and infused with the subtly salty-sweet taste of indulgent salted caramel – imparting lush, creamy notes that perfectly compliment the richness of Crown Royal Whisky.”  This whiskey has a rich vanilla, oak smell with a smooth caramel taste topped with a salty finish. It's perfect by itself or in a mixer. We recommend mixing with some ginger ale for a simple mixer or you can add 1.5 ounce of apple flavored crown royal, a splash of lemon juice and an apple slice for a delicious caramel apple drink.

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Next, Jim Beam's creation, Little Book. "This whiskey was created by the eighth generation Kentucky distiller, Freddie Noe.  Freddie was given the nickname ‘Little Book’ as a child because he was just like his grandfather whose name was Booker Noe. Each generation of distillers come up with a new recipe in hopes of one-upping the previous generation and Little Book has done just that.  This is the first Single Barrel whiskey the company has created, previous generations turned their nose up to single barrels but after many requests, Freddie decided to go for it." We are sure glad he did.  

Little Book is unique to what Beam has been producing for past generations. A combination of 4-year-old bourbon, 6-year-old malt and rye whiskey, and a 13-year-old corn whiskey making is burst with sweet vanilla and caramel flavor yet it obtains a healthy spice topped of with a toasted cereal finish. Liquid Gold if you are a Bourbon Connoisseur. It's slightly over 128 proof making it a sipper!  Drink it clean or you can add a couple cubes of ice to it.  As they melt it will create a different taste to enjoy! 

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Specific to Alabama, where it is made in its own Distillery in Troy, Alabama, is Clyde May’s. This Whiskey is sure to be a New Year’s Eve Party favorite after you have one sip and reveal it has Sweet Home Alabama roots. "Clyde was an Alabama original moonshiner who did 8 months of federal penitentiary time for his efforts. He might not have been successful at avoiding the law but his recipe sure is a success. His recipe, which consists of oven dried apples dropped into the barrel of whiskey to age, and whala, good ole’ Alabama Whiskey! As the aging process takes place it produces a sweet bourbon with a hint of rye and a subtle hint of apple to finish without the burn." This 85 proof bottle of pure Alabama delight is one you do not want to miss out on! 

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You cannot forget to add a little Smith Lake flare to your bottle of cheer this New Years! Ask The Lakeside Life about their metal ornaments or "bottle décor," $15 each, red, blue or green -- and we can deliver these your door if given enough notice.  Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!!!  

As always, enjoy and drink responsibly!

CHEERS!

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