Tariquet

By habit I refer to it as Tariquet, which is actually the name of the distiller. It is properly referred to as an Armagnac, which is a region of southwest France wherein this spirit is distilled.

It is not cloy like mass-produced brandy, and borders on being what I would call an acquired taste. I say this because those who don't know what to expect feel like they're trying to swallow motor oil or feel that, to quote Ralph Wiggum, "it tastes like burning."

Despite a noticeable viscosity it has such heat that it feels as though it evaporates before one swallows it. This is the kind of beverage I like to have drinking companions sample in order to see them make funny faces.

Physical heat is important as well. One knowledgeable Carthay bartender recently served it to me with the snifter resting at a canted angle over a glass of hot water. This smooths out the taste, texture and experience.

Not being a cocktail, there is nothing about Armagnac that makes it specific to the Carthay Lounge. But I only have it when I am there, and tend to forget it exists when I'm elsewhere, hence this entry.

Having a high tolerance for alcohol, Tariquet comes in very handy when I need something that will get the job done. "Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker."

...

So then, just to make this more than a one-note entry, here's a song by my favorite band, The Vatican Cellars, about fencing. It was composed for a compilation about Olympic sports. Their assignment was fencing. I present for your enjoyment: "A Palpable Hit."