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As I write this, my lovely bride and I are on our way home after a quick getaway to Columbia, South Carolina and I thought I’d post a quick update.

For Valentine’s Day, we met up with one of our favorite couples at The 1425 Inn. This bed & breakfast is nestled in a prime location just outside downtown, not too close but not too far from great places to visit, eat, and drink. Nearly all are accessible by way of a free courtesy shuttle. Accommodations were wonderful, with breakfast provided each morning. The inn’s huge wooden staircase and local art on display (and for sale) add to the charm. Our host could not have been more helpful, even providing Valentine’s themed Red Velvet Cinnamon Roles for our ride home.

My favorite stop of the trip was Bourbon which, true to its name, boasts the largest bourbon list in SC. A buddy and I spent the better part of 3 hours here, and that felt too short. If you’re looking to sample something new, or hard to find selections like George T. Stagg Uncut/Unfiltered or a Michter’s 20yr then this is the place for you. They have a good brunch menu as well.

The next evening while at Hendrix, a great downtown night spot, I spied a Woodford Reserve bottle behind the bar in a non-traditional shape. I asked the bartender about it and he told me it was part of Woodford’s Master’s Collection. These higher end, limited releases typically vary year-to-year. The late 2019 release was what I had spotted – Woodford Reserve Chocolate Malted Rye. In this case the rye is toasted to the point it begins to taste like chocolate. For me, the chocolate taste comes in the finish and is terrific. I enjoyed it so much that I spent quite a lot of time on the internet tracking down a bottle for my wife to give me for my birthday. If you’re lucky enough to spot one on a shelf you might want to give it a try.