I Want: Range Rover Classic LWB

I'm a big fan of Sport Utility Vehicles but I mean REAL Sport Utility Vehicles.  Something that can, at the very least, go through a muddy field without any trouble.  Honestly, when was the last time you saw a  BMW X5, Audi Q7, modern Range Rover or something similar towing anything or being even remotely close to an unpaved road?  Don't get me wrong, modern SUVs are nice to look at but I want need something I can drive to work on occasion but who's primary purpose is to go out and get dirty.

I've been in the market for an older model SUV for the last few months.  One that I am considering is the Range Rover Country LWB (1990-1995 models).  Unlike it's modern incarnation, which seems to cater to stay-at-home soccer moms, this thing looks like it was built to take on your hunting trip or pull your boat to the lake.

Really like the avalon blue.  You don't see a lot in this shade.  

The classic ardennes green.  Next to the white this is probably the most common color but it looks sharp. 

This is probably my favorite, Aspen Silver.  It was only available on the 25th Anniversary model so it's tough to find.  I'd love to track one down that's in above average shape for a reasonable price. 

Images: Google Image Search

Green Spot and Yellow Spot Irish Whiskies

I've been a big fan of whiskey since I was a teenager....errrr....I mean 21.  Granted my tastes have evolved from the bottom shelf stuff I use to mix with ginger ale or coke when I began my college career but my love for the brown liquor has been a constant since.

Back in 2005, on my first trip to Ireland, I stopped in at James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store in Dublin.  I struck up a conversation with a store associate and let them know I was looking for a nice Irish Whiskey, preferably something I could not find back in the States.  The man recommended a whiskey I had never heard of by the name of Green Spot.

Green Spot is a pot stilled Irish Whiskey aged 9 years and produced at Midleton Distillery in County Cork exclusively for Mitchell and Sons of Dublin.

Though I had never heard of it before that visit I was hooked as soon as I got a taste and bought a bottle on the spot.  I have visited or passed through Dublin four times since that initial visit and make a point to pick up another bottle each time. It is honestly the smoothest whiskey I had ever tasted and remains so to this day.

This past summer the lady friend and I took a trip to Italy and had a one day stop over in Dublin on the way home.  I was visiting the duty-free Irish Whiskey Shop at the Dublin airport awaiting our flight and as luck would have it Midleton Distillery had just released Yellow Spot.

Like Green Spot, Yellow Spot is a pot stilled Irish Whiskey but this one is aged 12 years in three oak casks; American bourbon barrels, Spanish sherry butts and Spanish Malaga casks.

I haven't brought myself to open the bottle as of yet as I enjoy the Green Spot so much and only brought one of the Yellow Spot bottles home with me.  I was told it was done in a limited run so I'm not sure how easy it will be to track down another bottle if/when I am in Dublin again and they do not have an American distributor.

For the reputation these whiskies have and for how good they are you'll be hard pressed to find anything this good at the price point (I believe with the conversion they were roughly $60 and $75, respectively). If you're a whiskey fan and ever find yourself in Ireland do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle of one or both of these .  You'll certainly enjoy it.

Are you a bourbon, Scotch or Irish whiskey fan?  What are some of your favorites?

Late Christmas Gift (to myself): L.L. Bean Flannel

My lady friend has given me a L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt every Christmas the past two years and I've really come to love them.

Unfortunately, along with her impeccable tastes my lady friend also has a tendency to procrastinate and when she got around to ordering one this year the pattern she knew I would like best, Grey Stewart, was sold out in my size.

Fast forward to this weekend, we stopped in at the L.L. Bean store in Dedham, MA and there was my shirt!  Bonus, the shirt was on sale and I had a $10 gift certificate I'd received after doing some holiday shopping.  Sold.

These shirts really are fantastic.  Growing up in the Southeast I never had much need for flannel but after moving to New England I've found them to be a great addition to my wardrobe.  They have proven to be quite versatile.  Outstanding for bumming around the house, walking the dog around the neighborhood, running errands or even dressing up with a pair of khakis or jeans for casual date nights.  They are soft and comfortable with a generous cut.  I'd recommend them to anyone looking for a quality flannel shirt.

Images: Google Image Search