Forget Flowers: Buy Your Woman Some Whiskey This Valentine's Day

And, specifically Laphroaig.  I have long been a whiskey fan and very loyal to Laphroaig due to its impeccable, consistent quality at a reasonable price point. Since the distillery in charming Islay has been in operation for over 200 years, I guess they know what they're doing by now.  Their PR will not confirm that leprechauns count among the magical employees but I have my suspicions.

Pineapple of My Eye

 However, it has come to my attention over the years that some gals unfortunately are intimidated or put off by this spirit as they associate it with old boys' clubs, i.e., not-so-safe-spaces for women. This stereotype is certainly based on some degree of truth as many ROWDs (Rich Old White Dudes) who frequent private societies do display a particular predilection for single malts, but as a proud Irish woman I know whiskey is the people's drink!  And, despite what this administration might have you believe, women are people, too. So, this February the 14th gift your female partner in crime a bottle of whiskey.  Laphroaig Select is a terrific for the whiskey newbie due to its subtle sweetness and mild smoky notes.  However, should your inamorata already be a whiskey lover, I recommend indulging in some Laphroaig 10 Year Old. Either way, enjoy the first round neat (Bridey's preferred preparation), then mix up some cocktails, like this terrific one created by Ivy Mix.

Pineapple of My Eye

• 1 & 1/2 parts Laphroaig 10 Year Old

• 1/2 part pineapple rum

• 3/4 part lime juice

• 3/4 part simple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon pomegranate molasses

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime.

Yellow Rose Whiskey Cocktail: Peachy Keen Punch

Last week, Wyatt and my friend DJ. D (WorldWide Playa) took a terrific tour of the Yellow Rose Distillery, Houston's only whiskey distillery. #drinklocal

You can actually purchase one of the barrels.

Samples were abundant and we even had the opportunity to try a super-proof (but don't call it 'moonshine') white whiskey.

I'll take three of each, please.

Yellow Rose also graciously gifted Bridey with her own bottle, which she has been using purely for research purposes. Most recently, her fieldwork experimentation yielded a novel drink she likes to call,  "Peachy Keen Punch."

The Peachy Keen

Peachy Keen Punch

• 2 ounces Yellow Rose Straight Rye Whiskey 

• 2 ounces peach juice

• 2 ounces Sparkling Ice Strawberry Watermelon

• Strawberry Garnish

Fill a chilled mason jar with 2-3 ice cubes. Add Yellow Rose whiskey and peach juice, then top with Sparkling Ice Strawberry Watermelon. Garnish with strawberry slice. Sip as the sun goes down.

Like other stone fruit, peaches provide an even sweetness that wonderfully complements the rougher smoky undertones of the whiskey.  Berry-flavored bubbles add effervescence as well as a more piquant sugary note, making for a punch that pulls a softer punch.

Valentine's Day Gifts For Foodies: National Edition

While local purveyors provide plenty of options for foodie V-day gifts, sometimes you have to go farther afield to find the perfect present for that special someone...or your spouse. Har. Here my top five picks:

5. Really anything from Murray's Cheese...though if you really want to score points, go for the "Cheese of the Month" club membership. If your sweetie is a fan of stinky cheeses, you can't go wrong with Epoisses.

4. Season With Spice: Asian Sea Salt Sampler Kit. With an absolutely astounding selection of Asian spices (Aleppo Chili flakes! Sri Lankan curry!), Season With Spice  is a wonderful resource for the ambitious home cook. Lest your love be overwhelmed by choice, gift him or her with one their sampler of flavored sea salts, all of which pair well with different proteins and vegetables.

3. Try the World subscription. The next best thing to food tourism is Try the World, a subscription service that delivers a curated assortment of food samples from a particular foreign destination (past picks include Argentina, Paris, Japan).  Warning: May prompt your partner to take you on an international journey.

2. Williams-Sonoma's Heart Rosebud Cake. This dense, moist dark chocolate cake is crowned with an equally thick layer of buttercream rosettes. Yes, it's $50. Who the f%ck cares--can you put a price on love? 

1. Laphroaig Single Malt. Champagne is so 2010. Keep it classy this Valentine's Day and procure a bottle of Laphroaig 10-year-old single malt. Its smooth, subtle smoky notes are the perfect complement to chocolate and cheese, making this whisky the perfect Valentine's Day libation.