Unicorn versus Available

[Radsman13]

WOW... Some great words of wisdom coming from all the SBers on here.

 

On 2/22/2016, 10:51:02, The Black Tot said:

I say read this post and go straight to your collection and open one that you've been precious about, and you can come right back here and tell us if you regret it.

Will have to post a pic of the one I decide to open...

[Richnimrod]

I am somewhat guilty of 'Saving Something for that Special Occasion' ...sometimes for years.    BUT, I don't buy and leave 'em capped up hiding in the dark. 

Oh NO!    I open nearly all of the bottles I buy (keeping bunkered extras, usually of fairly standard brands or picks, unopened until needed) because I want to taste 'em if they're new to my experience, or if they are a 're-visit' after a long absence.    What I do to be sure I don't lose the chance to someday revisit some unicorn that I may have had years ago is this......

I open it up, try it, then if I find it to be amazing and something I'd regret never having another one; I pour out a few ounces into a small bottle, label it as to brand, date, proof, etc. and store that SMALL amount away against the chance I may never obtain another one... Thus freeing me enjoy all of the rest of the one I did obtain, without remorse. 

I've saved a few dozen or so in this way, but have only 'emptied' a couple of 'em for occasions deemed truly worthy... long after the 'parent' bottle has been drained.    I've been able to offer close friends a taste of .... say a WLW from several years back in this way, or a taste of 4-R 125th, or a taste of SB picked HHSS.   Those folx were truly thankful for tastes of something they either never had a chance at, or had long ago given up ever tasting again.

 

So, that's my strategy to enjoy what I can get my hands on, while saving a little of the special stuff at the same time, while not denying myself the experiences I wish to enjoy and share.