Aside from the fact that nobody in this fine land has any idea what ‘back to school’ means this year, Let us all look back upon the past fondly and reminisce about this magical usherance of Autumn. The thrill of new clothes for the new year, a boy’s once a year chance of scoring the new Jordans from Mom. Awkward glee about buying school supplies, Trapper Keepers anyone? A chance to see your friends in a more socially accepted way and break free from those pesky shackles of feral and free range summer lunacy. It is time to show the world what you got, and most importantly a chance for Mom and Dad to get a few hours away from a child’s emotional death grip.

The big secret is, Moms and Dads the world over are probably more excited for the start of a new school year than the children. It brings adulthood into perspective, not the boring type of adulting like bills, work, or responsibilities, but rather the stuff we waited decades to have. Money that we can spend how we like, time to enjoy things that bring us pleasure, and the people needed to make those moments great. In all of these cases we need a great back to school drink or two, maybe more.

However, this year is different for everyone, some kids are going to school, others are virtual learning, some are doing both, some are doing none of the above. That is a hell of an adjustment for anyone. While soccer practice might be cancelled for a bit, the parents are still in a pickle and still staring wantonly at the sappy memories of past first day of school picks as they see their private time happy hours dashed and stalled for a little while longer.

With that being said, if the other parents out there need to sneak a drink before tackling Intro to Calculus, make sure to make it a good one, and make sure to take a little time for yourself.

Bulleit Bourbon 10 year

A rich and complex easy sipper with warm caramel, gentle baking spice, and bitter orange peel.

Cragganmore 12 year Single Malt Scotch

A standard bearer of the Scottish Highlands, big and bold with a forward malt character, gentle sherry and nut aromas, and teased with smells of a heather field.

Espolon Reposado Tequila

Cooked agave and pears in syrup are surrounded by toasted oak and an enticing vegetal flavor capped off with delicate black pepper notes.