As I sit here enjoying a day off in celebration of Martin Luther King Day, I started to ponder more about the holiday itself. For those who do not know, this federal holiday is “…designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.” But for some of us, we have chosen to do just this daily; help others and better our communities as civil servants.

With that said, what does someone who has chosen the path of a civil servant do on a holiday like this? If we help others every day, then do we continue to do so on this holiday, or do we perhaps take a day to ourselves. Today, I chose to take a day to myself and focus on something I have recently started again, writing. But while I have started writing again, over these past few months I often find myself asking what is a blog and why do I have one?

I have co-authored a book, written several dozen guest chapters in other authors’ books, published journal articles, and reviewed too many books to count. I did this for years before my current occupation, and for some reason, I stopped eight years ago as life got in the way and time no longer allowed. Then in 2020 as we all watched the world change around us, I found myself being told by those around me that I needed to find a better work-life balance before becoming burnt out. I tried several hobbies throughout the year yet nothing seemed to work. Then one day while reading a whiskey review in the Whiskey Advocate, I said to Mrs. Bourbon Bossman, “I think I could do this! I used to enjoy writing reviews of books, so why wouldn’t I enjoy reviewing bourbon?” With that, Bourbon Bossman was born.

So what is a blog? Well, according to Britannica.com, [a] blog, in full Web log or Weblog, [is an] online journal where an individual, group, or corporation presents a record of activities, thoughts, or beliefs… Other blogs concentrate on presenting original material. In addition, many blogs provide a forum to allow visitors to leave comments and interact with the publisher. “To blog” is the act of composing material for a blog. Materials are largely written, but pictures, audio, and videos are important elements of many blogs. I believe a blog can come in many different forms such as a YouTube Channel or a website, but every form is the same; a place for an individual to express creatively on a subject they love. Thus, a blog for me allows a free format of writing reviews about the bourbon I either enjoy or do not enjoy drinking and a place to creatively express my opinions.

This leaves the question of why do I have a blog? I believe this was somewhat mentioned above, but truly now, it is because I enjoy writing! By no means am I trying to make money from this endeavor, become a new age influencer, or even get distillers to send free bourbon for reviews; although the last one would be quite awesome if it ever happens! But in all honesty, I did not start this adventure believing anyone would ever read these reviews or blogs. I started this as a way to disconnect from work and start accomplishing something I truly enjoy; writing about my experience with bourbon. This journey has just begun, and I have no idea how long it will last or where the adventure might take me. Nonetheless, I am excited for this new chapter in my life and look forward to continuing to blog on everything bourbon, whisk(e)y, and scotch related; with maybe the occasional rant on different subjects.

No matter what you have chosen to do on this holiday, we must remember our past so that history does not repeat itself. I have chosen the path of a civil servant to do just that, and am thankful for those before me, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Many men and women have fought so hard against injustice, inequality, and creating one inclusive community for all, so that I may choose to sit here and write while enjoying a day of rest.

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman