liquor

This Father's Day why not surprise dad with a premium, limited-edition bottle of whiskey by Canadian Club ($200)? In celebration of their 150th anniversary, Canadian Club has released a 30-year reserve whiskey in a special collector's bottle. I was lucky enough to get a bottle and was wonderfully surprised by the smooth, rich tasting spirit. It has a smoky nose with hints of honey, vanilla, and caramel on the tongue. Unlike other whiskeys, there is no biting aftertaste: the finish is lush and subtly spicy. This whiskey is very easy to drink and although I enjoyed it after dinner on the rocks, it would make a lovely Manhattan. Since my dad is a whiskey drinker, I plan on sharing the bottle with him. Do you drink whiskey? What's your favorite label?

Though I enjoy the occasional Manhattan, I'm not usually a drinker of straight bourbon. Like scotch, the Kentucky libation always seemed more like a sippin' drink for old dudes. But lately, I've been acquainting myself with these potent brown liquors, and I have to say that neither scotch nor bourbon is anything to be afraid of. (That is, as long as you don't drink too much.)

Case in point: Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, distilled in Frankfort, KY, has taught me that truly excellent bourbons go down easy — almost too easy — even without a mixer. I recently picked up a bottle of a batch made especially for a San Francisco spirits shop, but you can buy it online for about $50. From the waxed-sealed racehorse-adorned top to the hand-scrawled date, Blanton's is clearly a special-occasion bottle of hooch.

One sip and you'll understand what separates high-end bourbon from everyday booze like Jim Beam. The rich, caramel liquid has the decadent taste of toffee with a hint of woodsy, almost fiery flavor. It's best served over ice or just "neat" in a glass, but if you simply must dilute it, I recommend a bit of water. Have you gotten into high-end bourbons? If so, tell me your opinions below.

Since it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought you'd like to know that drinking any type of alcohol adds to the risk of developing breast cancer. We're talking, wine (even red), beer, and liquor. It has nothing to do with the kind of beverage you choose, it's the amount of alcohol you consume that could pose a problem.

Previous studies made a connection to alcohol and breast cancer risk, but there were conflicting views about what kinds of alcohol had this effect.

This new study analyzed 70,033 women of different races, from 1978 to 1985. By 2004, 2,829 of the participants were diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers discovered that it didn't matter what kind of alcoholic drinks these women consumed, but the women that drank one to two servings of alcohol a day increased their risk of developing the disease by 10%. Women kicking back more than three drinks a day increased their risk by 30%.

I know that we've all been drilled to think that having a glass of red wine a day is healthy for our heart, but when it comes to breast cancer the same is not true. It's not clear why alcohol increases breast cancer risk, but some experts think it raises hormone levels in the blood, which could potentially cause cancer.

Fit's Tips: As with everything, moderation is the key. Enjoying an occasional drink is fine, but know that pounding a 6-pack every night may increase your risk for developing breast cancer.

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No matter how stocked a bar may be, if it doesn't have alcohol it's not really a bar. What's the use of a cocktail shaker, martini glass, and toothpick if there's no vodka? Having one bottle is a must, but if your budget allows for more purchase a variety of types. Select one high-end bottle for sipping on the rocks, one for mixing vodka heavy cocktails like martinis and cosmopolitans, and one lower- end for Bloody Marys and Red Bull Vodkas. Supplement the collection with flavored vodkas — vanilla, citrus, and berry are my faves — that are popular in mixology. Lastly, a nice bottle of organic vodka is a special way to treat eco-conscious guests. Take a look at some of my selections below.

I guess I'm in their target demographic or something, because it seems like I can't turn on the TV without seeing a commercial for Disaronno liqueur. I've always found these ads rather annoying and ridiculous; I mean, every inch of shelf space at this bar is stocked with Disaronno? People are licking it off their ice cubes?

But this latest TV spot really vexes me, because no matter how many times I watch the it, it sounds like the narrator is saying "Disaronno's warm and SEXUAL taste makes you wish it would never end." I know, I know: It's probably "sensual," but it sounds so much like sexual it makes me feel dirty. Watch the video and tell me what you think when you read more