NELSON'S GREEN BRIER WHISKEY

“Well, she sure got legs,” says Charlie Nelson, whiskey cognoscenti, lothario, and former Los Angeles resident. “I dunno, the best you’ve never tasted,” continues Nelson when asked to describe his Belle Meade Bourbon.  It’s smoky but not overbearing; there’s some vanilla in there—but this ain’t your sorority sister’s drink du jour. Check out the website for a sophisticated take on the mint julep formula—'The Bonnie Brown'.  You might also read about Green Brier’s history—two parts family tradition, one part student loan pay-off plan (Nelson is wee 28 years old).

 NIGHT MOVES “Country Queen”

In the spirit of revivalism, dust off a turntable, make yourself a Bonnie Brown and let NIGHT MOVES transport you to a rural backseat sometime in the 70’s. Hook-laden bridges; Pet Sounds-esque vocal harmony; organs; harmonicas; just the right amount of reverb. And like the whiskey, the album is sophisticated but not overbearing. Colored Emotions is worth a complete listen—enough time to finish off a bottle of Belle Meade.