LIQUOR: The Old Oaken Barrel

In Kentucky, where men pride themselves on their ability to recognize good whisky, they tell a story to illustrate the art. Two Bluegrass Senators sat down to sample a barrel of bourbon. "Mighty fine likker," allowed one Senator tentatively. After rolling it over on his tongue he added: "But there's something in that barrel that gives it a slight metallic taste." The other Senator took a dipperful, disagreed. "It's a slight leathery taste," he said. Laying a wager as to which was right, they kept dipping until the barrel was empty, then turned it over to see what was in...

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