LET'S GET CRAFTY
TIMOTHY LONG
Oysters and Beer “The world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork.” – Oscar Wilde Oysters and beer, one of the greatest culinary delights known to man. A delicacy of indulgence beyond any other. The two go together like eggs and bacon. Back in the 90s, my buddy Devo and I walked into a bar that we knew had great oysters. We wanted to watch the WVU/Syracuse football game. The bar was running a Saturday afternoon special, 25 cent oysters. Good luck finding that price now. We sat at the bar, got a pitcher of beer, and ordered 5 dozen oysters. The bartender gave us a derisive look and informed us that she was not shucking 5 dozen oysters. Fair enough. I then asked for a dozen and that we would order more as needed. We ate 6 dozen while watching WVU lose to Syracuse. The oysters saved what would have been a disastrous afternoon. Oysters are wonderful, but don’t eat one in a month without an “r” in it. That’s the rule! Don’t do it! You’ll be sick for days and vomiting so hard that you’ll see your shoes drop into the water! I have questioned this ‘R” rule from the first time I heard it. Really? What the hell does the spelling of a month’s name have to do with getting a bad oyster? The answer is almost nothing. Although, there was a time when this rule did have merit. According to the New York Times article, Oysters, Despite What You’ve Heard, Are Always in Season, GET CRAFTY > PAGE 37
Tim’s
Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations 36 July 2022
Copper Fox Port Style Barrel Finish Single Malt Pairing an oyster with whiskey can be a great experience. Many people recommend coastal scotches for our local oysters. And although they do blend well together, stick with one of our local whiskies instead. I recommend Copper Fox Port Style Barrel Finish Single Malt. The briny sweet oysters from our Chesapeake waters blend well with a single malt. This local whiskey has notes of honey and ginger with a biscuit style finish that beautifully complements our local oysters. 100 Proof, $79.95 a bottle.
Oliva Series V Liga Especial Belicoso Cigars are made to enjoy after a good meal. So, once you have finished your oysters, fire up an Oliva Series V Liga Especial. This wonderful robust cigar is full of meaty and nutty flavors with a balanced sweetness. A Cigar Aficionado rating of 93 and priced at $6 a stick makes this cigar is a real steal. Enjoy.
Old Town Crier
