PT. II: A MORE EXPANSIVE PALETTE
Aside from the existential crisis, my biggest reason for minimizing or simplifying my home bar is to get back into cocktails. Cocktails and cocktail culture are ultimately, what got me into spirits. I love creating the best version of a classic, creating riffs, creating my syrups, using shakers, and Yarai glasses. I love making cocktails that I think will compliment what record I am about to drop the needle on. It is a very expressive outlet for me, and the more I got into individual spirits, the more I got away from cocktails.
The Less You Have, The More You Have to Appreciate
This is more of an expansion of my previous “Paradox of Choice” talking point. As a result; having a massive collection takes away from the ability to enjoy what you have. Having less allows you to thoughtfully invest in what you enjoy versus buying what you think you want. I hope that by investing in select brands and styles I know I enjoy; I will be more satisfied with my choices. For example, I don’t think that I need six different Jamaica rums. The tighter parameters I allow myself to have, the more thought I have to put into my purchasing decisions. I have to justify to myself if I will get the most out of this bottle, or do I want to have it for the sake of saying that I have it?
Curate to your Mood
I am a very seasonal person. What I eat, drink, and even what I listen to various from season to season. I do not doubt that it is true for a lot of us. During those bitter, cold winter months I always tend to find myself alternating between Manhattans and scotch more so than I do during the summer. Conversely; I enjoy my Sazeracs during those long stagnant, humid summer nights and daiquiris during the blazing hot days. So perhaps I will make more of an investment in the bottles I use for those seasons and get the most out of what I am drinking.
Clear the Clutter
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. I used to think that the best bars were the ones with the most options to choose from. So naturally, that was an important factor for me as well. And it was messy. Every couple of weeks I found myself trying to rearrange it in a way that makes the most sense. By spirit type, by region, by use. Oh, and you have to make sure that all of those labels are visible too. What was supposed to be a personal point of pride was quickly becoming a source of stress and an eyesore.
It took a while for me to accept that it is more about quality than quantity. I also began to realize around this time how important it was for me that everything has its place and looks aesthetically pleasing. This may sound contradictory to what it means to be a “Minimalist”, but I believe more firmly the William Morris quotes; “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”.
