Tag Archives: From the Capn’s Pen

The Best Concert? I’m Going to Need a Bigger Category

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I’ve seen some unforgettable concerts — the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel, Sting and Toto. Picking the best one isn’t easy, because sometimes the best concert is less about the ranking and more about the night. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 36: The Triple Oak Mason Jar Project

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Can a $19 bourbon get even better with a week in a mason jar and a couple of oak sticks? I put Member’s Mark Single Barrel through a homemade “triple oak” experiment and tasted it against the original. Continue reading →

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The Best Thing to Do in Jacksonville Is Often Not in Jacksonville

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Jacksonville has its charms, but the best thing to do here is not always technically here. Sometimes Jacksonville works best as a launching pad. Continue reading →

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The Superpower I Actually Need

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

If I could choose a superpower, I’d probably want the ability to pause time — not for anything dramatic, but just long enough to catch up. But maybe the real power is learning how to use the time I’ve already been given. Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: Hard Truth Sweet Mash Wheated vs. Four Grain

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Hard Truth brings some serious sweet mash credibility from Brown County, Indiana. But between the Wheated Bottled in Bond and the Four Grain Bottled in Bond, one bottle gives me more flavor — and more bang for the buck. Continue reading →

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Brand Loyalty Has Its Limits

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I’m not very brand loyal. I’m loyal to my wallet. If the off-brand version works, tastes decent, and doesn’t make me regret my life choices, I’m probably choosing it. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Tuesday, May 5, 2026: Lead Me to the Rock

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

When life feels too big to handle, Psalm 61 reminds us where to look: to the God who is higher, stronger and ready to shelter us. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Monday, May 4, 2026: New Wineskins for New Faith

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Jesus’ image of new wine and fresh wineskins reminds us that faith is not about preserving old rituals but keeping our hearts open, flexible and ready for His renewing work. Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: The Warehouse Heat

Posted on May 3, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Warm-climate bourbon ages differently because the heat drives the whiskey deeper into the barrel. Life can work that way, too. Pressure does not always destroy. Sometimes, it accelerates purpose. Continue reading →

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I Vote, But My Ballot Does the Talking

Posted on May 3, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

WordPress asked a yes-or-no question, and the smart aleck in me wanted to answer it exactly: yes. I vote. But I let my ballot do the talking. Continue reading →

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