Sometimes the imagination is enough, but every now and then, a person wonders how close what they make up is to the real deal. I'm working on a story set in Scotland where the smell of peat smoke is described - but haven't actually smelled it. I came across the website for the Ardbeg Distillery in the Isle of Islay, Scotland. They sell incense cones. Peat incense cones.
What was my reaction?:
Sign me up.
It turns out, that's what I had to do. I figured I was just signing up for a random email list I would end up unsubscribing my email address from after.
Two weeks ago, a package arrived in the mail. Apparently, I've joined a committee. Yay! I even have a member number. Islay is an island with a population of less than 3500 people and 140 committees. It is officially on the list of places I want to live one day.
Anyway, part of being on the committee involves being sent a Rules and Regulations Handbook (and a sticker). It contains a combination of helpful tips on how best to enjoy Scotch (Ardbeg Scotch, of course. I need to support my committee), songs, old Scottish sayings, history and famous quotes.
My two favorite rules (both resulting in the office of the member being vacated):
- If a member becomes unsound of mind, as shown by the development of a preference for a spirit other than Ardbeg.
- If a member is directly or indirectly involved in diluting Ardbeg with anything other than water.
As someone who loves reading random awesomeness, this was a book nerd's dream come true. In the end, I learned more about Scotland from this little packet than I ever could had I found peat incense back home. Oh, the treasures we come across when we least expect it.
Slainte
