Great read, I miss Hitch. I found this piece of advice particularly on point:

I once researched this for a solemn article and found that if you just ask for, say, vodka-and-tonic the bar­man is entitled to give you whatever he has on hand, which is often a two-handled jug labeled “Vodka” under the bar. It can be even worse with scotch, where imi­tation blends are rife. Pick a decent prod­uct and stay with it. Upgrade yourself, for Chrissake. Do you think you are going to live forever?

I would disagree slightly with the "pick a decent product and stay with it", but only when you are newly initiated, in which case you should utilize a bar/restaurants expansive selection to try new things. I'm glad I did or I would still be drinking Ten High, which certainly saw me through many a college evening but doesn't hold mustard to my current "house muse", Knob Creek and Makers Mark. Though I've been enjoying more Scotch lately.

I also think having a sip or two, or three of Absinthe every once in a while is nice. Though I wouldn't drink two glasses a day for health benefits. I keep a bottle in the house for the occasional late night "luge"