Proper Twelve Whiskey: My Shelf Removal Saga (and Why You Might Want to Do It Too!)
Hey everyone! So, I've been meaning to write this post for ages. It's about something kinda personal, but also, I think, pretty relatable for anyone who's ever gotten a little too into collecting whiskey. I'm talking about my Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey journey – specifically, the moment I realized my collection was getting…out of hand.
The Whiskey Wall That Wasn't
Let's rewind. I started collecting Proper Twelve a few years back. I'd always enjoyed Irish whiskey, but something about the smooth, easy-drinking nature of Proper Twelve really clicked with me. You know, that whole "easy sippin'" thing they advertise? Totally true. And the bottle design? Slick. Anyway, one bottle led to two, then four, then…well, let's just say my “whiskey wall” became a whiskey mountain. It was overflowing my bar cabinet, taking over shelves in my living room. My wife wasn't thrilled, to say the least. She kept saying things like, "Honey, we need more storage space for... other things." Yeah, yeah, "other things."
The Straw That Broke the Camel's Back (Or, the Spill That Did)
The final straw? Not my wife's complaints (though they were definitely contributing). No, it was a minor whiskey-related disaster. I was reaching for a bottle of Proper Twelve – yeah, one of many Proper Twelves – when I knocked over a whole shelf of... you guessed it... more Proper Twelve! Whiskey was EVERYWHERE. It was a sticky, boozy mess. I spent, like, an hour cleaning up that catastrophe. That's when I knew, "OK, this is ridiculous. Time for a Proper Twelve whiskey shelf removal."
Taking Control: My Plan for a More Organized Whiskey Life
The idea of a complete shelf removal seemed daunting initially. But after that spill, I knew I had to do something to get my whiskey collection (and my life!) back on track. Here's the plan I put in action, and how you can make it work for you:
1. The Great Inventory: Knowing What You've Got (and What You Don't Need)
First things first, I did a complete inventory. I carefully listed every bottle, noting the age (if applicable), and the purchase date. This helped me get a handle on how much Proper Twelve (and other whiskeys) I actually owned. The sheer number surprised even me.
2. The Purge: Facing the Facts (and Saying Goodbye)
This part was tough. I had to be honest with myself: I wasn't going to drink all that whiskey. I even had some older bottles that had started to lose their flavor. Letting go was hard, but necessary. I sold some of the extra bottles to friends and gave some away. This part helped me realize something: it's okay to not have it all.
3. The Re-Organization: A New System for a New You
Once I purged some of my collection, I finally had a clearer picture of what to do next. I invested in a good quality bar cart. It held more than my old cabinet and was actually stylish, too. It looked far better than what I had before. It was a complete refresh.
4. Moderation is Key: A Responsible Approach
The biggest lesson I learned? Moderation. I'm still enjoying Proper Twelve, but I’m more mindful of my consumption and purchases. I've even started to explore other whiskeys to expand my horizons. Variety is the spice of life, right?
The Takeaway: A More Balanced Relationship with Whiskey
My Proper Twelve shelf removal wasn't just about clearing space; it was about taking control of my collecting habits. It's helped me find a healthier relationship with whiskey – something many people can learn from. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by your own collection, don't hesitate to take a step back, reassess, and create a better system. Trust me, your future self (and possibly your spouse) will thank you.
And hey, if you happen to have any extra bottles of Proper Twelve you're looking to offload... just sayin'! 😉