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We stayed at the The Arctic Club in Seattle because it was only a bit away from the stadiums and we were surprised at how awesome the bar was! Mike, the bartender, who's been a staple at the Polar Bar for decades was one of the friendliest, most knowledgable bartenders you'll ever meet and he's created some great cocktails. The first one I had to try was "I Am the Walrus" with our little friend on top. It's Rye, Campari, Sweet Vermouth all smoked.

Next up was the Arctic Club Old Fashioned with Rye Whiskey, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters, Sugar Cube and a Cherry.

Other great drinks on the menu were the Smoke and Mirrors, the Arctic Club Manhattan, Pioneer Sour, Seattle Regrade and Mike does spectacular Sazerac which I love! Lastly... the Polar Bear... ROAR!

While down at the pier in Seattle we stopped by Copperworks Distilling Company for a quick tasting. Copperworks is an urban distillery offering a Washington Malt Vodka, Small Batch Gin, Cask Finished Gin and finally... a Single Malt Whiskey. Their Single Malt Whiskey is aged 33 months and surprisingly, it doesn't taste it. I would have assumed it was aged 4 years or more. It's smooth, has aromas of fresh leather and spices and a finish of tea and light citrus.

All of the stills are in plain site of the tasting room and at this time, tours are $15. I recommend doing the tasting of all 4 spirits for $10 (free if you buy a bottle).

The tasting turned me off at first since I'm not a huge vodka fan and normally can't stand gin but the Cask Finished Gin was actually awesome! The botanicals weren't overwhelming like cleaning products and it was really smooth going down.

Ahhhh New Orleans! The land of Sazeracs, great music and great food! Normally when we're in New Orleans I am all about bourbon and the great classic cocktails discovered and made there. Not that Bourbon St. crap, the ones at great watering holes. Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 is a different stop though. With a huge drink list mostly full of rums, you'll have to hunt a little for bourbon.

At least that's what I thought! Low and behold, the 3rd drink was there.... the Paniolo. Kentucky bourbon, Hawaiian macadamia nut liquor shaken with lime, cranberry syrup and mole bitters. Mmmmmmm Mmmmmm!

That's it on the left with a side of and Old-Fashioned done with rum, which was awesome by the way!

So... If you're in New Orleans and need a break for something different or you just need to get out of the heat and cool off, I highly recommend Latitude 29. Check them out at 321 N. Peters Street New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130.