SeoulBrother

Dean Martin performs at the Copa Room (1957). That’s Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Debbie Reynolds, & Jack Benny at the front table (click to enlarge) (via)

“In 1969, Orson Welles told me that he’d been backstage in his own Dean Martin Show dressing room when, before the taping, Dean knocked, then came in, drink in hand. ‘Hey Orson,’ he said, holding up his glass, 'you want one of these before we…?’

Orson shook his head. 'No, no, Dean, I’m fine, thanks.” Martin looked shocked. “You mean you’re gonna go out there alone?!” Welles roared with laughter when he told me the story. 'Alone!’ he repeated loudly. 'Isn’t that great!?’ Orson went on, 'That’s the best definition of addiction I’ve ever heard.’“

Tacoma! Who wants a good punch recipe for their Festivus parties and get togethers? I do! Here are a a few that I worked on and Potent-ified for your festive drinking pleasure.

This Friday, November 25th is the first ever Reverend Al’s Bona Fide Potents Anti-Black Friday Sale. That’s right folks, for the first time I will be taking Internet orders to raise money to fight what’s turning out to be an aggressively regressive administration. Every product will be priced at double the normal sale price with proceeds going to these fine organizations:

The Southern Poverty Law Center to fight hate.

The ACLU to defend our rights.

Planned Parenthood to keep our families healthy.

National Immigration Law Center to help our newest and future citizens.

Oasis Youth Center to provide a safe space for gay teens.

Everytown to end gun violence.

Come back this Friday, November 25th for Reverend Al’s Bona Fide Potents Anti-Black Friday Sale. That’s right folks, for the first time I will be taking Internet orders to raise money to fight what’s turning out to be an aggressively regressive administration. Every product will be priced at double the normal sale price with proceeds going to these fine organizations:

The Southern Poverty Law Center to fight hate.

The ACLU to defend our rights.

Planned Parenthood to keep our families healthy.

National Immigration Law Center to help our newest and future citizens.

Oasis Youth Center to provide a safe space for gay teens.

Everytown to end gun violence.

It’s been a little while since I’ve posted so I want to give you an update.

First, new products! Yay! Everyone loves new things, right? I know you do, Tacoma. Three weeks ago, I released my ninth Potent, an elixir I’m calling the “Goddess of Autumn.” It’s made with Granny Smith apples, a smoked tea called lapsong suchong, lemon zest and cedar tips, nettles and other spices. Think a brisk, clear day with woodsmoke in the air and that pretty much sums it up. It’s beautiful with light and dark rum, pisco, whiskey, especially Irish whiskey, AND it’s caffeinated.

The second new product is a refreshing ginger drink made with maple syrup and apple cider vinegar that’s great hot, cold, mixed with soda, tonic or on its own. It’s tangy, sweet and spicy and ready to drink. I’m excited about this one and it will serve as the base for a number of drinks to come so stay tuned.

Come by the booth for a sample of my new Potents at the Proctor Farmers’ Market Saturdays from 9AM to 2PM, rain or shine and everything in between.

Finally, when I started Bona Fide Potents, I put together a pretty simple list of what kind of company I would run.

First, I would never sacrifice quality. Quality will dictate how fast I grow.

Second, Bona Fide Potents will be a safe, diverse place for its (future) employees.

Third, value is associated with everyone’s contribution and that contribution is rewarded. This means recognition, great wages, profit sharing and continued professional development opportunities because work is supposed to enrich your life, not replace it.

Fourth, and finally, Bona Fide Potents has a responsibility to enrich, aid and support the very community that supports it. I’ve made donations to community and national organizations in recent months and I will continue to do so. This, I see, is the responsibility of business.

Why bring this up? I am not at all happy with the results of the election. I am in a daze. I am filled with dread that a bigoted, misogynistic, homophobic bully campaign succeeded. It feels like the ‘80s all over again, when I’d routinely see Confederate flags and swastikas worn in public right here in Washington.

I will not stand for a return to a climate where racism is normalized again. I will stand up for my LGBTQ and immigrant brothers and sisters and help find or provide the support, resources and security they need. I will help create a world where my six year old niece is allowed to develop and become the amazing badass that I see in her now.

I keep asking myself what I can do? I am still getting my thoughts together but over the next few weeks and months, I will begin rolling out my plans.

To start, I really am a reverend– a licensed officiant, if you will – it’s not just a catchy title. Any LGBTQ couples wanting to get married before the new administration tries to dismantle gay marriage, I offer my services free of charge.

To others out there still trying to find stability in this most bizarre timeline, be mad then get your mind clear and your body strong. Be ready to help. Be ready to fight.

Tacoma, I love you. You are beautiful and strong.

I can’t wait to see you all tomor– I mean later today. Mostly because you guys are amazing. I can barely keep up with production and, honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming at times.

Mostly though, it’s humbling. I am so excited that you appreciate my products. I try my best to bring you the brightest local ingredients, the most interesting concoctions and surprising flavors. It’s been my JOY (you don’t even know) to watch you sample my Potents for the first time. Your reaction sets the standard - if you don’t love it, I need to take another run at it. You are the ones who grant each flavor their Bona Fides.

So thank you, Tacoma*. Thank you so very much.

I will have 8&16oz bottles of The Purple One, Sweet Pepper Revival and the English Cucumber Cooler available as well as made-to-order ice cold sodas of each.

(I hear it’ll be busy tomorrow because of the Proctor Arts Festival. Thanks for your patience, and regulars, if you see someone who needs attention, flag me, or just talk to them. It’ll be fine and it will help me a lot.)

Much love, Albert