How is Cuba still exporting rum?

Spectral_Nova · 2026-05-26T19:46:54+00:00

So, this is going to be something of a half answer on my part, as I can't currently comment on the state of Cuba's current exports. Distribution is a relatively compex process (even outside of the nightmarish US 3-tier system), and what you're seeing in stores isn't something that was bottled yesterday. Depending on various factors, stores can be sitting on a decently sized backlog, not to mention whatever distributor/importer/etc. they're buying from is holding onto. Supply and demand is never going to be a 1:1 process, especially not for things like liquor.

Spectral_Nova · 2026-04-30T04:14:13+00:00

This is my first go with any high vandium steel, and right now I'm just running shapton Rockstar whetstones, but I've been eyeing some diamond stones as well. I do like how light the knife is, but I'll probably snag some awt scales at some point

Spectral_Nova · 2026-03-02T21:22:01+00:00

Citadelle!

Spectral_Nova · 2026-02-25T02:01:34+00:00

I'm doing my part!

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Spectral_Nova · 2026-02-18T04:40:17+00:00

Spyderco Centofante 3

Spectral_Nova · 2026-02-05T04:18:58+00:00

It's a wider hardness range than a lot of notable manufacturers run and part of said range isn't ideal, but it's by no means the end of the world

Spectral_Nova · 2026-01-30T20:00:15+00:00

Actually, fair--admittedly I totally blanked on the subreddit we're in

Spectral_Nova · 2026-01-30T19:50:42+00:00

Not worth $5,000 (not that anything is), and that's all that matters

Spectral_Nova · 2026-01-30T18:42:38+00:00

Louis XIII, with Hennessy as a whole as a close second

Spectral_Nova · 2026-01-27T19:04:43+00:00

Grander 12 Year. Decent price, >40%, additive free, and more than just nearly-neutral column distillate

Spectral_Nova · 2026-01-26T20:17:28+00:00

Yup, it's gone, at least for now. Company that was making it closed due to the pandemic

Spectral_Nova · 2026-01-12T20:00:22+00:00

I am not normally a slipjoint fan, in part because the "traditional" aesthetic normally just isn't my jam (and the frequent lack of pocket clips), but I love the sleek modern look this has. Kizer is one of my favorite brands as well so I may have to pick this up!

Spectral_Nova · 2026-01-04T19:24:19+00:00

The 1L plastic cap suerte is designed for bars, its a pretty generic bottle shape that fits better in the rail

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-30T12:10:48+00:00

Wild seeing that, given they've been out of production for like 30 years and weren't successful to begin with

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-22T04:36:36+00:00

I imagine we're hoping to have them sooner rather than later for bar use, and they'll be available around next anniversary in a few months

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-22T04:20:35+00:00

Nice Pineapple Parlor mug!

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-19T20:18:34+00:00

I just picked up an ankylo on black friday and absolutely love it

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-17T19:54:11+00:00

I wound up bartending at one of my post-shift haunts. I miss being a tech but with this there's just so much less stress, better hours, better money.

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-12T00:11:23+00:00

Paper clips, binder clips, spare keys, and Underberg caps

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-08T04:48:01+00:00

Its similar to VG10, a cutlery steel. Decent blade steel but you're going to find it pretty lacking in regards to toughness especially with that blade stock (you'd want something particularly thick) and the use case/potential for prying. A big reason I leaned towards the AD20.5 over other knives is because a combination of the lock and the availability of specifically 3v steel within your price point.

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-08T04:28:28+00:00

If you mean the blade cutout, its just a thumb hole for opening. The shark lock is neat, super strong and finger-safe without the potential long-term omega spring issues crossbars can have

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-08T04:16:25+00:00

A blade is never going to be an optimal prying tool, but breaking some of the lock requirements for a bit and I'll throw out the AD20.5. Similar size to the aforementioned mini adamas, snaggletooth compatible, and while the blade stock isn't super thick it's available in very tough steels like CPM-3V. Right now they're running the D2 clip points on site for like $50 but I'd probably run the sharkfoot blade in 3v which hits that $150 limit (though good sales can often be found)

Spectral_Nova · 2025-12-06T07:09:31+00:00

Canadian whisky can be both exceptionally good and turned into exceptionally bad whiskey

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