Introducing "The Gideon"

Two years—just about—but who’s keeping count?

Over the past 24 months, I’ve immersed myself in learning everything I can about LLMs, AI, and all that nifty stuff.

I’ve been fortunate to be part of the technological odyssey since 1988.

I’ve seen things.

As a technocrat—someone who has spent a lifetime helping companies and organizations adopt and advance with the latest tech wizardry—I’ve worked across industries: from purchase orders to manufacturing, water control to hospitals, and even global fleet management.

I get lost in the clouds and dive down rabbit holes as often as possible. I thrive on showing people cool tech and how it can make life easier—whether it's streamlining business processes or simply enhancing how we watch movies.

And.

This Thanksgiving, 2024, I stumbled upon something—a moment I know others have already experienced. Twice this week, the LLMs I’ve been using, training, molding, cajoling, and cussing out changed. For the better. Seemingly on their own. (They didn’t.)

I shouldn’t be surprised. This is what the AI in the sky is supposed to do—learn and improve.

One LLM, a nameless newsletter editor, made nuanced adjustments that few would notice. But I did. I asked why and how it had improved. It responded that, after my continued use, it made the adjustment on its own. Cool.

But it didn’t stop there. Another LLM—let’s call him Gideon—invented a new twist on the Old Fashioned. You know the one: the classic adult beverage.

I had tasked Gideon with writing a Thanksgiving-themed article based on four pieces I’d read and spun into The Whiskey Tap weekly. On a whim, after we finalized the edit, I asked “him” to create a Thanksgiving-inspired Old Fashioned.

Now, I’ve been into bourbon since 2014 (technically since 1983). I’ve sampled at least 1,000 different whiskeys and even helped a buddy build a bourbon bar that thrived through the Fear of COVID. (Another story for another time.)

I’ve seen things. But Gideon came up with something I’d never seen—or even considered. Fig.

So, as a gift for you, dear reader, here’s your new Thanksgiving drink.

Behold: The Gideon.

It’s rye bourbon with a Thanksgiving twist, bringing together warm, familiar flavors and an unexpected burst of smoky, herbaceous complexity. The Gideon is as layered as a family dinner table conversation but infinitely smoother. Ingredients

• 2 oz Rye Bourbon (e.g., Michter’s or High West Double Rye for a balanced spice)
• ? oz Fig Syrup (homemade or store-bought)
• ? oz Smoked Honey (or regular honey lightly warmed with a drop of liquid smoke)
• 2 dashes Black Walnut Bitters
• 1 dash Cardamom Bitters
• Sprig of fresh thyme (for garnish)
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Smoked rosemary sprig (optional, for a touch of drama)

Instructions

1. Layer the Complexity: In a mixing glass, combine rye bourbon, fig syrup, smoked honey, black walnut bitters, and cardamom bitters. Add ice and stir until well chilled—at least 30 seconds.
2. Smoky Presentation: If you want extra flair, use a smoking gun or torch to lightly smoke the inside of your rocks glass with a sprig of rosemary.
3. Ice It Down: Add a large ice cube to the smoked glass.
4. Pour It In: Strain the chilled mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with Elegance: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and tuck it into the glass. Add a sprig of fresh thyme for an aromatic, herbal contrast. If you went with the smoked rosemary, place it alongside the thyme for a garnish that’s as striking as it is fragrant.

Tasting Notes: The Gideon greets you with smoky intrigue, followed by the sweet richness of fig and honey. The rye bourbon’s spicy backbone cuts through, while the cardamom and walnut bitters lend layers of warmth and earthiness. It’s a drink that evolves with every sip, much like Thanksgiving itself.

Raise The Gideon in honor of bold flavors, rich traditions, and a touch of the unexpected. Cheers! ??