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Hartford, it's time for some mid-week shenanigans!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed the weather has been changing. The mornings and evenings are a little cooler than what we have been used to.

Usually when the weather starts to cool, that means The Big E is right around the corner. After we went last year, I’ve been craving to go back! But more on that in the coming weeks.

Anyways, definitely not looking forward to the leaf clean-up that the Fall weather brings, but hopefully that is still a couple months away.

In today’s edition of The Hartford Pour, we’ll get into:

— Chris M.
Local Whiskey Nerd, Husband, Dad, Entrepreneur (Fun Tip: I’ve never had a brain-freeze, seriously)

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(Sometimes you need a break from Bourbon)

Had one of my favorite nights of the year recently: a proper Rye Night at a buddy's house with five other guys who take this stuff seriously.

We lined up bottles from lowest proof (around 92) up to the high end (about 119) and tasted our way through the whole shelf.

There's a line in Ocean's Eleven where Don Cheadle's character says "it's nice to deal with proper criminals," and honestly, that's exactly how it felt sitting down with a group that actually knows what they're drinking.

Just so you know, I'm a proof-hound.

Triple digits or don't bother, and my personal sweet spot sits right around 120. They say you know you're getting old when you start tasting whiskey for taste instead of effect. Well, I'm there, and I'm proud of it.

My winner was the Michter's Barrel Strength Rye. About $120 a bottle and worth every cent.

Second was the James E. Pepper Full Proof Rye, a total rye drinker's rye, minty like spearmint bubble gum.

Third was 13th Colony Rye, 113 proof, finished on maple staves. I like it more than their bourbon. About $65, and if you see it on a shelf, grab it. Bhakta was outstanding too, just missed the podium.

The 13th Colony was my bottle and I got it from Amazing Grapes in Simsbury.

What ryes are you pouring these days?

(I “Wonder” what it’s about?)

OK, so we need to talk…

A new collection of restaurants all just opened in the exact same location. Let me tell you what I mean.

A place called “Wonder” just opened its doors at 91 Memorial Road in Blue Back Square in West Hartford on Aug. 13 (They even did a chamber of commerce ribbon-cutting so it's official-official).

But here's the trick: you order through their app, in person on a kiosk, or ahead online, and pull dishes from 20-plus restaurant brands. We are talking Bobby Flay Steak, Streetbird by Marcus Samuelsson, Tejas Barbecue, Magnolia Bakery, Di Fara Pizza, all wrapped up in one single order.

You can check out their full menu here.

Anyway, it all comes out of one shared kitchen. Dine in, pick up, or get it delivered free.

I think the real benefit here is when you are with a group of friends (or just your significant other) and cannot decide on what to eat, this is the perfect place.

No more fighting over where to eat.

Now for the bad part: I couldn't confirm a regular day-to-day bar menu here (there were cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine at the opening party, but that may have been a one-night thing).

So for an actual drink, I suggest swinging around the corner to World of Beer on Isham Road. 50 rotating taps, 500-plus bottles, I’m salivating just thinking about it.

(Need something to do?)

Gotta admit, today was a little tough to find stuff for, but I dug deep and found a couple things in case you’re bored.

Let’s start with the Glastonbury Farmers Market at Glastonbury Town Hall (2155 Main St) between 3:30 and 6:30 PM.

Local farmers, artisans, live music, the whole "support your neighbors" lineup. You can grab something for dinner nearby while you are at it.

Next, head to South Windsor, because at 6 PM sharp, Connecticut Valley Brewing Company (765 Sullivan Ave) is hosting Everyday Herbalism, a local herbalist breaking down plant actions and energetics for an hour, and don’t worry, you can have a pint in hand.

Connecticut Valley is one of my favorite spots, be sure to try the Spiked Smoothie or the Campers Chocolate Stout.

It's basically a wellness day that ends in a brewery, which honestly might be the most “Hartford” sentence I've ever written.

Runs 6 to 7 PM at CT Valley, so you've got time to browse first.

Wednesday's got a two-stop plan, and honestly, it works better as a pair, so hear me out.

Start at Elicit Brewing Manchester (165 Adams St) at 6 PM for the Sea Glass Window Art Class. You’ll get guided instruction, shells, colored glass, a frame, and a complimentary first drink to steady the hands before the resin comes out.

Then swing over to Parkville Market (1400 Park St, Hartford) any time between 11 AM and 9 PM for Wine Down Wednesdays, where $4 glasses and $15 bottles make "one more glass" a very reasonable and affordable decision.

Craft class, then a glass of something cold. That's a Wednesday I can get behind.

Elicit runs 6 to 8 PM, Parkville's open all day on the wine specials, so there's no wrong order to do this in.

Thursday's giving you a real "sliding doors" moment.

Door number one: Max Olé, Tacos & Tequila at Rosedale Farms & Vineyards (25 East Weatogue St, Simsbury), kicking off at 6 PM. It's the “Max Chef to Farm” series doing a tequila-and-tacos night (I mean, do you need any more convincing?)

Door number two: Music Bingo with Good Thomas at Back East Brewing Company (1296 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield), 6:30 PM.

Mark your card, guess the songs, and do it with a Suzy Greenberg in hand, their New England IPA loaded with ripe mango and tropical hop character.

I genuinely can't pick for you, but I can tell you both are worth the drive.

Maybe I'll just split myself in half, lol

Do you know of an AWESOME restaurant or bar? Or something not included in this email you’d like to see?

REPLY to this email and let me know!