I love the TOTW threads of some lesser known tunes where you get to learn about a new tune. This is NOT one of those TOTW threads. 
Also, be forewarned that this TOTW strays slightly off-topic.
It's kind of hard to believe this has never been done as a TOTW before, but for this weeks TOTW I present to you WHISKEY BEFORE BREAKFAST.
Before we get to discussing the tune, allow me to make it clear that I prefer my whiskey to be from the state of Kentucky and where it's mainly made with corn as the predominant ingredient.
Now, to discuss some of the history behind the tune. Most of the information below comes from the fiddler's companion, but re-written in a way that is slightly more readable.
It seems that the tune has its origins in Canada from a fiddler and composer named Andy de Jarlis in the mid twentieth century. It was included in a 1957 book Canadian Fiddle Tunes from Red River Valley. I always thought that this was an old time traditional tune, but apparently it's a "widely known tune, often mistaken for an old traditional old-time tune." Ken Perlman identifies it as coming from Canada's Maritime provinces where it is called "Spirits of the Morning," which I think is a pretty cool alternative title for Whiskey Before Breakfast. Finally there are some lyrics that go along with the melody that have become popular in bluegrass circles. Personally, I prefer the good old fashioned instrumental version.
This is one of those tunes that sounds good on any old time instrument. I love to hear it on mandolin, fiddle, banjo (scruggs style and clawhammer), and guitar. There are no shortage of recordings out there for you to enjoy! Being a guitar guy before I got into banjo, I'm especially fond of Norman Blake's version, and Doc Watson's version.
--
Searching on the BHO, there are 41 different mp3's. Here are links to a few that I enjoyed listening to today:
Here's one from TOTW ambassador J-Walk from a Tuscon Jam - old time music at its finest!
Wonderful bluegrass version from joemac
Fretless version by olpete which is really really nice
Here is an incredible video by our own Mr. Zepp who makes it sound so pretty, and makes it look so easy.
Finally, here is an inspiring video from the late Dave Hum which is properly titled (for his neck of the woods) Whisky Before Breakfast.
--
Enough about music- let's talk about whiskey - specifically bourbon. I didn't start drinking any alcohol until I was in my mid twenties (I grew up baptist, so I didn't have much of a choice, right??). I really came to love bourbon and the history behind it, as well as the taste. For the record, I'm still a regularly attending baptist, and I'm not a closet drinker. My baptist community is a little more accepting than the one my grandparents grew up in. Everything in moderation right? I love the quote from Ralph Stanley, "Now some might say the gospel and liquor don't go together, but they can work fine if you know the proper amounts." I totally agree Ralph, 100%. Anyways, I love bourbon, and I love this song. Old time music and good whiskey go hand in and hand in my opinion. For the record, I only enjoy whiskey before breakfast when I'm around a campfire in the mountains in the winter. Some of my favorite Kentucky bourbons include Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Elmer T. Lee, and Blanton's. I think Woodford Reserve is overhyped and overpriced, but still think it's a good bourbon. I like some Maker's Mark every now and then as well for a more commercial bourbon. Jim Beam ain't bad, but it ain't for me. Jack Daniel's----well, it's made in Tennessee, so I stay away from the charcoal filtered stuff.
--
So, share with us your favorite version of Whiskey Before Breakfast. Or share with us your favorite whiskey or whisky for those of you on the other side of the pond. Take some time to sit down and slowly sip a glass of fine whiskey this week and record a version of yourself playing it. Or maybe you can share a good story about a jam where you enjoyed some whiskey and ended up playing until breakfast time.
--
I haven't had much time lately for good bourbon whiskey or banjo playing, but I'm trying to work up a home recording of Whiskey Before Breakfast to share before the week is up. For now, here is a quick recording I did with some nylguts a few months ago. It's not in the key of D - don't shoot me!