iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Couple of fingers of Booker’s (the Big Easy release) as my Sunday turns the corner. Yes, l do have a glass that says “The good shit.” And since Booker’s is the good shit, ergo… #bourbon #whiskey

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Just another summer day on the Monterey CA coast. Ain't it purty? #Monterey #California #PacificOcean

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Friday fun: an Old Fashioned w/ Old Forester single-barrel rye (130 proof—whoohoo!), Angostura bitters, Demerara simple syrup, orange slice, splash of soda water (I know, not the classic). Flavor! #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Tonight’s delight: a Boulevardier w/ Whistle Pig 6-year rye, Cocchi sweet vermouth, Gran Classico (better than Campari). And here’s to Dolly Parton, an American original, and a big soul with a big heart. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Tonight's delight: a variant on the Black Manhattan (because it has some sweet vermouth too): Old Forester Single Barrel (130 proof—yowsah!), Cynar amaro, Cocchi vermouth, Peychaud's and Angostura bitters, brandied cherry, orange twist. Pretty durn good. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Tonight’s frolic: A French 75, w/Venus Spirits gin, Paula Kornell champagne (a rosé, something I hadn’t tried before), fresh lemon juice, Liber Demerara syrup, twist. Pretty durn good; might have another. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

A freshly-baked monarch sunning on a sunflower in our backyard today. Credit goes to @heybourget.bsky.social for both the photo and the butterflies, since she planted all the milkweed that attracts the moms-to-be laying their eggs. We've had a monarch bonanza this summer!

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

As mama said, there will be days like this…

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Tonight's delight: an Old Pal, w/Woodford rye, Dolin dry vermouth and Atost aperitif. (Supposed to be Campari for the bitter, but none about, and Gran Classico is better anyway.) Lemon twist and Friday away! #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

This guy or gal came by the house the other day, and has been hanging around the neighborhood. It’s a juvenile red-tailed hawk, and obviously well-dressed. Plenty of varmints in the nearby fields to terrorize.

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Friday delight: a variant on a Manhattan (called a Manhattan Beach by the Atost folks, but I varied their recipe even more): WhistlePig 6-year rye, Atost—thanks Marie!—aperitif, and Cocchi vermouth, with Angostura bitters and candied (yum) orange peel. Not a bad thing... #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Friday frolic: a Black Manhattan variant, with the last dribbles of a too-large Knob Creek bourbon, amplified with some Woodford Reserve bourbon, Cocchi vermouth and Montenegro amaro. Peychaud's and Angostura bitters, and brandied cherry to boot. Takes the pain of too much bad news away. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

View from a cliff at Ft. Ord Dunes State Park (north of Monterey, CA) today. Dazzling stuff, and walking down that little canyon to the water was just as good.

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

A salute to my dad, Sgt. Bentley, on this #MemorialDay: he was a waist gunner on a B-17 in the European Theater in WWII and over Korea, many missions, and unlike many of his compatriots, survived to a rich old age. Long gone now, but never forgotten. (Most importantly, he was a good man.)

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Friday fly-in: a Boulevardier w/ Knob Creek bourbon, Cocchi vermouth and Gran Classico (Campari’s OK, Classico’s better). Yesssss… #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Variant (complicated!) of a Missing in Action w/Appleton rum, Knob Creek bourbon, Montenegro amaro, Aperol, Costco Orange liqueur (Gran Marnier in disguise?), bit of Demerara syrup. And yes, TGIF. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

A #cocktail at the end of a world-weary week: a Manhattan variant w/ Knob Creek bourbon, Cocchi vermouth, Dry Curaçao, Angostura & Peychaud’s bitters, brandied cherry & orange twist. Breathe…

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

My not-quite julep on Derby Day: crunched ice rather than crushed, muddled and topped mint, Demerara syrup and some flasked Blanton’s and Woodford for that Kentucky glow. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Great and communicative organization matching English-speaking volunteers with Ukrainians hoping to learn the language. I have worked with my pal Tanya for more than a year and a half (not doing weekly sessions anymore, but still meeting) and we share worldviews and laughs. Good stuff! #ENGin

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

After a dandy hike in Molera State Park, a veggie burger and Chenin Blank at fabled Nepenthe restaurant. #BigSur is fabulous, as always.

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Alligator lizard on our deck a couple of days ago. His/her tail was longer than the length of its body, but it was hidden between some deck boards. Handsome artwork on its back! #lizards #nature #animals

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

I added a little #AuthorsAgainstBookBans spice to the sign I waved at the Watsonville CA #NoKings protest today. Resist!

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

A toast to my mother in heaven, Eileen O’Brien, on this St. Paddy’s Day: a Celtic Kiss, which me and my galpal made up: Yellow Spot 12, Dry Curaçao, Benedictine, cherry and lemon bitters, orange peel, splash of soda water. Slainte!

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Here’s to the bombing stopping soon, while I get bombed: Here’s a Manhattan, kind of, with Redwood Empire rye, Dolin vermouth, Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters, cherry and a twist. But with a 1/2 oz. of Costco Orange Liqueur, which I suspect is Grand Marnier. Or its sister. Peace on earth, please.

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Friday eve oohs and ahh—a Celtic Kiss w/ Yellow Spot 12 Irish, Dry Curaçao, Benedictine, cherry & Meyer lemon bitters, splash soda water, orange peel. We made it up, so I’m prejudiced, but nom, nom, nom! #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

A boost after a wearying week of anti-democratic horror: a Celtic Kiss w/ Yellow Spot Irish, Dry Curaçao, Benedictine, cherry and lemon bitters, soda water, orange wheel. Me and galpal Alice won second place in a drinks recipe contest with this, but didn’t get a durn thing. But the drink’s good!

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

A proud gathering of mushrooms under some pines at New Brighton State Park (CA) yesterday. No, we didn't eat any... #mushrooms

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Tonight’s respite: a Black Manhattan, w/ Restoration rye, Montenegro amaro, Antica vermouth, Angostura & Peychaud’s bitters, brandied cherry. Ooh, needed this one… #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

This monarchical creature was a newborn yesterday. We have 10 other chrysalises hanging from various spots in the yard (we have lots of milkweed and the monarchs have laid lots of eggs) for their chances. #monarchs #butterflies

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Retired trains and a mural from the Salinas, CA train station #trains #California

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

A salute to my dad on #VeteransDay. He's now in the big B-17 in the sky, but flew many campaigns as a waistgunner both over Europe and Korea, and managed to come home with his warm sense of humor intact. Here he is with his brother Sturge (L.), and reacquainting himself with a machine gun.

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

A great day at the plaza in Watsonville, CA. Many hilarious signs (mine is a contender) and the marvel of famed labor activist Dolores Huerta, who addressed the crowd with vigor and a strong, persuasive voice. Dolores is 95. Heroes are made of this. #NoKings

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Watering the Friday soil (well, our own) with a standard—but delicious!—Manhattan. Four Roses Small Batch Select bourbon, Dolin vermouth, Peychaud and Angostura bitters, brandied cherry, lemon twist. Standard she may be, but ahhhhhhh.... #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

Five years after the hardcore CZU fire, Butano State Park still is heavily scarred, with burnt trees and stumps everywhere, but yet beautiful in a haunting way. That's me a week ago in front of a big redwood that had fallen across a trail, looking recently sawed. #ClimateChange #fire #redwoods

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

Tonight’s sweet relief: a Sazerac w/ Russell’s 6-year rye, St. George absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, simple syrup, lemon wedge, splash of (non traditional) soda water. A small anodyne for the news. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

A toast to democracy; it wobbles, but I think (hope!) it will remain upright. This is a Square Mile, with Old Forester 1920 bourbon (yum), Grey Whale gin (semi-local) and Dolin Vermouth. Interesting—I did like the bourbon/gin combo more than I imagined, though not sure I'd do it a lot. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

Our country (big, frustrated sigh) feels so effed-up now, with no succor in sight. I feel powerless to make structural change, so I made a Friday night cocktail: A Man o' War, with Old Forester 1920 (a fave), Dolin vermouth, Gran Marnier, lemon juice, twist, brandied cherry. Breathe... #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

This eve's Jumpin' Jehoshaphat: a basic gin and tonic with a bit of jump: Grey Whale gin (kind of local), Liber tonic syrup, fizzy water, Meyer and Orange bitters, lemon wedge. Spirited (since it's been a lovely warm day). #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

These just arrived today, so tonight is glory! Besides supporting sustainability, sending kids to Chocolate University overseas to learn about cooperative cacao-bean growing practices with farmers, and partnering with good folks globally, Askinosie chocolate is fabulous! #chocolate #Askinosie

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Before the Trump administration outlaws sunflowers, and has them picked up by ICE, here are the ones waving with obvious gaiety along my driveway: #flowers

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

Tonight's volcano of joy: A Boulevardier a la Banane (yeah, quite a monicker): WhistlePig Rye, Gran Classico (so much better than Campari), Cocchi vermouth, 99 Bananas liqueur (99 proof!), orange twist. Love the banana boost. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 24/08/2025

A fine stroll to Lover's Point in Pacific Grove today; the coves and rock outcrops are striking, as is the turquoise water. The cormorants are commenting on the kayaking techniques.

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

No, not day-drinking: forgot to post Friday eve's respite: Sazeracs, w/Whistle Pig rye, Peychaud's bitters, simple syrup, touch of sparking water and twist. I know, not in classic rocks glasses and no sugar cube, but still lovely stuff. #Cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

Tonight’s delight: a Derby, w/ Maker’s Mark bourbon (wood finishing series), Orange Curaçao, Cocchi vermouth, lime juice & lime wedge. A touch more tart than the recipe implied, but solidly good. #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

A return to Friday eve #cocktails - Black Manhattans w/ Bib & Tucker bourbon, Cocchi vermouth, Amaro Nonino & Cynar amari, Peychaud’s & Angostura bitters, brandied cherries, orange twist. Long list, but quick results: pleasure.

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

Saturday Sazerac w/ Whistle Pig rye, St. George absinthe, Demerara syrup, Peychaud’s bitters, spritz of soda (I know, not the classic), lemon twist. Ahh… #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Tonight’s delight: a Black Manhattan w/ Bib & Tucker bourbon, Cocchi vermouth, Cynar amaro, Peychaud’s & Angostura bitters, cherry and twist. Easy review: yum! #cocktails

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Why wait to get to heaven? Eat this chocolate now and fly (but don't touch these ones—mine!). This ain't an ad for #Askinosie, it's a testimonial: wowee-zowee! And their policies of sustainability and close communication with the farmers are worthy. Check 'em out: askinosie.com #chocolate

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

Sat. Eve #cocktail: a Journalist (toasting brave souls reporting on Trump corruption): Sapphire, sweet and dry vermouths, dry curaçao, Angostura bitters, lemon juice. Taint bad.

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Tom Bentley @bentguy.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

Me and a pal at our local Good Trouble event last eve, plus some of the dancers that were part of the presentation. #GoodTrouble

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