When most people are tolerating annoying family members and muttering the phrase, "You can't pick your family" under their eggnog-permeated breath, I'm smiling on the inside because when your friends are your family the old rule is overturned.

I pick my friends; therefore I have picked my family.

To put myself in the right frame of holiday cheer, a Pink Floyd Christmas Eve lunch date with my best "family member," The Kake, and our significant others, was in order. Making it the perfect trifecta, we lunched in the presence of Bandito Betty, who was slingin' drinks at E9 that very day.

Having recently changed hands - purchased by the X Group, the force behind Masa and Asado - Engine House No. 9 patrons have started to see subtle menu changes and smart business moves. For example: Engine House No. 9 is focusing on building a strong beer and whiskey presence in Tacoma.

As Bandito Betty introduced us to the vast array of new whiskey and bourbon choices E9 has to offer, I indulged yet again in another nap-inducing, buzz-laden daytime Three Drink Minimum - this time, Christmas Eve style.

DRINK ONE: Sam Houston American Whiskey (bartender's choice) - Let the truth be known: Mr. DeRosa asked Bandito to pick this drink for me based solely on the name.

According to my research, this product is distributed and bottled in Kentucky, by a marketing group. As far as I can tell, it's not even distilled in that area. The name Sam Houston is meant to appeal to the Texan market ... which actually worked with this Texan. Well done, Sam Houston American Whiskey, well done. We bought it, and we liked it. Spicy, with a truly toffee aftertaste. I highly recommend.

DRINK TWO: Bloody Mary (most popular within the last hour) - I'm totally diggin' the daytime weekend drinking. I can always count on my favorite drink, the Bloody Mary, to be the most popular. Bandito makes a great one, too.

DRINK THREE: Samichlaus Bier (my choice) - After Bandito Betty told me of the brewing rarity and 14-percent alcohol content, this seasonal gem was a must. Fruity and bold with a deep boozy scent, I was honored to have had Samichlaus Bier as my third and final drink of the afternoon.

My mission of achieving a Pink Floyd Christmas Eve had been reached. I was, on all counts, comfortably numb.

Engine House No. 9

611 N. Pine St.  Tacoma, 253.272.3435