Recently, I saw my first show at Longfellow Square, where the band Punch Brothers brought down the tiny house with their blistering bluegrass licks. The curious title of their latest album got me to wondering, what exactly is an “Antifogmatic”? I decided to investigate.
As it turns out, the term antifogmatic refers to a 19th-century bracing morning beverage—typically made with rum or whiskey—meant to stave off any ill effects of inclement weather. Picture an old-timer lobsterman cracking an egg into his warm whiskey drink to steady his resolve before heading out on the water in blustery conditions.
Word around town told me when mixing whiskey with breakfast, Silver House Tavern should be consulted. Silver House opens its doors at 6 a.m. catering to early-risers like fishermen and lobstermen. So I called down there to talk antifogmatics with the bartender. To my surprise, she was familiar with the term “antifogmatic” and confirmed that yes, “Dahlin’ you can get an egg in your whiskey.”
So the next time a Nor’Easter comes blowing in you’ll know where to find me.
–Betsy Schluge