Tom Bentley
@bentguy.bsky.social
Fiction and nonfiction books plus a slew of travel, essays, content marketing and word stews | adept balderdash tosser | offers open mouth to classic #cocktails
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.
November 11, 2025 at 10:48 PM
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.
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
#NoKings
October 18, 2025 at 10:47 PM
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
#NoKings
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
#cocktails
October 11, 2025 at 12:57 AM
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
#cocktails
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
October 6, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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
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
October 4, 2025 at 2:32 AM
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
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
#cocktails
September 27, 2025 at 12:55 AM
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
#cocktails
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
September 13, 2025 at 12:53 AM
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
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
September 6, 2025 at 12:56 AM
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
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
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
September 5, 2025 at 8:37 PM
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
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
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
#flowers
September 3, 2025 at 7:59 PM
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
#flowers
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
August 30, 2025 at 12:41 AM
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
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.
August 23, 2025 at 11:35 PM
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.
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
August 23, 2025 at 5:17 PM
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
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
August 17, 2025 at 12:38 AM
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
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.
August 16, 2025 at 12:48 AM
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.
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
July 27, 2025 at 12:12 AM
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
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
July 26, 2025 at 12:36 AM
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
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
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
July 25, 2025 at 5:39 PM
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
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
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.
July 20, 2025 at 12:32 AM
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.
Me and a pal at our local Good Trouble event last eve, plus some of the dancers that were part of the presentation. #GoodTrouble
July 18, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Me and a pal at our local Good Trouble event last eve, plus some of the dancers that were part of the presentation. #GoodTrouble
A few shots from our local Watsonville, CA 4th parade, which is always a small-town delight. Democracy is trembling right now, but there's still some heartening in seeing folks gather, cheer and have fun watching old tractors, vintage low-riders, chain-saw revving firefighters and more rollickers.
July 5, 2025 at 9:55 PM
A few shots from our local Watsonville, CA 4th parade, which is always a small-town delight. Democracy is trembling right now, but there's still some heartening in seeing folks gather, cheer and have fun watching old tractors, vintage low-riders, chain-saw revving firefighters and more rollickers.
Trying to stave off the misery from the Supremely Biased Court decisions with a variant of The Locker Room: Wild Turkey 101, Koloa dark rum, Demerara syrup, King Floyd chili and Angostura bitters, lime wheel. Not bad. #cocktails
Here's to actual democracy—cheers!
Here's to actual democracy—cheers!
June 28, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Trying to stave off the misery from the Supremely Biased Court decisions with a variant of The Locker Room: Wild Turkey 101, Koloa dark rum, Demerara syrup, King Floyd chili and Angostura bitters, lime wheel. Not bad. #cocktails
Here's to actual democracy—cheers!
Here's to actual democracy—cheers!
A last sparkle from the early-eve solstice sun on a tasty Negroni (Sapphire gin, Dolin vermouth, Gran Classico instead of more staid Campari).
The world seems to be spinning off its axis, but I hope you are able to savor a moment. #cocktails
The world seems to be spinning off its axis, but I hope you are able to savor a moment. #cocktails
June 21, 2025 at 12:54 AM
A last sparkle from the early-eve solstice sun on a tasty Negroni (Sapphire gin, Dolin vermouth, Gran Classico instead of more staid Campari).
The world seems to be spinning off its axis, but I hope you are able to savor a moment. #cocktails
The world seems to be spinning off its axis, but I hope you are able to savor a moment. #cocktails
After a dandy day of #NoKings protest, settling in to a Black Manhattan variant: Lost Republic bourbon, Dolin sweet vermouth, Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters, and the potent juice from homemade brandied cherries. And Mr. Twain. #cocktails
June 15, 2025 at 12:45 AM
After a dandy day of #NoKings protest, settling in to a Black Manhattan variant: Lost Republic bourbon, Dolin sweet vermouth, Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters, and the potent juice from homemade brandied cherries. And Mr. Twain. #cocktails
Printed a dandy little poster for the No Kings fling tomorrow, courtesy of this page of spiffy selections from the Mothers for the Future group. Surely they have one that will match your outfit. Democracy, a fine idea. #NoKings
www.mothersforthefuture.org/free-posters
www.mothersforthefuture.org/free-posters
June 13, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Printed a dandy little poster for the No Kings fling tomorrow, courtesy of this page of spiffy selections from the Mothers for the Future group. Surely they have one that will match your outfit. Democracy, a fine idea. #NoKings
www.mothersforthefuture.org/free-posters
www.mothersforthefuture.org/free-posters