> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://dianaludwick.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# ABV
- URL: https://dianaludwick.com/abv/
- Published: 2026-10-27T03:40:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-01T16:44:29.000Z
- Description: “ABV,” an ode to the maniacal magic of Alton Brown, written Monday, October 26, 2026 poem 299 in a series of 365 poems written by Diana Ludwick in 2026. Photo: "Staged Anticipation," by Diana Ludwick © 2026.
- Author: Diana Ludwick
- Tags: Poems, 2026 Poetry Challenge, October, Alton Brown, ABV, Strathmore The Music Center, North Bethesda, Full Strength, Measure for Measure, Host, Maynard Ferguson, Untethered, Grand Tier, Graduated Cylinder, Cocktail, Ice Tray, Specs, Fall, Good Eats, Martini, Homage

Sold-out theatre: "Excuse me, excuse me, my seat's there – ."  
Maynard Ferguson – "I saw him perform!" someone exclaims –   
shakes house speakers,   
and the hall's human contents,   
like ice and liquid in a stainless shaker.

The atmosphere shifts:  
Hooting, untethered applause.  
Those of the prior century rise in giddiness.  
There he is! There is is!

Though small from the Grand Tier,  
we can make out his trademark specs.  
And his voice, unmistakable.  
  
In front of his trusty standing desk:  
he holds graduated cylinder in one hand,  
and cocktail makings in the shaker,  
tackles a finger-endangering   
metal ice tray, fearless, Band-Aid-less.  
  
Our host is here for the duration.  
Molasses and cephalopods  
back story and true crime.  
It's all included.  
Alton Brown Vignettes  
 – ABV, if you will –   
Alton Brown in (Full) Volume

Measure for measure,  
whether artist or cook,  
scientist or blow hard,  
or videographer or stand-up,  
he's full strength.