What’s your poison?

[footsteps]

Devil Dogs....

 

[PAYDIRT]

And I’m over here; with my Budweiser bottles.....

No kidding bunch of high roller drinkers. Guess a cold beer just isn't cool enough?

 

[Srikaleak]

Water - the nectar of the Gods
Tea - when I want that nectar spiced
Coffee - to get amped

I used to drink a lot but now it's the cleaner life for me. I still enjoy a nice glass of Glenfiddich with friends though.

 

[Nik H]

While I won't deny that I've been curious about what this stuff tastes like (for ~30 years...) I've never had the money to 'throw away' on a bottle that stupidly expensive. At the same time, I am also curious about what you are suggesting is "as good/better"? for a less insane price?

Ya'll gotta realize that up here in Canada (1 hour south of the Seagram's Distillery where they make the Crown Royal that ya'll cherish and I find boring) our selection of booze is a LOT smaller than yours, and a LOT more costly than yours. So no, I'm not afraid to admit that my palate is limited and my education is stunted.

Willing to learn though, by all means,,,, willing to learn. As well as "go back for a second opinion", Heh.

--to add:
On a completely other note, I've never once understood why people mix their booze with something, let alone something 'sweet'. It just totally confounds me why so many others need to have "candy drinks". For me it has always been either 'straight' or with a bit of branch-water mixed in.

Leave the 'sweet' and the 'coconuts' for your grass skirts, in my opinion. But yeah, nobody asked, right?

For one...it tastes amazing. However, what it's worth is a personal matter. I have never bought a bottle as I would estimate that 30% of the cost, currently at ~$4K, is the bottle. Can you get an Hors d'Age cognac that is cheaper that is as good...yes. One that I have had is the AE Dor Vieille Reserve No 11. I would estimate that is about $2K per bottle...a plain glass bottle. There are others as well that are cheaper but won't be in that league. No two cognacs are the same even if they are aged for the same length of time. There are also others that are $6K, $10K , etc. Is any liquor worth it? Not to me but in much the same way, a $5K rifle is unfathomable to most. The best way to learn is to start with a VSOP. Stick to the 4 principal houses....Remy Martin, Hennessy, Courvoisier and Martel. Once you see what that is like, move up to an XO and see if you can notice a difference.

It all goes up from there. Once you get beyond XO into the Napoleons and Reserves, you are on your own in terms of like and dislike. It is much like good whisky. You have to know what you like and be happy with it. Taste is completely personal despite what you read and hear. Too many people are afraid to say I like this or that because it becomes cantankerous. I have no issue saying that I like Crown Royal...it makes a freaking smooth Manhattan. I keep a big bottle at home along with 12 to 13 other bottles of better whisky but that is saved for a solitary ice cube.

I happen to like some sweet drinks. I LOVE Tiki drinks but then again I love a Gibson made with Plymouth or FEW gin and my homemade onions. I never question what a man drinks. That is just me.

 

[Holliday]

Harley RGU
BMW Motorrad S1000RR
Yamaha R6
KTM FI two Stroke
KTM 450 XC F
Honda Grom
BMW 1200GSA

Thats what I bought since I had to stop drinking and smoking, Id rather be drinking,, fuking acid reflux

Ginger for acid reflux.....

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Nik, thanks for that. I do appreciate the lessons and the statements. I won't deny that I am/have been vocal in my thoughts regarding drinks and 'mixes'. I just have a palate, I guess, where anything added instantly turns it to 'syrup' and absolutely mega-emphasized the sweetness. I don't know what it is, as when I was younger I drank coke-a-cola straight. Add some booze and it turned into syrup without the carbonated water.
For how my taste-buds work, there ain't NOTHING pleasant or enjoyable about that. Seems not everyone's the same, and that is hard to remember sometimes. ;D

I don't drink very often, but when I do, I prefer to savor the moments. I'm not 19 and trying to get blasted as fast as I can. It's the journey, not the destination. Other's mileage might vary. Hence why I'm interested about 'gooder stuff'. Ya'll have the experience to share your lessons due to ya'll having SO MUCH MORE access to SO MUCH MORE variety.

I'll raise a glass, as well as share a pour with anyone who comes around.

 

[Howland]

Tres Generaciones or Hornitos. More often than not in a Margarita but often enough just sipping. Usually Reposado but it's Anejo in the glass right now.

I don't care much for whiskey, which is just as well because whiskey really doesn't like me.

 

[Holliday]

I hear you on the reflux. Had it bad...constant burn and on bad evenings even cough up blood.

I stopped drinking for a couple of months and relegated myself to not drinking anymore. However, my doctor told me....

1. Don't drink like I used to. The reflux was bad but the blackouts were worse. I stopped having anymore than 3 drinks on any given evening. That was the biggest struggle for me. If I am at home with the Mrs. no problem and never was but if I am out and about...lord have mercy.
2. Don't eat or drink ANYTHING but water for 3 hours before you go to bed. Eating compounds the problem tremendously and I was unknowingly doing that. Eating for me was the key to a long night of drinking.
3. In my case, no more than a glass of red wine per evening (5 oz) glass. Red wine is what hurts me the most.
4. Stay away from sweet drinks....

I can honestly say that following this method has eliminated my heartburn and reflux issues. I am sure some have it worse than me but as I said, waking up with blood coming up was a call to arms for me.

I can now enjoy a drink and not worry about it.

Not a Doctor nor stay at Holiday Inn

Damn dude that is rough. You need a steady diet of Ginger. I used to get terrible acid reflux, until I accidentally discovered ginger.

 

[Holliday]

I was mostly a scotch drinker but someone turned me on to Woodford’s Reserve. Doesn't break the bank and it really suits my taste buds.

 

[Holliday]

Tres Generaciones or Hornitos. More often than not in a Margarita but often enough just sipping. Usually Reposado but it's Anejo in the glass right now.

I don't care much for whiskey, which is just as well because whiskey really doesn't like me.

Love tequila but something about it has always been like poison the next day. Body chemistry I guess. Whiskey in a water glass or tumbler seems to fit the bill. I also use it medicinally occasionally for pain, allergies and insomnia.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Love tequila but something about it has always been like poison the next day. Body chemistry I guess. Whiskey in a water glass or tumbler seems to fit the bill. I also use it medicinally occasionally for pain, allergies and insomnia.

..... and snake bite. (always carry a small snake in your pocket, to be sure)

 

[Alabusa]

I love Glenfiddich 18yo but will settle for the 12yo as well.

 

[Steel+Killer]

This

or this

 

[Nik H]

Damn dude that is rough. You need a steady diet of Ginger. I used to get terrible acid reflux, until I accidentally discovered ginger.

Thanks for the tip.

If it comes back, I will give it a go but so far so good...

 

[308Gunner]

I have in my cabinet a bottle of James E Pepper 1776, Blantons and 4 Roses for bourbon, the Jamison’s and Bushmills. When I want a drink it is usually a Shiner Bach

 

[Nik H]

I never understood the cabinet point. Mine is on a piece of furniture...lots of bottles.

Why do people keep booze locked away???

 

[Vodoun daVinci]

I adore you guys who are realistic about alcohol consumption. I'm self medicating...the 21st Century literally beats my brains out at 63. Without alcohol (good stuff) and anti anxiety/anti depressants I'd not be long for this world.

Didn't see the "current state of affairs" coming and I'm just working my ass off to make it to retirement when I can ride my bike, load/roll my own ammunition, and just stay out of the Way until the end comes. I did my time in the trenches and worked 3 jobs at a time...paid off my home and cars and put .5 mil $ in the bank. Up every day at 5 AM and work my nutz off. Never been arrested and never fucked up anybody that didn't need fucked up.

Alcohol is legal and accepted and I use it to make the bullshit go away. Until my liver gives out I raise my glass to Snipers Hide.

VooDoo

 

[Maser]

 

[Nik H]

Why am I not surprised...love the fridge on carpet look...LOL

 

[deersniper]

Coors light. Or if I'm going to go for the good imported stuff, Corona

 

[Shooter McGavin]

I’m an Irish whiskey fan. However, I do like Rye whisky and one bourbon, Weller. Right now I’m drinking an over priced Jameson product call Distillers reserve, it’s not worth the money.

 

[Maser]

Why am I not surprised...love the fridge on carpet look...LOL

Nothing but the finest for my California faggotry!

 

[vh20]

Damn dude that is rough. You need a steady diet of Ginger. I used to get terrible acid reflux, until I accidentally discovered ginger.

I’d like to hear about how you use it - what form, how much, how often, etc. Thanks

 

[Holliday]

I’d like to hear about how you use it - what form, how much, how often, etc. Thanks

The great thing is that about any type I have tried works. It started with taking a natural supplement call Zyflamend for my back : https://www.amazon.com/New-Chapter-Supplement-Herbal-Relief/dp/B014GSWDEC. I noticed suddenly my awful acid reflux disappeared. Finally someone suggested it was the ginger in it.

I’ve used fresh ginger, powdered ginger and crystalized ginger. Currently I am making shakes with milk, hand full of spinach, honey, fresh chopped ginger and sometimes a bit of peanut butter. I blend on “frap” (high) for a few minutes. I also save the peelings because they peel with a lot fruit left on the peeling. Those i blend with water and strain. That can be used as tea, added to a shake, drank as is with honey or added to soda water for ginger ale.

I am convinced that as folks age, ginger should be in your diet for a variety of health benefits not to mention the stomach. Our stomachs take a beating as we age.....

Hope I answered your questions. If I missed anything let me know.

 

[Maggot]

For one...it tastes amazing. However, what it's worth is a personal matter. I have never bought a bottle as I would estimate that 30% of the cost, currently at ~$4K, is the bottle. Can you get an Hors d'Age cognac that is cheaper that is as good...yes. One that I have had is the AE Dor Vieille Reserve No 11. I would estimate that is about $2K per bottle...a plain glass bottle. There are others as well that are cheaper but won't be in that league. No two cognacs are the same even if they are aged for the same length of time. There are also others that are $6K, $10K , etc. Is any liquor worth it? Not to me but in much the same way, a $5K rifle is unfathomable to most. The best way to learn is to start with a VSOP. Stick to the 4 principal houses....Remy Martin, Hennessy, Courvoisier and Martel. Once you see what that is like, move up to an XO and see if you can notice a difference.

It all goes up from there. Once you get beyond XO into the Napoleons and Reserves, you are on your own in terms of like and dislike. It is much like good whisky. You have to know what you like and be happy with it. Taste is completely personal despite what you read and hear. Too many people are afraid to say I like this or that because it becomes cantankerous. I have no issue saying that I like Crown Royal...it makes a freaking smooth Manhattan. I keep a big bottle at home along with 12 to 13 other bottles of better whisky but that is saved for a solitary ice cube.

I happen to like some sweet drinks. I LOVE Tiki drinks but then again I love a Gibson made with Plymouth or FEW gin and my homemade onions. I never question what a man drinks. That is just me.

I agree but would ad in Pierre Ferrand. Try the Selecion de Anges. Around $160. Cognac is a brandy from a region in France and only brandy from that area can be called Cognac. The saying goes "All Cognac is brandy but not all brandy is cognac." Then withing the region there aare divisions, Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, and a cou[e others I dont recall. The most interesting bottle Ive had was one I picked up in Atlanta circa 1985. I asked if he had any thing unusual and he brought out a dusty bottle of Courvoisier "Grande Fine". Had been in the sotre forever so he let me have it for $65.00. Did a bit of research and found out it had been blended with 70 year old grapes. It amazed me that I was drinking liquor that hac been put in casks before Hitler was in power...1915 or so, very smoothe with great nose.

 

[vh20]

Hope I answered your questions. If I missed anything let me know.

If you wanted to make it as simple, quick and easy as possible - taken like a dose of medicine and done, how would you do it? Teaspoon of powdered in a glass of water or?

 

[Holliday]

If you wanted to make it as simple, quick and easy as possible - taken like a dose of medicine and done, how would you do it? Teaspoon of powdered in a glass of water or?

You nailed it. Great minds. Done that many times. I like warm water and just enough water so it slides down. You’ll build up a resistance over time to ginger. It can be strong for some folks. I have been known to eat it raw sliced off the root when my acid reflux kicks in. It burns in the stomach but its a good burn. I carry some root in my pack when hunting, if it’s flaring up. I take a lot of advil so that is what gets after my stomach. If not for ginger I don't know what I would have done. I used to eat tums. Those are a waste of time now.

 

[QuickNDirty]

I gotta try that ginger trick. Reflux isn't too bad on my end at the moment, but it's heading that direction. I love ginger, but rarely eat it.

 

[Nik H]

You nailed it. Great minds. Done that many times. I like warm water and just enough water so it slides down. You’ll build up a resistance over time to ginger. It can be strong for some folks. I have been known to eat it raw sliced off the root when my acid reflux kicks in. It burns in the stomach but its a good burn. I carry some root in my pack when hunting, if it’s flaring up. I take a lot of advil so that is what gets after my stomach. If not for ginger I don't know what I would have done. I used to eat tums. Those are a waste of time now.

Ever try crystallized ginger that is sold in Asian food supply. They make a version for health reasons that is chewable. Easy to eat and tastes pretty good.

 

[Maggot]

You nailed it. Great minds. Done that many times. I like warm water and just enough water so it slides down. You’ll build up a resistance over time to ginger. It can be strong for some folks. I have been known to eat it raw sliced off the root when my acid reflux kicks in. It burns in the stomach but its a good burn. I carry some root in my pack when hunting, if it’s flaring up. I take a lot of advil so that is what gets after my stomach. If not for ginger I don't know what I would have done. I used to eat tums. Those are a waste of time now.

Interesting. Watch that Advil, Aleeve wich is similar fucked my stomach. If youre taking it for arthritis try these;

Fresh local honey
Licorice root
Curcumin taken with black pepper extract
Glucosamine.

the last 3 can be ordered from Swansons Vitamins cheaply.

Ever try crystallized ginger that is sold in Asian food supply. They make a version for health reasons that is chewable. Easy to eat and tastes pretty good.

I love it, use it in my baking, but its high in white sugar, not so good.

For anyone who decides to try Cognac, its almost an art form. Perhaps the best thing to come out of France since the Revolution. Get a good glass, they call them 'snifters'. The wide bottom of the bell shape allows a lot of surface contact with your palm and the heat vaporizes the cognac. Then the nose is inserted into the glass and you inhale the vapor. The vapor will ring your bell (nicely) and then you get a breath of fresh air and you come right back...to inhale it again. Up and down. finally you knock back the liquid. Kinda like glue, I rekon, never having tried that.

 

[Holliday]

Ever try crystallized ginger that is sold in Asian food supply. They make a version for health reasons that is chewable. Easy to eat and tastes pretty good.

I have bought this a couple times https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Peace-Instant-Ginger-Crystals/dp/B002SWB73C

 

[Switchblade]

As a young Marine, Wild Turkey 101 was my daily, and weekend bottle. Typically, it was held in the right hand, lit Camel cowboy killer in the left, accompanied by a Country California(Tennessee influenced) rebel rock and roll yell as WOOOOOOO YEAAHHHHHHH ROCK AN ROOOOOLLLLLLL!
Some asshat got me onto JD, which gave me a headache, and tasted like dead bread and ass. Moving back to bourbons later on, and always having gin on hand, my go to's are:
Bourbon, neat, or iced
Old Fashioned
Whiskey Apple Pie
Whiskey Sour
Martini
Gin and Tonic
Blue Meanie(Gin, curacao, sours mix)

Cpper and Kings Absinthe, Port, Irish, and Brandy are on hand as needed or desired

 

[abn31c]

Fine spirits right here. 3 bucks a 40. C'mon and join the gang!!!!

 

[bug_eyedmonster]

I love me some beer. I drink lots of it, ice cold, bottle or can. With that said, I enjoy gin every so often, and my favorites are Dutch Courage and Junipero. I drink whiskey and bourbon now and then, but the only one I've enjoyed, unfortunately, was a flask of Woodford Reserve stuff brought over by a friend. He picked it up at their distillery and I have not been able to find more of it.

Jerry

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I'm not a whiskey guy.
I'm not a scotch guy.
I'm not a bourbon guy.

I would like to be, but I just can't drink the whiskey.

I try to, but I just can't do it. It tastes terrible. I'm sure it's an acquired taste, but I just can't get over the flavor.

Thus, I stay away.

So, I stick to beer.
If I know its gonna be a good night, it's a case of Silver Bullets on the menu. If I just want to have a few, I'm all over the IPAs. Singles, doubles, even a triple now and again.

Thank god for the deregulation on the beer industry.

 

[Holliday]

I have one brother who doesn’t like whiskey or cigars. I’m starting to think he was secretly adopted.

 

[Nik H]

I'm not a whiskey guy.
I'm not a scotch guy.
I'm not a bourbon guy.

I would like to be, but I just can't drink the whiskey.

I try to, but I just can't do it. It tastes terrible. I'm sure it's an acquired taste, but I just can't get over the flavor.

Thus, I stay away.

So, I stick to beer.
If I know its gonna be a good night, it's a case of Silver Bullets on the menu. If I just want to have a few, I'm all over the IPAs. Singles, doubles, even a triple now and again.

Thank god for the deregulation on the beer industry.

Do you drink the whisky neat (straight) or have you tried a whisky cocktail? Drinking whisky neat or on ice can be fantastic or horrific depending on the whisky. Scotch is the worst for me. There are VERY FEW scotch whiskies that I can stomach. Most taste like a charcoal briquet. American whiskies can be similar. I know I'll piss off some but Jack Daniels and Jim Beam suck ass. There are others as well.

A properly made Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour is hard not to like

 

[Sean the Nailer]

A properly made Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour is hard not to like

I've never had either, but I'll definitely give them each a try before too long. Heard them referenced WAY too many times, so I figure I might as well know what's being talked about.

Just as long as there's no little umbrella's involved!

 

[Nik H]

I've never had either, but I'll definitely give them each a try before too long. Heard them referenced WAY too many times, so I figure I might as well know what's being talked about.

Just as long as there's no little umbrella's involved!

You mean like this one in my Zombie

No umbrellas...LOL

Make sure they use an egg white in the sour to give it a nice frothy head.

Make sure there is no soda water added to the Old Fashioned

 

[QuickNDirty]

I've never had either, but I'll definitely give them each a try before too long. Heard them referenced WAY too many times, so I figure I might as well know what's being talked about.

Just as long as there's no little umbrella's involved!

If foofoo drinks are your bag, you can do worse than a Paloma or Cuba libre.

I just really like whiskey. Drinkin' whiskey I like with some ice cubes. Everything else I like neat.

@Nik H - I've tried to be a connoisseur with some degree of sophistication, but I haven't figured out what folks mean when they talk about scotch tasting like charcoal.

Some examples of scotch I don't like too much:
Laphroaig
Lagavulin

Some examples of scotch I love:
Aberlour (A'Bunadh, especially)
Bunnahabhain
Balvenie

Can you articulate what you mean by "charcoal briquet" taste? There's a local distiller in TX that makes a whiskey called "Brimstone" which, to me, tastes like a campfire smells, and I love that shit even though it maxes out the harsh scale IMO.

 

[flyer]

About mixed drinks:

Good booze should not be mixed with anything but water.

The best way to do it I have found is to take a small sip of good booze, swirl it in the mouth to coat the taste buds, then take a tiny sip of water and swirl it too.

The water opens up the taste buds and enhances the flavor that way.

I have never managed to mix well in a cup.

Margaritas do not need the best Tequila, something like a Kirkland 3 year from Costco should rival any "top shelf" margarita you find. And forget blended, always on the rocks.

 

[Maggot]

About mixed drinks:

Good booze should not be mixed with anything but water.

The best way to do it I have found is to take a small sip of good booze, swirl it in the mouth to coat the taste buds, then take a tiny sip of water and swirl it too.

The water opens up the taste buds and enhances the flavor that way.

^^^

 

[Nik H]

If foofoo drinks are your bag, you can do worse than a Paloma or Cuba libre.

I just really like whiskey. Drinkin' whiskey I like with some ice cubes. Everything else I like neat.

@Nik H - I've tried to be a connoisseur with some degree of sophistication, but I haven't figured out what folks mean when they talk about scotch tasting like charcoal.

Some examples of scotch I don't like too much:
Laphroaig
Lagavulin

Some examples of scotch I love:
Aberlour (A'Bunadh, especially)
Bunnahabhain
Balvenie

Can you articulate what you mean by "charcoal briquet" taste? There's a local distiller in TX that makes a whiskey called "Brimstone" which, to me, tastes like a campfire smells, and I love that shit even though it maxes out the harsh scale IMO.

Well...maybe charcoal is the wrong word. The two you mentioned that you don't like are the ones I hate. Some say it is peat...I just taste burned smoke. The only scotches I like are Glenmorangie, Johnnie Walker Blue or Talisker

 

[flyer]

Also, if someone gives you a drink from a nice bottle, don't throw it back like it's $3 shot night at the local dive bar. That's just rude.

 

[Nik H]

Also, if someone gives you a drink from a nice bottle, don't throw it back like it's $3 shot night at the local dive bar. That's just rude.

shots...did someone say shots...pass the Jaeger

 

[QuickNDirty]

Also, if someone gives you a drink from a nice bottle, don't throw it back like it's $3 shot night at the local dive bar. That's just rude.

I learned that lesson early on in life (like 7th grade IIRC). Doesn't just apply to whiskey, either.

Savor those finer moments in life.

 

[QuickNDirty]

Well...maybe charcoal is the wrong word. The two you mentioned that you don't like are the ones I hate. Some say it is peat...I just taste burned smoke. The only scotches I like are Glenmorangie, Johnnie Walker Blue or Talisker

That sounds about right. To me it tastes more like scotch tape or cough syrup. A sharp and somewhat unpleasant wave in the 2nd quarter.

I dig Glenmorangie as well. Guess I'm not a peat sort of guy =)

 

[VP47PPC]

Johnnie Walker Black
Jameson
Makers Mark
good IPA's

 

[Maser]

 

[Nik H]

I would clean your fan...