Whiskey - It's the water of life!

[TFT-A9]

That's possibly where they (and others) got their taste for Courvoisier, but Hennessy moved in on that shit by actively courting the market. Also Hennessy is still in Cognac, unlike Courvoisier, which seems to be owned by Suntory, which now apparently fucking owns everything. How did that shit happen?

...Suntory? The Japanese company?

Wow, didn't realize that. Got pretty used to seeing Sazerac's name on nearly everything though.

 

[Takayuki Yagami]

...Suntory? The Japanese company?

Wow, didn't realize that. Got pretty used to seeing Sazerac's name on nearly everything though.

Beam Suntory is a big-ass company. My understanding is that Japan deveoped a taste for bourbon after the war at the same time a lot of Americans developed a taste for vodka, which dovetailed into some bourbon makers (Four Roses is most famous for this from what I understand) sending their good stock overseas. When the Japanese liquor companies got big they noticed this, started buying shit up or merging, and decided to ramp up production instead of continuing the previous trend. It’s good for everyone regardless of their motivation.

 

[TFT-A9]

With the lack of a dedicated thread to other liquors (at least that I can see, please correct me if I'm retarded and didn't catch it) I'm gonna tell you all how nice this tequila is.

Most people's experience with tequila is some garbage like Cuervo Gold/Silver. This is not that. This is nice, has that distinctive slightly smoky flavor, it reminds me a bit of ocean air and bonfires on the beach. Lime and salt on the rim and you're good to go. A proper sipping tequila.

 

[Some JERK]

With the lack of a dedicated thread to other liquors (at least that I can see, please correct me if I'm retarded and didn't catch it) I'm gonna tell you all how nice this tequila is.

View attachment 1925740
Most people's experience with tequila is some garbage like Cuervo Gold/Silver. This is not that. This is nice, has that distinctive slightly smoky flavor, it reminds me a bit of ocean air and bonfires on the beach. Lime and salt on the rim and you're good to go. A proper sipping tequila.

As far as I know there isn't a tequila thread. I like tequila a lot when I'm in the mood for something different. It has such a distinct flavor. I have to admit the only tequila I have in my bar is a bottle of Patron Silver. But I'll definitely be in the lookout for El Nivel now.

 

[Boris Blank's glass eye]

With the lack of a dedicated thread to other liquors (at least that I can see, please correct me if I'm retarded and didn't catch it) I'm gonna tell you all how nice this tequila is.

There's a general liquor thread but it's deader than Jussie Smollett's acting career.

Most people's experience with tequila is some garbage like Cuervo Gold/Silver. This is not that. This is nice, has that distinctive slightly smoky flavor, it reminds me a bit of ocean air and bonfires on the beach. Lime and salt on the rim and you're good to go. A proper sipping tequila.

Sounds good. I'm not into tequila, but that might change.

 

[TFT-A9]

There's a general liquor thread but it's deader than Jussie Smollett's acting career.

Sounds good. I'm not into tequila, but that might change.

It's definitely not on the same level of complexity as a nice whiskey but it's pleasant in its own right imo

 

[AnOminous]

Most people's experience with tequila is some garbage like Cuervo Gold/Silver.

I have to admit that myself, and I know it's objectively terrible, but I have good memories of it from college age parties, bong rips followed by shots of Cuervo chased with Corona, which is also objectively terrible, but they were fun times. And of course accompanied with stoner-tier munchies like a huge bag of Taco Bell, a bunch of street vendor churros, etc.

 

[TFT-A9]

I have to admit that myself, and I know it's objectively terrible, but I have good memories of it from college age parties, bong rips followed by shots of Cuervo chased with Corona, which is also objectively terrible, but they were fun times. And of course accompanied with stoner-tier munchies like a huge bag of Taco Bell, a bunch of street vendor churros, etc.

I mean there's something to be said for cheap and cheery especially when you're just in the mood to get blasted with friends. I've been trying to track down a good anejo and mezcal as well, might go Corralejo on the anejo and possibly Casamigos on the mezcal (I'm leery of Casamigos' popularity and celeb endorsement but Aviation Gin turned out to be a decent American dry)

 

[Takayuki Yagami]

There's a general liquor thread but it's deader than Jussie Smollett's acting career.

Sounds good. I'm not into tequila, but that might change.

Seeing as this thread is more active than any of the other liquor threads, I’m going to post a list of spirits for a home bar.
Only thing I’ll say before the list is that you’ll usually want something somewhat far north of 80 proof if you’re making cocktails so the spirit stands up to whatever else you’re putting in.

Bourbon: Something bottled in bond or Wild Turkey 101. Evan Williams BnB is by far the easiest to find (and is so much better than the black label I’m not even sure why they make it considering the value) but Old Granddad’s is pretty good too.

Rye: It’ll be a bit harder to find than bourbon; but Rittenhouse BnB if you can get it, Wild Turkey’s 101 Rye if they have it, Bulliet Rye, or Knob Creek’s rye. That last one is going to be more expensive than the others, but stores will have it if they have Knob Creek bourbon. Same thing with the Bulliet in my experience.

Scotch: Any decent blend ala Johnny Red or Black/Famous Grouse/Monkey Shoulder and an Islay for floats or anytuing that specifically calls for it.

Gin: Beefeater or Tanqueray. Beefeater is more citrusy and goes well in most things but Tanqueray is more archetypal and higher proof.

Rum: is a can of worms but Flor de Cana or Plantation 3 Star for basic shit with Appleton Estate, Wray and Nephew, or Smith and Cross for funky Jamacian Rums. This is the most varied spirit by an order of magnitude so you might like one bottle in one drink and hate it in another. Don’t buy spiced rum, and light vs dark isn’t an age statement.

Tequila: Don’t use it enough to know, but Herradura or Lunazul seem common enough and well-liked.

Brandy: Straight up have no idea on cognac/regular brandy but Laird’s Straight Apple Brandy is pretty good and isn’t hard to find if you like that kind of thing.

Vodka: Doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t complete rotgut. Vodka is vodka.

Anything else: Solely to preference. Just don’t completely cheap out and get deKruyper anything unless that’s all you can get for whatever it is you want on that front.

Addendums: Get a bottle of angostura bitters and please keep in mind that vermouth will go bad if you keep it out of the fridge.

 

[AnOminous]

Addendums: Get a bottle of angostura bitters and please keep in mind that vermouth will go bad if you keep it out of the fridge.

THE bitters of choice.

 

[TFT-A9]

Vodka: Doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t complete rotgut. Vodka is vodka.

Usually the only substantive difference between one vodka and another is mouthfeel, barring "paint stripper" tier watkas like Karkov (unaffectionately nicknamed Car-crash), Phillips and Kamchatka. Mouthfeel differences only become particularly noticeable between potato-based and grain-based in my experience. You're likely only using it to mix anyway.

de Kuyper stuff is hilariously awful as a rule. I would say that some cordials, liqueurs and aperitifs can be great for experimentation while others pretty much only ever have one or two good uses. Creme de cacao and to a lesser extent creme de menthe will show up in a lot of dessert-y stuff, blue curacao is something that generally only gets used for its striking color, Midori is exceedingly tasty but perhaps a bit limited in what you can really do with it. An amaretto or somewhat effective imitation like Disaronno (Disaronno is an herbal concoction that happens to be very similar to amaretto) can be played around with and can be used in some confections. I've yet to see a use for benedictine that wasn't a B+B and by now you're as likely to find premixed B+B as straight benedictine. Frangelico is something I'm personally fond of, may not be your cup of tea. Kahlua and similar coffee liqueurs are ubiquitous in mixers, can be good to keep around.

 

[TFT-A9]

Oh, also, Grand Marnier, Cointreau or just any non-shit triple sec will show up a fair amount if you mix your own margaritas, and have other applications as well.

 

[Takayuki Yagami]

Usually the only substantive difference between one vodka and another is mouthfeel, barring "paint stripper" tier watkas like Karkov (unaffectionately nicknamed Car-crash), Phillips and Kamchatka. Mouthfeel differences only become particularly noticeable between potato-based and grain-based in my experience. You're likely only using it to mix anyway.

de Kuyper stuff is hilariously awful as a rule. I would say that some cordials, liqueurs and aperitifs can be great for experimentation while others pretty much only ever have one or two good uses. Creme de cacao and to a lesser extent creme de menthe will show up in a lot of dessert-y stuff, blue curacao is something that generally only gets used for its striking color, Midori is exceedingly tasty but perhaps a bit limited in what you can really do with it. An amaretto or somewhat effective imitation like Disaronno (Disaronno is an herbal concoction that happens to be very similar to amaretto) can be played around with and can be used in some confections. I've yet to see a use for benedictine that wasn't a B+B and by now you're as likely to find premixed B+B as straight benedictine. Frangelico is something I'm personally fond of, may not be your cup of tea. Kahlua and similar coffee liqueurs are ubiquitous in mixers, can be good to keep around.

Never had a B&B but a good thing to use Benedictine in is a Vieux Carre. .75 oz each rye, cognac (as my post says I know nothing about discerning good cognac), and sweet vermouth, .25 benedictine with a dash each angostura and peychauds. Classjc and very good. Green Chartreuse is something I think I’d like but it’s expensive as is and my state seems to upcharge the hell out of it, possibly because abc stores don’t seem to stock it. Finding a bottle of maraschino that wasn’t overlriced was a massive pain in the ass. If nothing else you won’t go through modifiers as quickly as you will main spirits.

Oh, also, Grand Marnier, Cointreau or just any non-shit triple sec will show up a fair amount if you mix your own margaritas, and have other applications as well.

I’m well aware. The other guy in my poker game who makes drinks was surprised when I splurged on Cointeau, but there really isn’t a substitute that’d work for margeritas (which several people requested) other than Gran. Most drinks based on Campari are pretty good too.

THE bitters of choice.

If you like using maple syrup instead of simple or granulated sugar look into ordering walnut bitters. Apparently works like a dream.

 

[Stoneheart]

Most people's experience with tequila is some garbage like Cuervo Gold/Silver. This is not that. This is nice, has that distinctive slightly smoky flavor, it reminds me a bit of ocean air and bonfires on the beach. Lime and salt on the rim and you're good to go. A proper sipping tequila.

It hits you like a train, thats the main problem.

bong rips followed by shots of Cuervo chased with Corona, which is also objectively terrible, but they were fun times

The Us is right next to mexico, how can you not have atleast decent stuff? i dont know any sane person who dosnt spend the 5€ more per bottle for the drinkable stuff. you lose a whole day otherwise.

Brandy: Straight up have no idea on cognac/regular brandy but Laird’s Straight Apple Brandy is pretty good and isn’t hard to find if you like that kind of thing.

Spanish. Cardinal Mendoza is the best value in europe.

Vodka: Doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t complete rotgut. Vodka is vodka.

Finlandia. very clean taste with a hint of salt-

THE bitters of choice.

there are plenty of good bitters, i personaly like Suze but thats a pretty special bitter taste.

Oh, also, Grand Marnier, Cointreau or just any non-shit triple sec will show up a fair amount if you mix your own margaritas, and have other applications as well.

Cointreau is super sweet pure. I always have a bottle at home for baking and its the go to shot for the female part of the family..
you want the Cointreau noir, the taste is amazing.

you also missed fruit brandy (i think thats how you call it in the colonies). the basic stuff is fine but the more expensive stuff is amazing and you can get realy good stuff for under 100€

 

[AnOminous]

there are plenty of good bitters, i personaly like Suze but thats a pretty special bitter taste.

That's actually a good point. Still I'm going to stick with Angostura as always being the one I always have.

I'm not a big fan of mixed drinks though. If I can't just drink it straight out of the bottle, fuck it.

The only mixed drink I actually like is the Old Fashioned.

 

[Patrick X Tomlinson]

Whenever I drink whiskey I feel like one wrong move and I might accidentally shit myself.

 

[Stoneheart]

That's actually a good point. Still I'm going to stick with Angostura as always being the one I always have.

Well it has some Kaiser on it so i guess thats fine.
Bitter is something very regional in europe with every region having its own bitter or half bitter.

I'm not a big fan of mixed drinks though. If I can't just drink it straight out of the bottle, fuck it.

I like a good cocktail from time to time, but yeah most of them are just sweet as hell and taste like frozen fruit barf.

I like drink that just add Water. Pastis is the perfect summer drink.


Also you people lack 2 of the most awesome schnapps in the world. Obstler and Akvavit

 

[Takayuki Yagami]

It hits you like a train, thats the main problem.


The Us is right next to mexico, how can you not have atleast decent stuff? i dont know any sane person who dosnt spend the 5€ more per bottle for the drinkable stuff. you lose a whole day otherwise.

Spanish. Cardinal Mendoza is the best value in europe.

Finlandia. very clean taste with a hint of salt-

there are plenty of good bitters, i personaly like Suze but thats a pretty special bitter taste.

Cointreau is super sweet pure. I always have a bottle at home for baking and its the go to shot for the female part of the family..
you want the Cointreau noir, the taste is amazing.

you also missed fruit brandy (i think thats how you call it in the colonies). the basic stuff is fine but the more expensive stuff is amazing and you can get realy good stuff for under 100€

Well, I did say Laird’s is good apple brandy aka Calvados for filthy bongs. As for Suze I’m pretty sure he’s referring to the bitters you use in dashes as opposed to things that are used in typical measures. The only potable bitters anyone over here really uses are Campari (favorite of mine), Aperol, and maybe Cynar. Doesn’t Suze’s aggressive gentian overpower everything else? Do you use it as an apertif or just in really tiny measures?
As for cocktails that don’t taste like oversweetened shit, go basic, as in really basic. 21 ratio of spirit, fresh juice, and sweetener shaken over ice. 2 oz Rum, 1oz Lime, and simple you have a classic daiquiri. Whiskey or gin, .75oz/22ml each lemon and simple syrup and you have a sour; lengthen with soda water and you have a fizz. Dry shake the sour with an egg white for about 30 seconds to greatly improve the drink’s texture while adding a savory note.

 

[Stoneheart]

Doesn’t Suze’s aggressive gentian overpower everything else? Do you use it as an apertif or just in really tiny measures?

you take it after you ate a good meal or before going to bed.

Well, I did say Laird’s is good apple brandy aka Calvados for filthy bongs.

Apple brandy is the lowest kind of fruit brandy. Austrian fruit brandy has a much better taste. its almost like eating an overripe fruit.

Calvados is like Grappa, only drunks drink it.

 

[Takayuki Yagami]

you take it after you ate a good meal or before going to bed.


Apple brandy is the lowest kind of fruit brandy. Austrian fruit brandy has a much better taste. its almost like eating an overripe fruit.

Calvados is like Grappa, only drunks drink it.

Good to know.