Whiskey/Bourbon

[chazus]

I've felt the need lately to switch up my drinking habits a little, just to expand my experience a little. I usually have a few drinks a week (often while raiding >.>).

Right now my drink of choice is pretty plain. Crappy vodka + Soda or OJ.

I'd like to try a few whiskeys or bourbons, as I've never really drank either to any extent. I'd prefer something cheaper if I can help it, that doesn't taste like arse. Do you/can you mix anything with them? Also, are whiskey stones a thing, or just a gimmick?

[yetgdhfgh]

Your should try brandy with ginger ale

[Deleted]

The cheap ones taste like arse without mixers anyway. If you're buying just to mix, just go for the cheap brands since the intricacies of the flavour, nose and palette are lost when you start adding cola or OJ.

[Yunru]

Maybe try going into specilized beer/liquior store.

There are quite a few brands to try. Heck some people even collect those bottles from this brands.

[Wildtree]

Bourbon is a whiskey... Let's start with that.

You probably meant Scotch or Bourbon.
Plus, you get what you pay for....
Cheap alc is just that, crappy cheap shit.

[Feral Camel]

How much are you looking to spend?

[Super Kami Dende]

Cheap Whiskey and Bourbon is pretty awful. You either pay for Quality, or you need to find a drink that masks the taste near completely.

Though if you want a relatively tasty experience but cheaper, try a Spiced or Dark rum with Sarsaparilla/Root Beer. The less sweet Sarsaparillas/Root beers work best.

Though being in Australia I find the best is either Australian Bundaberg Sarsaparilla or Imported American A&W Root Beer.

[Deleted]

this sounds to good to be true, but what if....

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...key-in-24-hour

[twelvedogs]

whiskey stones are not really required especially if you're mixing, some people just want to chill theirs without diluting it which is only really an interesting prospect if you're getting into the expensive stuff. jamison is a pretty good place to start if you don't want to spend too much, jamison and carbonated water is my go-to beverage but you might want to go coke if you're still acquiring a taste for whisky

[Feral Camel]

I've heard good things about Japanese whiskeys. I've not tried any myself, but I've got a few next on my list.

[chazus]

How much are you looking to spend?

Right now I spend about $12 for vodka in a 1.75 liter. I honestly wouldn't want to spend more than probably $18.

You either pay for Quality, or you need to find a drink that masks the taste near completely.

If it absolutely requires getting something of high quality/price, then I understand that and it may just not be something for casual drinking for me.

In retrospect, I just realized I do like Jameson, however thats quite outside my price range (I think a 750ml runs ~$20, and a 1.75 probably $40). I also discovered not too long ago that "American Whiskey" is totally different from "Irish Whiskey"

[Wildtree]

Right now I spend about $12 for vodka in a 1.75 liter. I honestly wouldn't want to spend more than probably $18.


If it absolutely requires getting something of high quality/price, then I understand that and it may just not be something for casual drinking for me.

In retrospect, I just realized I do like Jameson, however thats quite outside my price range. I also discovered not too long ago that "American Whiskey" is totally different from "Irish Whiskey"

1.75l for 18 bucks for either Bourbon or Scotch is outright impossible, with maintaining any quality beyond lighter fluid.

The most common brands in the cheaper range would be either Jim Beam Black Label (Bourbon) or Johnny Walker Black Label (Scotch).
It boils entirely down to your personal taste...
It's like asking what's better Pizza or Spaghetti. Rib Eye or NY Strip.

[chazus]

1.75l for 18 bucks for either Bourbon or Scotch is outright impossible, with maintaining any quality beyond lighter fluid.

If that's the case, that's the case. I might consider getting something more expensive for social/casual drinking, and sticking to my cheapie vodka for raid nights.

[Wildtree]

If that's the case, that's the case. I might consider getting something more expensive for social/casual drinking, and sticking to my cheapie vodka for raid nights.

The cheapest way would be to get a friend that's in the service fetching you a half gallon from the Commissary.
Booze is very cheap there, since it's basically just the alc, discounted and without any taxes too it.

Don't shoot me for making a slightly immoral suggestion now lol

Otherwise, yeah.. whiskey is more of a casual drink. 0.75l is about 18 bucks for the brands I mentioned.

[Deleted]

I wouldn't advise buying cheap Whisky (or that urine in a bottle that Americans call Bourbon). It's pretty atrocious even when mixed, you'd be better just sticking with a mediocre Vodka as a mixer.

If you want to try some decent Whiskys then what you call a Scotch is the best way to go. Glenfiddich, Jura, Balvenie, Glendronach, Dalmore are all pretty decent but a bottle will set you back £40-50 (or more). Whisky stones are better than ice with good whiskys as they don't dilute the flavor quite as much but it's still better just to drink it at room temperature.

It's also worth noting the differences between "whiskeys" (generally American or Irish) and "whiskys" (generally Scottish).

[Wildtree]

It's also worth noting the differences between "whiskeys" (generally American or Irish) and "whiskys" (generally Scottish).

Not wrong.. But generally it doesn't matter how you spell it. It's always spirit made from fermented grains.
You could also say per general rule that Bourbon is of American origin, while Scotch is from, well Scottish.

[Independent voter]

I buy this $20 a fifth rum from Costa Rica and it's a little tough to drink. Once in a while some good Bacardi comes on sale and it's almost like drinking water in comparison.

[Deleted]

Not wrong.. But generally it doesn't matter how you spell it. It's always spirit made from fermented grains.
You could also say per general rule that Bourbon is of American origin, while Scotch is from, well Scottish.

Whisky/whiskeys from different places generally taste quite drastically different though. (eg Irish Whiskey is three times distilled, Scotch is 1/2 times, American is usually 2 times. More times = more mild and smooth flavor). Also the actual distillation process is quite different between whisky and whiskey. Irish+American Whiskyes are generally done in a more "modern" way and will have less differentiation in flavour and texture as they all use the same styles of pot + similar process whereas in Scotland each distillery has it's own unique take on the distillation process (both in terms of still & process) which means they can have quite a wide variety of different flavors and textures. Also the Scots usually use barley only whereas Ireland + America are mixes of difference grains.

[Wildtree]

I buy this $20 a fifth rum from Costa Rica and it's a little tough to drink. Once in a while some good Bacardi comes on sale and it's almost like drinking water in comparison.

Cpt Morgan spiced rum.. Tasty stuff.
Or if you wanna really treat you to some special.. Austrian Strohrum... it has 160 proof, but tastes amazingly mild.
A 0.75l bottle cost about 35 bucks here in the US.



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Whisky/whiskeys from different places generally taste quite drastically different though. (eg Irish Whiskey is three times distilled, Scotch is 1/2 times, American is usually 2 times. More times = more mild and smooth flavor). Also the actual distillation process is quite different between whisky and whiskey. Irish+American Whiskyes are generally done in a more "modern" way and will have less differentiation in flavour and texture as they all use the same styles of pot + similar process whereas in Scotland each distillery has it's own unique take on the distillation process (both in terms of still & process) which means they can have quite a wide variety of different flavors and textures. Also the Scots usually use barley only whereas Ireland + America are mixes of difference grains.

Generally it's really only a matter of personal preference, like I said earlier.
There are bourbon fanatics, there are scotch fanatics, and those of the other varieties.

[risingforce]

Whiskey can be very harsh, the connoisseur bottles like Dalmore MAcKenzie (I have one) are ok... when you know how to sip it. Yes, you can pick up burnt dark chocolate, orange, vanilla and caramels... but it's still harsh, and requires your wits to appreciate it fully.

So...... for pure, smooth drinking pleasure -and flavours that are much more accessible -I'd recommend Bourbons. Especially for raiding and any activity where you're just relaxing.

If you don't drink stuff straight up (Whiskey and Bourbon you need to!), then go for a Honey Bourbon. The purists will scoff, but you'll get wonderful honey and caramel notes that will make those damned RNG wipes taste a little sweeter. I'd recommend Jim Beam's Honey Bourbon or Jack Daniel's Honey Bourbon. If you want to take it one level higher (I'd start with JB or JD) then you can try another fine Tennessee bourbon by Woodford Reserve, though that is a traditional bourbon and without the honey. Small note, Woodford Reserve comes in a very nice bottle.

Cocktails.

Bourbon Sour, order in any bar -they'll know how to make it. Fancy places will use egg white to add a froth to the top. Looks fancy, everyone loves it and you'll be popular ordering it.

Bourbon Champagne Cocktails. American Parisian / Champagne Americana are popular names you can order by. Bars may have their own names. Bourbon, champagne, some kind of bitters (aragosta or citrus based -I prefer orange), spray of orange peel on top for the scent, and wipe the rim of glass for extra zing... an amazing cocktail, but will hit hard so take your time! Serve in martini glass with a twirl of peel. Again, popular guy ordering anything like this! Making this at home, you can substitue Champagne with Prosecco (don't tell the snobs!), or Lambrini or whatever fizz you like. Champagne really is worth it though!

Bourbon and mint. 'Mint Julep.' Straight bourbon (Woodford Reserve is great!), mint, ice and done. Don't crush the mint leaves, instead 'clap' the leaves between your hands before mixing into glass. Very refreshing, my gf loves this. Bars will have their own versions, but you can look classy ordering it especially if they don't have it.

There are lots of ways you can drink Bourbon. It just has a sweet, caramel flavour that lends itself to mixing but is mellow enough to be drunk (responsibly!) by itself. Me and my gf both enjoy Bourbon, it's fun and though I do crack open my Dalmore MAcKenzie sometimes, bourbon is just a whole lot more mellow and enjoyable.