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I'm getting to the age where I'm liking the idea of sitting back, relaxing after work and on occasion sipping a decent scotch our similar type drink. The problem is I've never been much of a drinker outside of the odd beer. I know I cannot stand anything clear and I used to mix captain Morgan when I was a party goer.

I'm thinking something that has a smooth and enjoyable taste, not some cheap swill. Yet I don't want to spend $100 a bottle either, i just can't see doing that for the occasional drink. Ideas anyone?


Cheers

Nothing clear? That eliminates gin, vodka, tequila, silver rums, etc. That’s a pretty broad lot to tar with the same brush.

Smooth and enjoyable is very reliant on personal taste. I might suggest some bourbons, but am no expert. I’ve got bottles of Woodford reserve and Buffalo Trace in my liquor cabinet. The Woodford is nice, haven’t opened up the Buffalo yet. Both were gifts from my father, who lives in Kentucky and has been exploring the world of bourbon with my brother. So I trust that they are decent. Last time I was down visiting, I sampled a few different bottles they had. One thing I can say is that the more expensive ones were smoother, so you get what you pay for.

I do enjoy a good rum drink from time to time. The two I tend to favor are Kracken, and Captain Morgen’s Private Stock (not the regular stuff). Both are solid, all purpose rums recommended by my rum-monkey friends.

Hope you find something you like.

My friend swears by 'Pinch' as the best spirit dollar for dollar...I believe its Scotch. I don't even like whiskey, but I think its good, and IIRC its not crazy, crazy expensive.

 KingCracker wrote:
I'm getting to the age where I'm liking the idea of sitting back, relaxing after work and on occasion sipping a decent scotch our similar type drink. The problem is I've never been much of a drinker outside of the odd beer. I know I cannot stand anything clear and I used to mix captain Morgan when I was a party goer.

I'm thinking something that has a smooth and enjoyable taste, not some cheap swill. Yet I don't want to spend $100 a bottle either, i just can't see doing that for the occasional drink. Ideas anyone?


Cheers

Nothing clear?

*Dark rums
*Wine
*A nice after dinner desert drink (think Ameretto, Brandy, that sort of thing)

Cap'n Morgan Private Stock

not too cheap, not too spensive, tastes so fine in coke


Automatically Appended Next Post:
LOL just saw Nevelon also recommend Kraken, which I really like as well. It is a very dark rum. If you don't like licorice, don't bother.

Ok, I'm with Manchu on the rum, but we disagree on Morgan-each his own. Goggle good rums and go from there.

Oh that Morgan Private Stock is good! (again coming from someone who doesn't even really like liquor)

Then look at Macallan. I think they go about $40-50/bottle.

I actually have some "Pinch" (it's full name is "The Dimple Pinch") in my basement. I had some at my mom's wake, as it was hers that she had for probably 10+ years.

I don't generally go for Scotch, but it was pretty good.

If you have the means, and want to do a few different spiced rums:

Kraken black spiced run is awesome.




I also must say that Sailor Jerry spiced rum is VERY smooth and enjoyable....it's got less of a "bite" than Kraken, but still the same 99 proof so it will put you in a good mood rather quickly

If you want to try some good old American whiskey....Makers Mark is one of my favorites.

Scotch and I second Kraken, kraken is amazing.

I've heard good things about kraken.

I'm a fan of Dewars 12 year myself.

Gentlemen, Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace are not whiskey, whiskey is made in old and reused barrels; they are Bourbon and may even be called by some Bourbon Whiskey, but they are Bourbons.

Bourbon is a single malt, single batch, non-blended, rye or corn mash, aged in new oak barrels, barrels which are not used for the product again but may be used for other distillation processes (whiskey or bourbon barrel ale). The use of NEW barrels is the defining mark of a bourbon.

So some of these recommendations are great (I'm looking at you, Whembly) but....getting some "sipping liquors," especially the brown ones, typically takes some getting used to and understanding what your palate actually enjoys.

I'd recommend, if you can, getting to a bourbon bar and having some flights (do these exist elsewhere in the US, or am I spoiled due to my location?). Whiskeys in general take some, getting accustomed to, and if you're not used to drinking them, I'm not sure I'd start you with any single malt scotch. Additionally, there are lots of great sipping rums out there, but you really need to try them because they taste significantly different than your Captain Morgan or Kraken (which, I have to be honest, you couldn't pay me to drink).

With all that being said, if you want to start with some of the brown nectar:

Good Starter Bourbons:

Buffalo Trace
Eagle Rare
Weller 12 Year
Basil Hayden's

They're all fairly easy to drink. They're all under $40 a bottle. And they'll help you start to develop what you like, be it Rye's, Wheater's or Classic Mash.

xraytango wrote:
Gentlemen, Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace are not whiskey, whiskey is made in old and reused barrels; they are Bourbon and may even be called by some Bourbon Whiskey, but they are Bourbons.

Bourbon is a single malt, single batch, non-blended, rye or corn mash, aged in new oak barrels, barrels which are not used for the product again but may be used for other distillation processes (whiskey or bourbon barrel ale). The use of NEW barrels is the defining mark of a bourbon.

I'd disagree, slightly, with you....As would Jim Beam:

http://www.jimbeam.com/about-bourbon/bourbon-ingredients

WHAT IS BOURBON?
Bourbon is kinda like whiskey's "sweet spot." Why? Well, first, because corn is a sweet grain. The more corn, the sweeter the whiskey. Also, it's tougher to make bourbon than whiskey. In fact, the government actually has standards for "Straight Bourbon Whiskey."

By law, bourbon must be:

Produced in the USA
Made of a grain mix of at least 51% corn
Distilled at less than 160 proof (80% ABV)
No additives allowed (except water to reduce proof where necessary)
Aged in new, charred white oak barrels
Aged for a minimum of two years*

Five Things You Should Know About
WHISKEY VS. BOURBON
1. All bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. Tennessee whiskey? Not bourbon. Canadian whiskey? Nope. Scotch? Definitely not bourbon... you get the idea.

2. Bourbon is all-American. In 1964, under President Lyndon Johnson's administration, Congress declared bourbon America's Native Spirit (LBJ sure enjoyed his bourbon.).

3. The only thing that can be added to bourbon is water (and only to bring it down to proof). Other whiskey makers can add colors and flavors to their products.

4. Whiskey can age in re-used barrels. By law bourbon must use NEW charred American white oak barrels. Scotch whiskey often recycles barrels first used for bourbon. Probably to try to steal some of the bourbon's flavor!

5. It can't say "bourbon" on the label if it's not distilled in the United States. And it can't be "Kentucky Bourbon" unless it's distilled in Kentucky.

xraytango wrote:
Gentlemen, Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace are not whiskey, whiskey is made in old and reused barrels; they are Bourbon and may even be called by some Bourbon Whiskey, but they are Bourbons.

Bourbon is a single malt, single batch, non-blended, rye or corn mash, aged in new oak barrels, barrels which are not used for the product again but may be used for other distillation processes (whiskey or bourbon barrel ale). The use of NEW barrels is the defining mark of a bourbon.

Well, if you want to be pedantic....

All bourbons are whiskeys. Not all whiskeys are bourbons.

Additionally, there are plenty of bourbons that use a high wheat mash, Makers Mark being the most famous.

And finally, while they're required to use new barrels, there are many examples of DELICIOUS bourbons that are finished in port, rum, or sherry barrels (Angel's Envy comes to mind first.)

 cincydooley wrote:
Additionally, there are lots of great sipping rums out there, but you really need to try them because they taste significantly different than your Captain Morgan or Kraken (which, I have to be honest, you couldn't pay me to drink).

I was actually suprised to see Kraken so highly recommended here...its pretty friggin harsh! Perhaps I just don't have the prerequisite amount of chest hairs.

 jasper76 wrote:

 cincydooley wrote:
Additionally, there are lots of great sipping rums out there, but you really need to try them because they taste significantly different than your Captain Morgan or Kraken (which, I have to be honest, you couldn't pay me to drink).

I was actually suprised to see Kraken so highly recommended here...its pretty friggin harsh! Perhaps I just don't have the prerequisite amount of chest hairs.

All I drink is bourbon and scotch, so I don't think it has anything to do with chest hairs

Tennessee whiskey isn't bourbon? wasn't there a law just passed by Tennessee defining "Tennessee Whisky?"
Oh wait NAFTA and CAFTA define Tennessee whiskey as a subcategory of bourbon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_whiskey

Kraken *does* indeed have a bite.....which is why I also recommended the Sailor Jerry. Same proof, not as hard of a bite.

Don't forget...

No.

Friends don't let friends drink Jaeger.

 Frazzled wrote:
Friends don't let friends drink Jaeger.

Unless they want to cause unconsciousness in their friend(s) so that they can decorate them.....or prank them....or steal their kidney.

I got the impression this thread was about being a "classy adult drinker."

If we're going to toss out the frat-boy liquors, I think we have to include Fireball and Goldschlager.

 cincydooley wrote:
I got the impression this thread was about being a "classy adult drinker."

If we're going to toss out the frat-boy liquors, I think we have to include Fireball and Goldschlager.

Fireball BAD. Fireball make Frazzled do BAD THINGS.

Stick to rums and whiskeys. You'll have to wear a nice smoking jacket and grow a fine moustache though. And have a fireplace. And a bird/hound dog.

 KingCracker wrote:
I'm getting to the age where I'm liking the idea of sitting back, relaxing after work and on occasion sipping a decent scotch our similar type drink. The problem is I've never been much of a drinker outside of the odd beer. I know I cannot stand anything clear and I used to mix captain Morgan when I was a party goer.

I'm thinking something that has a smooth and enjoyable taste, not some cheap swill. Yet I don't want to spend $100 a bottle either, i just can't see doing that for the occasional drink. Ideas anyone?


Cheers

Slacker!!
Where is your sense of tasting/sipping adventure!!!!

I love Buffalo Trace, very smooth and affordable. Makers Mark always gives me extreme heartburn, but I like it too.

Glenfiddich is good if you want quality scotch that isn't absurdly spendy. Glenlivet if you want to spend a lot.

Depends what you are looking for. If you are looking for something one the unique side, try Wild Turkey American Honey. Its bourbon and honey blend, quite the good stuff and smooth chilled or as a shot.

Well I'll be honest, i didn't think of looking for a place to try that out. I'll have to do some searching because as far as I know, around here is just your typical hole in the wall biker bars.

Also let's stay on topic, I don't like party frat booze at all. I'm looking for something grown up and mature tasting, not piss with a cool label.

Anywho, maybe I'll go to this local super giant alcohol store and ask the person there what I should get........ maybe they will have a taster set or something.