MGoLiquor: What's in your bar?
Booze...Spirits...Elixir...Alcohol...Firewater...Poison...known by many names liquor, when enjoyed in moderation, is a wonderful treat now and then. The Michigan fanbase are robust consumers of these adult beverages and I felt that we needed a diary to compare some of our favorites.
Here is a list of what this fan keeps in his bar and some thoughts on each...I don't claim to have a sophisticated palate these are just my impressions of the various drinks I enjoy....hope to see what other people imbibe in as well.
Favorite sipping whiskey - Crown Royal Rye Whiskey...excellent neat or on ice this is my go to drink when I'm not in the mood for something specific. A slight bite but goes down smooth with a very pleasant aftertaste. Not a fan of the variants like green apple, peach, etc. The only exception is Crown Royal Reserve which has all the taste of the original but is smooth as water with absolutely no bite...pricey though.
Single malt Scotch - Glenlivet or Glenfiddich 12 year..Developed a taste for scotch once I hit middle age and found the single malts more to my liking than the blended stuff. The 12 year bottles are a good taste to price point (for me). My preference with Scotch is neat and the aftertaste of either of these brands is spectacular with floral and oaken hints. When sipping scotch leave it on your tongue for a few moments to really activate the complex flavors.
Bourbon - Knob Creek or Woodford Reserve ... my two personal favorites which are excellent for straight sipping or for your Derby Mint Julep. Lots of great newer bourbons out there I just happen to like these two old standbys.
Vodka - Grey Goose..Vodka can be made from a number of different ingredients such as potatoes, rice, grapes, etc. Grey Goose is a product of France made from wheat. Good vodka tastes good due to the distillation process (extra filtration) and what it's made from. The cheaper stuff you want to use for screwdrivers or other drinks as it's seen less filtration typically. Grey Goose is a wonderful vodka really suited for sipping straight and, even better, chilled and is quite smooth. Vodka is also one of the top, if not the top, consumed spirits in the U.S.
Gin - I don't drink gin absolutely hate the stuff but keep a bottle of Tanquery for company.
Rum - Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum...don't drink often but when I do it's the Captain. Nice slight peppery aftertaste, a little bite but pleasant on ice. Run of the mill brand there is much better stuff out there but Captain's is fine for my bar.
Tequila - Tried Tequila a few times but never really developed a taste for it. I keep a bottle of 1800 around for margaritas.
Miscellaneous
Cognac - Hennessey...don't drink it often but when I do it's a silky smooth great tasting liquor and goes down very easy.
Drambuie - An after dinner liqueur composed of Scotch whiskey, honey and other things I can't recall. A little goes a long way but it is very tasty around the holidays.
Grand Marnier - an orangy taste after dinner liqueur my wife & her friends enjoy.
Ouzo - national drink of Greece and tastes like liquid black licorice and part of the Mediterranean anise flavored drinks common there. Ouzo is definitely not top shelf but I like it once in a while neat and room temperature.
Brandy - St Remy ... I enjoy this usually during winter snows for some reason. Smooth and delicious it leaves a pleasant aftertaste..St Remy isn't top shelf but it's a good value for the price and usually always available at Costco.
Jack Daniels - keep a bottle of this around for my young in-laws who usually always mix. I almost wept watching my nephew wasting some of my Knob Creek with a coke.
Baileys - great on ice and like it in coffee once in a while...as this is a heavy cream drink it can contribute to acid reflux
Kahlua - nice chocolate-ish liqueur to sip (chilled for me) or for those yummy white russians
Economy Booze
Been experimenting with Costco's private labeled liquor (Kirkland) and what I've tried has been VERY good. Some of their booze I'm positive is bottled by major labels. Price is usually half to a third of what the better equivalent liquors are going for.
I've had the Vodka, Spiced Rum and Rye Whiskey...all taste good and are great values although I find Captain Morgan's to be sort of better than the Kirkland equivalent.
https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/costco-kirkland-brand-alcohol-spirits
November 1st, 2019 at 12:28 PM ^
Jameson's is the best selling Irish whiskey in America.
Paddy is the best selling Irish whiskey in Ireland.
A good Catholic can't go wrong with either.
November 1st, 2019 at 1:50 PM ^
Irish whiskey. Endorsed, along with Laudinum , by Tommy Shelby.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:29 PM ^
Co-signed on the Glenmorangie D’or. I was in Scotland recently and after MUCH tasting I determined I favor the highland whiskies that have spent a couple of years in a sherry barrel. Dalmore 15yr is excellent! I brought home a 12 year old Edradour Caledonia and an Oban Distillers Edition. Both spent 2 years aging in sherry. Nice!
November 2nd, 2019 at 8:33 PM ^
Had a chance to tour the Oban distillery about 20 years ago while I was waiting for my ferry and they talked/tasted me into a bottle of the Distillers Edition. That's a purchase I do not regret.
I can't recommend those tours enough. A friend did the Speyside rounds on her bicycle--I'm not recommending that one.
November 2nd, 2019 at 7:53 AM ^
I’ve become a big fan of Irish whiskey too and especially Jameson’s. But it’s pretty pricey. I discovered the Costco version which is about a 3rd the price and in my estimation actually better.
November 6th, 2019 at 6:56 AM ^
Cheap drinks, you say? When I'm not feeling like savoring a drink, it's Evan Williams Black with Kroger Diet Lemon/Lime or Burnett's gin with Kroger Diet ginger ale.
Otherwise, it's Elijah Craig 12-year Small Batch or Canadian Club 12-year Small Batch
November 1st, 2019 at 11:26 AM ^
A buddy of mine loves his Japanese whiskey. He has some Hibiki Harmony, Yamazaki 12 (I think), I think something from Hakushu. Anyway, his go-to drink is the Hibiki Harmony with Yamazaki for special occasions.
November 1st, 2019 at 11:28 AM ^
Kirkland brand for like every type of alcohol because it's usually made by name brand companies and is generally affordable; plus I'm not a snob concerning such things. The 12 year blended scotch is probably my favorite.
Oh and Fireball, because who doesn't like alcohol in liquid cinnamon-candy form.
November 1st, 2019 at 11:33 AM ^
I tried Fireball couldn't get into it although I love cinnamon
November 1st, 2019 at 11:48 AM ^
I liked fireball the first time i tried it. It was basically a liquid red hot with alcohol. That faded quickly. I feel like it's one of those drinks where you enjoy the first few sips (or a shot), but it gets old really fast.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:26 PM ^
Definitely better as shots.
November 2nd, 2019 at 7:55 AM ^
Required equipment for fall golfing.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:22 PM ^
Nothing tastes better than Fireball on a ski lift. Plus it comes in plastic pints so you don't even have to deal with pouring into a flask.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:31 PM ^
Also comes in a 3.5 liter box so you don’t have to deal at all.
November 2nd, 2019 at 7:46 AM ^
I've been generally happy with Kirkland too. But am glad to have Weller for my bourbon ... have to go to great lengths to get it, as it isn't available down here in NC.
November 1st, 2019 at 11:35 AM ^
Single Malt: Stranahan's (made in Denver, smooooooth)
Scotch: a friend recently shared some Lagavulin - don't own it at $100 a bottle, but wow.
Bourbon: High West American Prairie Bourbon - Park City Utah
Rum: Bacardi Limon chilled and neat, no mixer needed
Irish: Jameson Black Barrel Reserve, Proper 12...and my inexpensive daily, 2 Gingers.
November 1st, 2019 at 11:53 AM ^
When I was in grad school at UM I had the idea of trying to come up with a Maize and Blue cocktail made with Mellow Corn Whiskey and, uh, something blue, either Curacao or a clear spirit colored to be blue somehow. I never got around to finishing it, and I'm worried it would come out to being more green than anything because the Mellow Corn has a gentle yellow color to it, but one day.
Also, thanks for mentioning the Kirkland stuff, OP. I've been pondering getting a CostCo membership for a few months now and you might have just tipped the balance.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:39 PM ^
Yeah it's really tough. The only thing to do is layer something. Because once they mix.
Blue Curacao /Yellow Chartreuse is the only thing I came up with
With the layering, need different densities. Thought of food coloring in Rumchata and the Chartreuse.
November 1st, 2019 at 1:02 PM ^
Maybe not quite what you're looking for (and not great on a cold day), but...
https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2013/04/blue-polka-dot-bikini-martini-cocktail.html
https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/embrace-pitt-panther-pride-layered-blue-gold-drink
https://www.thespruceeats.com/layering-drinks-and-shots-gravity-chart-760326
Assuming the Mellow Corn is somewhere in the 0.95 specific gravity range, could work well with Blue Curacao (1.10 specific gravity).
November 1st, 2019 at 1:21 PM ^
Use any whitedog, corn liquor that hasn't been barrel aged, therefore is completely clear.
November 2nd, 2019 at 12:26 PM ^
You don't need a membership to buy liquor @ Costco. Most people don't know that and Costco doesn't advertise it.
November 3rd, 2019 at 6:13 AM ^
I have also seen the sign near the entrance saying this, but I always wondered if there would be a mark up on the price. Also wondering if it applies to beer and wine.
November 6th, 2019 at 10:56 AM ^
In my experience, the beer and wine is generally in the "ordinary confines" of a Costco (i.e., you need the membership to get in as well as to check out), but the "liquor barn" is tacked onto the outside of the building, not requiring the membership.
At least that's how they are in SC. That may very well vary state by state, in accordance with local alcohol laws.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:02 PM ^
Bourbon - Blanton's (have a glass before all Michigan games). Eagle Rare is my staple, great value.
Vodka - Kirklands Signature is preferred but Tito's is normally on the shelf. No Costco's near me.
Tequila - Clasa Azul Reposado, expensive but best I have ever tasted. Casamigos is pretty good for the price but taste a lot of vanilla in it.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:25 PM ^
The Costco brand vodka imported from France is Grey Goose, just with a Kirkland label.
Russian Standard is far and away the best and smoothest vodka out there.
However, if flavored vodkas are your thing, Stoli's Pepper vodka is very good and perfect for bloody Mary's
November 1st, 2019 at 5:02 PM ^
I guess if anyone knows about vodka, it'd be you, comrade.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:25 PM ^
Everyday cheap either E&J Brandy XO or Jollite Armagnac XO
A little nicer for special relaxing moments Basil Hayden Bourbon
Celebratory Aberlour 16
Not wealthy and have to feed 8 children, so that's all I can afford to keep around.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:26 PM ^
Scotch: Glenmorangie 12yr Lasanta (finished in sherry cask) - nearly gone, next I'll get Talisker
Rye: Bulleit
Vodka: Ketel One with cucumber
Gin: Hendricks' (if I keep any - out now)
November 1st, 2019 at 12:27 PM ^
I just recently cracked open a bottle of the Balvenie 15 Single Barrel, and it is a sherry bomb: just syrupy, delicious, oaky, and sweet. 47% abv, perfect. I think it compares well to Aberlour's A'bunadh (which is cask strength).
I also recently tried the Lagavulin 10 (43% abv), which was just released this August and is currently a travel-retail exclusive. At least on first taste, it's surprisingly calm (given the age I was expecting more of a peat punch) and somewhat light. I admit I was a little disappointed, but I don't know, I've only had a couple drinks from the bottle so far; I look forward to increasing my knowledge as I work through the bottle.
November 1st, 2019 at 5:14 PM ^
A'bunadh is an amazing sherry bomb, have you had the chance to try a Glendronach? That's the one I want to try most lately. Glenfarclas is pretty good sherry bomb for the price, too
November 1st, 2019 at 5:38 PM ^
Yes, the Glendronach 12 is fantastic! You (or at least I) don't see it too often, so I jumped on the chance to buy a bottle (and will now always do so when I see it).
I haven't tried Glenfarclas but it's on my list.
November 1st, 2019 at 12:54 PM ^
Self Promotion Alert!
I work in the booze industry, for a small company that has two brands (which comprise a lot of my liquor cabinet):
Heaven's Door - Premium Whiskeys made in partnership with Bob Dylan - really good stuff in the premium segment
Stolen Spirits - We've been in the market for a while with a Smoked Rum and 11 Yr whiskey but we've recently launched a product called Stolen X - its a flavored Rye that tastes like an old fashioned. Should be able to find for less than $25/bottle.
I'd love for those MgoCommunity who drink to give it a try, we're in 28 states so you should be able to find it where you are.
If you've had any of our products, please let me know your honest thoughts!
November 1st, 2019 at 1:01 PM ^
https://www.thisisstolen.com/stolen-x-2/
Sounds like a cross between Drambuie and Cointreau
November 1st, 2019 at 1:54 PM ^
Thanks for checking it out! Its certainly neither as sweet & spicy as Drambuie or as citrusy as Cointreau, all three ingredients (Rye whiskey, Orange Peel and Honey) combine for a subtly sweet flavor and smooth finish. Its proven to be great as a shot out at fall/winter tailgates and over ice as an old fashioned after a game.
November 1st, 2019 at 1:17 PM ^
Lot of whiskey drinkers on this board. Currently in my bar I have the following:
Whiskeys
Single-Malt Scotch: Mostly Highland and Speyside Scotch for me. The peaty and smoky tones of Islay region don't agree with my palate. Oban 14 yr (the best!), Balvenie 12 yr Double Wood (also, fucking awesome), Highland Park 12 yr, Macallan 10 yr (my Dad likes this) - I would probably drink single-malt exclusively if it wasn't so damn expensive. And to parrot many an opinion on this board, drink it neat with a splash of water.
- other brands that are good: Glendronach, Balvenie 21 yr (EXPENSIVE, but if you have the means, it's fantastic), Balvenie 15 yr Sherry Cask (disappointing to be honest), Glengoyne, Aberlour
Bourbon: Woodford Reserve, Woodford Reserve Double-Oak (my opinion, dollar-for-dollar, the best bourbon out there), Weller Special Reserve (pricey, but worth it), 1792, Eagle Rare, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (surprising smooth for 130 proof, but go easy)
- other brands that I've had: Blantons (smooth, but pricey), Basil Hayden (pricey), Jeffersons Reserve, Jeffersons Ocean (pricey, but a really unique flavor - get a glass at a bar before committing to buying a bottle), Russell Reserve (meh, drink Woodford), Henry McKenna, Mayor Pingrees (local Detroit brand, 140 proof, beware)
Rye: I'm not big into rye whiskey, but I keep some Rittenhouse around for guests
Tennessee: Jack Daniels (for friends who like Jack and Coke, myself I don't like it that much)
Other Stuff
Vodka: Grey Goose, Belvedere, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Smirnoff Vanilla (my wife like chocolate martinis)
Cognac: Hennessy Privilege (VSOP), Kirkland XO
Gin: Bombay Sapphire, Hendricks
Tequila: I don't really like Tequila, but I keep some Jose Cuervo 1800 around for guests
November 1st, 2019 at 1:18 PM ^
Brandy - Hennessey. I'm not big into brandies or cognacs, but sometimes you need a sidecar or a B&B.
Gin - Batch 206 counter gin, Batch 206 old tom gin, Plymouth sloe gin
Rum - Appleton white rum, Bacardi Anejo, Gosling's black seal, Pampero anniversario
Tequila - Milagro silver
Whiskies - Crown Royal, Four Roses single barrel, Laphroig 10 year, Whistlepig 12 year old world rye, Woodinville straight rye whiskey
Vodka - Batch 206 vodka. It's not great but I'm not a vodka guy.
Miscellaneous - Amaro Nonino, Benedictine, Bol's creme de cacao, Bol's orange curacao, Campari, Chartreuse, Cherry Heering, Cointreau, Drambuie, Lucid absinthe, Luxardo maraschino, Pim's #1, Pirassununga 51 cachaca, Rothman and Winter creme de violette, St. Germain, Unicum,
November 1st, 2019 at 1:27 PM ^
Primarily Bourbon for me, or rye whiskey. I keep a selection of the regulars around for guests, Cpt Morgan, Titos, Beefeater, etc.
This pic is a bit dated, some have come and others gone, but its a fair representation of what's hanging out in the Bourbon Bunker.
November 1st, 2019 at 2:27 PM ^
You've got Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year? And Van Winkle Special Reserve? And Weller Special Reserve? And Col. HE Taylor?
I want to watch a Michigan game at your place brother. Wow.
November 1st, 2019 at 3:19 PM ^
Its only Pappy 15, but yeah.
November 1st, 2019 at 2:46 PM ^
Dood....that is a nice little bar you have my friend. I am up for a road trip to PA what time you want me over for the game? See you're a fan of Elijah Craig.
November 1st, 2019 at 2:57 PM ^
That Top Shelf is off the rails.
November 1st, 2019 at 3:21 PM ^
William Larue Weller and Booker's 30th anniversary have arrived since, Lot b has been consumed.
November 4th, 2019 at 7:48 AM ^
Oh man, I had a dram of William Larue last Christmas and it was delicious. I had it in a flight that included Pappy 15 and Van Winkle Special and honestly, I thought the Larue was the star of the lot.
November 1st, 2019 at 4:03 PM ^
Elijah Craig barrel proof is one of the best $50 bottles on the market. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is right up there too.
November 1st, 2019 at 3:44 PM ^
I just got a hangover looking at this picture
November 1st, 2019 at 5:09 PM ^
Love the Willett there. Heavily underappreciated in my opinion
November 5th, 2019 at 4:00 PM ^
Willett Ryes are really good (and most of them distilled by MGP) Their bourbon isn't my thing at all. Great tour though, highly recommended. I have a ton of respect for what they've done. Old Bardstown is a decent mixer bourbon if you do that, and Willett 3yr and 4yr Ryes are pretty solid (again, i'm pretty sure its MGP product).
November 1st, 2019 at 1:28 PM ^
Scotch: I'm a fan of the Islay scotches. Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Bowmore. Always have at least 3-4 bottles of various Islay scotches at any point. The Laphroaig 10 is the closest a daily drinker but the Lagavulin 16 is my favorite but a bit rich to drink a few fingers per night
Rye/Bourbon: I lean towards rye over bourbon as most bourbon is too sweet and I like the spicier ryes. IMO Rittenhouse bottled in bond is the best mixing rye out there. 100 proof, great flavor and fairly inexpensive. My favorite brown cocktails are manhattans, boulevardiers (negroni but with whiskey instead of gin) old fashioneds and vieux carres. I usually keep 1-2 bottles of straight/neat drinking. Right now I have a Few Bourbon and a Basil Hayden. maybe 1 other that I can't recall now
Gin: I keep between 2-3 bottles of gin around for negronis and martinis. Been digging Sipsmith from England recently. Greenhook Ginsmiths and Plymouth Gin are also generally around my house
Vodka - probably have a bottle of Titos and Smirnoff but don't tend to drink much vodka and keep the around for when friends come over.
Tequila - Keep a bottle of Hornitos or Casamigos around for margaritas but dont drink much of it.
Bitters: Angostura and Peychauds are a must of cocktails. I also have Orange bitters and Blank Walnut bitters which are great in Manhattans and Old Fashioned.
Vermouth: Carpano Antica for sweet and Dolin for dry
Also have bottles of Campari, Aperol, Cognac, Cointreau, Brandy, etc. for mixing cocktails
November 1st, 2019 at 5:08 PM ^
If you get the chance, the Offerman Lagavulin is fuckin' exquisite. I think it's better than the 16 Distiller's even.
November 1st, 2019 at 5:40 PM ^
Cool, I'd never heard of that one.
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