Hard Liquor

[Indycar]

Depending on my budget at the time:


1. Maker's Mark
2. Rebel Yell
3. Jim Beam
4. Early Times

 

[rockhopper46038]

Ah, there are so many.

For rum, my favorite is Rhum Barbancourt. Take that one for what it's worth.

Whiskies, I know a bit about.

For rye, I prefer Sazerac, Russel's Reserve, or Michter's, but Bulleit makes a nice one as well and really, the Jim Beam is not horrible - they make a better rye than they do a bourbon.

For Irish whiskey, I suggest Red Breast.

Too many bourbon favorites -

Wild Turkey Tribute, Kentucky Spirit, Rare Breed, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Pappy van Winkle (the 23 yo is too expensive for me, but the 20 yo is very nice), Elijah Craig (12 yo is a better bargain than the 18 yo), Booker's, Baker's, Blanton's, Basil Hayden's, A.H. Hirsch, Harrison (from Indiana), Ezra B., Wathen's, Rowan Creek...

All of these are top notch bourbons. Some are softer and sweeter (the wheated bourbons), others are hotter and spicier (the rye bourbons). You definitely will have to find which of the differing bourbon characters are more to your taste.

I keep trying to like Scotches, and I am partial to a Brookladdich, but I don't drink them like I do the above whiskies.

 

[csaws]

Maker's Mark
Buffalo Trace
Knob Creek

 

[gvbcraig]

Whiskey - has to be Irish, triple distilled, plus has to be the 12 year old stuff.

I worked in Ireland for a year and the locals got me started on 12 year old Powers. That is my favorite, but it is impossible to find in the US. (they keep the best for themselves )
12 year old Red Breast and Jamison is good also, but still like my Powers better.

You also have to splash a little water on it to activate the taste, brings out the smoothness.

Before I went to Ireland, I was Scotch drinker, have not touched it since.

 

[wrigleycub]

Gentlemen Jack, Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve, Crown Reserve

 

[booey50]

thank you guys I have taken all the suggestions into consideration...I don't mind the cheap kentucky wiskey at all but looking for something maybe a little more sweet to drink or more flavored...

 

[semperfi211]

Makers Mark
Old Grand-Dad 114 barrel proof
Wild Turkey

 

[Yukon227]

Maker's Mark
Buffalo Trace
Knob Creek

These are good and inexpensive. I don't drink anymore but when I did these 3 and crown royal were my top shelf
I was cheap, Jim Beam and southern comfort were always in my cabinet or freezer.

 

[JohnP82]

Love my Jim Beam
Crown Royal is good
Makers Mark is nice

Buchanans is amazing
Johnnie Walker =

Love me some liquor

 

[Citronman1980]

Jack Daniels Black & Green Label, Gentlemen Jack & the occasional J.D.Single Barrel. All on the rocks and chilled.

I'm a big Jack fan, if you couldn't tell!

American honey isn't bad. I drink it chilled from the freezer straight up. If you don't want it straight up, mix it with some pineapple juice and sprite. That seems to be the crowd favorite at the last few shindigs I've hosted.

If you want to shy away from the J.D. brand (if you so dare), Woodford Reserve is a very good bourbon.

If your pocketbook will allow it, grab some Johnnie Walker Blue Label or even Sam Adams Utopia (if you can find it). Both are very excellent.

 

[prowland]

I drank enough makers mark in college to fill a small pool... it is a easy to get into that type of alcohol if like.

I would shy away from some of the others mentioned until you get a taste for it... like the knob creek and wild turkey. They have a bigger bite!

In my cabinet now there is:

Eagle Rare single barrel
Makers mark
Woodford reserve
Pappy Van Winkle's 20yr
Basil Hayden's 8yr

Now for my suggestions for you:
Captain Morgan Tattoo
Jagermeister
Wild Turkey American Honey

 

[A. Ramon]

I am not much of a Whiskey person, but I really like Southern Comfort chilled and straight. But awesome in Dr Pepper.
I more of a tequila person. I absolutely love the Don Julio line of tequila. Patron Silver is also very good. I would suggest Margaritaville Lime tequila to 1st time tequila drinkers, on the sweet side and a lime taste.

 

[prowland]

I am not much of a Whiskey person, but I really like Southern Comfort chilled and straight. But awesome in Dr Pepper.
I more of a tequila person. I absolutely love the Don Julio line of tequila. Patron Silver is also very good. I would suggest Margaritaville Lime tequila to 1st time tequila drinkers, on the sweet side and a lime taste.

Don Julio is amazing... Had it in Mexico and brought all I was allowed to back with me. I think it was about $14 for a fifth!!!

I think it's in the $40-$50 range here but even worth that much.

 

[Citronman1980]

Don Julio is amazing... Had it in Mexico and brought all I was allowed to back with me. I think it was about $14 for a fifth!!!

I think it's in the $40-$50 range here but even worth that much.

Don Julio is the better of the tequilas I have tried over the years. I'm not a huge tequila fan, but if I must drink it, this is what I choose.

 

[theweakerbrother]

Ah, there are so many.

For rum, my favorite is Rhum Barbancourt. Take that one for what it's worth.

Whiskies, I know a bit about.

For rye, I prefer Sazerac, Russel's Reserve, or Michter's, but Bulleit makes a nice one as well and really, the Jim Beam is not horrible - they make a better rye than they do a bourbon.

For Irish whiskey, I suggest Red Breast.

Too many bourbon favorites -

Wild Turkey Tribute, Kentucky Spirit, Rare Breed, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Pappy van Winkle (the 23 yo is too expensive for me, but the 20 yo is very nice), Elijah Craig (12 yo is a better bargain than the 18 yo), Booker's, Baker's, Blanton's, Basil Hayden's, A.H. Hirsch, Harrison (from Indiana), Ezra B., Wathen's, Rowan Creek...

All of these are top notch bourbons. Some are softer and sweeter (the wheated bourbons), others are hotter and spicier (the rye bourbons). You definitely will have to find which of the differing bourbon characters are more to your taste.

I keep trying to like Scotches, and I am partial to a Brookladdich, but I don't drink them like I do the above whiskies.

I would really listen to everything this man has to say about alcohol.

 

[Rob377]

Oban - perfect blend of smoke, peat and smoothness. Not too light like some of the speysides, not too much like alcoholic campfire like some of the Island malts. Love it, and well worth the $60-70/bottle.

Glenmorangie is a great everyday Scotch: inexpensive at about $30/bottle, but remarkably good for the price.

For a real treat, try some Bunnahabhain. The complexity is out of this world.

If you're feeling flush and want to try some really primo Scotch, The Irish Lion in Bloomington has Scotch flights: "The Flight of the Company Credit Card" is highly recommended. Johnny Walker Blue, Macallan 25.....I'm getting thirsty just thinking about it!

Buffalo Trace - great bourbon, on par with Makers Mark.(Some of the pro rating publications rate it even higher) And you can find it for a mere $18/bottle! One of the best values in bourbon I've found.

Red Breast - fantastic Irish, last one made in the traditional pure pot still method.

 

[theweakerbrother]

What does Red Breast run?

 

[Rob377]

What does Red Breast run?

I usually see it in the $45-50 range.

 

[X ring]

Makers 46
Knob Creek
Woodford Reserve
Kraken spiced rum

 

[AZ Hunter]

Im lazy.....not going to read all 6 pages of drink suggestions. Hands down Crown Royal is my all time favorite drink. I mix it with sprite and a lemon and call it a day. I started drinking that about 7 years ago and have never looked back. Further, i keep all of my hard liquor in the freezer. Crown straight out of the freezer is sooo good. Think i'll go make myself a drink!