Drinking from my dangerous pair of packages that arrived today. Thanks namaan!

^^ what he said...

Seconded. HC Cask FTW.

Al, sorry to hear about your friend with intestinal cancer. I imagine that is not a fun cancer to have (not that any cancer is any fun). I don't know what is the outlook for this type but hope she pulls through.

On the other had, that is a fantastic Manhattan!

Last night I did a little Manhattan taste-off (really to test the new Cocci Torino).

Manhattans

1 oz Sazerac Rye

1/2 oz Cocci Torino or Carpano Antica

1 dash Angostura bitters

1 Griottine cherry

The Cocci Torina is fantastic! It has lovely flavor, similar Carpano Antica but a bit more subdued and a little less bitter. I can really see this as a great vermouth for mixing (whereas, often the Carpano Antica overpowers the other ingredients). I cannot decide which Manhattan I like better but I think I like the CA one better... but they are both really good. I am excited to find a fantastic sweet vermouth in a 750ml bottle.

Oh, and the Griottine cherries are fantastic. They taste like cherry pie.

I did some similar tests and found that CA was better with the higher strength ryes. But I like Torino better in the average case.

Me? a really really big Negroni:

2.25 oz gin

2.25 oz Carpano Antica

2.25 oz Campari

Lots of people drinking and chatting in chat right now. Just sayin.

And thanks for the kind comments about our friend, Shelly.

Edited September 8, 201114 yr by Voltron

One last dram of Rittenhouse 25, with positive thoughts for Al's friend. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.

Southern Tier Un-Earthly IPA with a Rittenhouse 25 on the side

Southern Tier Un-Earthly IPA with a Rittenhouse 25 on the side

Yay! Al got home to his Rittenhouse!

Hermanuspietersfontein Die Bartho 2009. Pronounce that, I dare you!

Very progressive farm in a magnificent spot -- the Hemel-En-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley.

http://www.hpf1855.co.za/index.php

They don't make a Pinotage, so they must be a good winery!

You're wrong about Pinotage. Or maybe I am. It's unclear. Only one of us will be acquiring further data in the near future, though. Unless you PM me your address.

Mostly I'm joking about Pinotage. It's like Merlot and the Viola (in music) in that it's commonly the butt of jokes. Even so I have drunk several and none of them did much for me. I've PM'ed you my address in case you want me to try a good or, even better, a great one.

Vistalba 2006 Corte B

Edited September 8, 201114 yr by luvdunhill

Not feeling so well - I think I caught a cold. Having sparkling water and raspberry syrup.

Yuck, sorry to hear that, Shelly.We've got something going through our family, too.

sorry Shelly... Cask Strength Whisky keeps me healthy.. better start my treatments.

Edited September 9, 201114 yr by mikeymad

shitty, shitty day so I'll be brief...

I did LOF Kick & La Folie back to back & it didn't feel like La Folie was dissolving my taste buds this time...but I still don't pick up anything interesting in it...not to say it isn't good, and not to say every good beer has to be complex, but it was kind of boring & at points was a chore to drink...one of my friends says it used to be better...maybe I'll try to source an older vintage...this as '10...

Kick is wearing on me a bit...I still say drink it...but don't stock up on it for the season & expect to love it every time...a unique seasonal--a citrus wallop...get some...

Guinness Black Lager...a new Guinness?...had to try it...now I've tried it...it's dreadful...

Sun King Oktoberfest...great when fresh...really diggin' it...but $16 for a 4-pack of 16oz cans?...no thanks...looks like they're using the same can for all their special seasonals & just slappin' different stickers on there...no reason for it to be that expensive less than a mile from the brewery...

Sierra Nevada Ovila Saison (not Ovila Dubbel)...another in the series of collabs with The Abbey of New Clairvaux...nothing amazing, but, like the Dubbel, solid, not that expensive, presents well...recommended...

more this weekend...

Edited September 9, 201114 yr by emelius

Too bad about colds and shitty days, but tomorrow is another day.

Although not quite cask strength, I needed some whiskey treatment when I got home too. The Sazerac Cocktail I am now enjoying with Rittenhouse 25/Gum Syrup/Peychauds/Opaline Absinthe/Large Zest of Lemon proves that life ain't all bad. Damn fine drink.

Cheers friends!

I am with you fellas....

Was in the mood for some older bottles.... (found some)...

--> Glen Keith 1967/22yo 45.6% Cadenhead

Those drinks looks good No Cal-ers. I wondering if whiskey would cure a cold.

not really... but it makes you not think about it as much....

This is drinking very well tonight.

--> Dailuaine 1962/22yo 46% Cadenhead

Old Fashioned

Use old-fashioned cocktail glass. Sugar, 1 lump. Seltzer, 1 dash, and crush sugar with muddler. Ice, one square piece. Orange bitters, 1 dash. Angostura bitters, 1 dash. Lemon peel, 1 piece. Whiskey, 1 jigger. Stir gently and serve with spoon.

This is easily the best bourbon i have ever had, which includes Pappy and Antique Collection. Haven't had Parkers. Any opinions on this matter?

Hard to see. Is that the 17yo? If so... it is Very Very good...

Hard to see. Is that the 17yo? If so... it is Very Very good...

Yup. I has a Darjeeling note that I'm really loving.