Beer, Wine, Liquor, Spirits, Cocktails...Open Bar. Discuss, Recommend, etc.

[guitarfool2002]

Starting this thread to discuss everything from craft beer to whiskey, open for discussions, reviews, recommendations, and anything else related. I've seen so many really good and interesting recommendations made in various threads but cannot remember what they were or where they were posted, so this hopefully will be the go-to place for those discussions. And if one starts in a thread, please feel free to move the discussion(s) here so everyone interested can more easily find the discussion.


I'm starting by asking about a current seasonal that is pretty widely available right now - the pumpkin beers. Any love for the pumpkin beers out there? I have a few favorites, but they may be too regional and difficult to find outside the general area to mention. I definitely don't consider the more hearty and flavorful pumpkin ales and other varieties a "session" beer, but especially those with the perfect blend of spices they make a terrific cold autumn night kind of treat.

From my days in Boston, the brewery right across from Fenway Park, just off Kenmore Square on the Green line, the Boston Beer Works has an "Autumn Works Pumpkin". This is over 20 years ago, but the Beer Works had one of the best pumpkin varieties I have ever had, although back then I don't think it had the same name. They do sell bottles outside of the location, but if you're in Boston in the fall stop in and try one on tap.

Another "keeper" that may be tough to find but worth the effort, again from the Boston region, is Cambridge Brewing Company "Great Pumpkin Ale". A slice of pumpkin pie in a pint glass...for those into that kind of flavor.

[Summer_Days]

I don't drink beer very often. Once in a blue moon, in fact, which is ironic since one of my two favorite beers is Blue Moon (the other is Killian's Irish Red). The beer to drink at Rockies games (Blue Moon was invented at Coors Field).

No, I prefer cocktails. My main drink (that I enjoy making myself at home, with my cocktail shaker) is a vodka martini.

[guitarfool2002]

Killians is a good beer, I enjoy them too but haven't had one in a very long time. I guess it's due to all of the microbrews and small breweries that are now available - it feels like there is so much new to try, sometimes the old standards and old favorites can slip away with all those new options.

My cocktail of choice is a Manhattan. 

[Lowbacca]

Anyone familiar with Faxe? It's one of my favourites. Glorious Danish Lager, with a glorious percentage.

It is well known around Germany for its 5% 1 litre cans, North America for its 8% & 10% 500mL cans, and Denmark where it is produced.

Yours truly, knowing what's good for him in summer 2014:

[halblaineisgood]

I don't drink beer very often.

I don't always drink beer. but when I do, I don't drink very often.

Is that what you meant to say? 

No??

k.

anyways...
I myself am enjoying a 12 pack of MGD 3.2 gas station beer. It's a real nightmare.

[Lowbacca]

I don't drink beer very often.

I don't always drink beer. but when I do, I don't drink very often.

Is that what you meant to say? 

No??

k.
[...]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjvQFtlNQ-M

[Mr. Verlander]

I went through a pretty hard-core Mad Men phase. On the show, the drink of choice is an Old Fashioned. I had never had one, so I started trying to make them on my own. I did ok, and then I went to a wedding where they made for me, and those were pretty damn good. About 3 of those, along with the free Bud Light, and I was good to go.

[Summer_Days]

I don't drink beer very often.

I don't always drink beer. but when I do, I don't drink very often.

Is that what you meant to say? 

No??

k.

anyways...
I myself am enjoying a 12 pack of MGD 3.2 gas station beer. It's a real nightmare.

That's not what I meant to say, no. But now that you mention it, Dos Equis is another beer I like. I have it when I'm eating Mexican food.

[halblaineisgood]

I went through a pretty hard-core Mad Men phase. On the show, the drink of choice is an Old Fashioned. I had never had one, so I started trying to make them on my own. I did ok, and then I went to a wedding where they made for me, and those were pretty damn good. About 3 of those, along with the free Bud Light, and I was good to go.

Mad Men is partly the reason why I no longer purchase Windsor. Windsor is borderline rotgut. Now I always go for the slight upgrade of Canadian Club. It is actually better,yes. But I'm also vain, and did it only for the fact that it's the spirit of choice on the television show Mad Men. I'm full of contradiction.

[SMiLE Brian]

Bud lights at club kokomo

[Smilin Ed H]

I avoid canned beer completely. Bottled is better but give me real ale on tap any day. And maybe a whisky to round off the session.

[halblaineisgood]

I live in a beer desert. If I could walk a few blocks to the brewpub for a nice ale, I would.

[halblaineisgood]

Bud lights at club kokomo

Selfies, please.

[Alan Smith]

I avoid canned beer completely. Bottled is better but give me real ale on tap any day. And maybe a whisky to round off the session.

Taps rule, they can lift even the shoddiest draught to a new level.

Curious about the Pumpkin beer mentioned by GF above - will look out for that.

A Western Australian brewer is cranking out a Mango beer - not sickly sweet but a lager style tends toward the crisp and dry; you wouldn't get rolling drunk on it, but you'd share a polite sixer with your wife or life partner in the backyard on a warm to hot sunny afternoon.

The brand name is Matso

[bluesno1fann]

I'm a bourbon and coke person 
I do have a soft spot for Sake too.

[SMiLE Brian]

I'm a bourbon and coke person 
I do have a soft spot for Sake too.

http://www.aa.org

[alf wiedersehen]

I'm totally a coke person, too. There is no joy in life like the joy of a nice, white line across a glass table. Sure, most nights end on the bathroom floor feeling like your heart's about to explode, but it's totally worth it.
I'll have to try washing it down with bourbon next time.

[Niko]

I drink a ton of beer, I have a soft spot for Bath Salts

[SMiLE Brian]

I don't think there is a self help group for that.

[hypehat]

Well, to each his own. My favourite drink is a cool refreshing glass of pus.

[Dudd]

Oh, you've never tried urine?

[alf wiedersehen]

Oh, you've never tried urine?

I'm sure Hypehat's had his share of warm beer.

[Dudd]

I propose a pus drinking game.

[SMiLE Brian]

Isn't pus slang for four Loko.

[rab2591]

Perhaps when I'm older I'll learn to appreciate the finer worldly selection of beers. Heineken, Guinness, Stella Artois, Grolsch are my favorites at the moment. Though I usually drink Budweiser, PBR, or Rolling Rock, because I'm a cheap bastard.

A few years ago, after a long/hot/arduous day at work, my boss handed me a Budweiser out of his freezer - to this day it's the most satisfying beer I've ever had. Sometimes the situation you're in dictates how much you enjoy something, no matter how awful it actually is.

We have some great local brews around where I live, my favorite being one called Full Nelson



Has a wonderful lasting flavor. Vienna Lager is another local brew that is pretty damn good - especially from the tap.