Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome!

[MavHockey14]

This will be my first sober night in a week.

I need the break. Tired.

You and I both, my friend. Coaching hockey has definitely increased my booze intake.

I should say that I tried UV Vodka's Siracha flavor in a Bloody Mary the other day. I like to use zing zang, and it was pretty **** good.

[RaceBoarder]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Speaking of aging beer... I have 4 bottles of Bell's Expedition Stout left over... They claim that you can age this... Thinking about giving that a shot... Is that something you do at room temp? Fridge? In between? This was bottled in late Sept. 2013, so what kind of time frame am I talking before I see a difference?

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

1. Same question as above, under what conditions do you age a beer?
2. What does aging do to a beer?
3. Is there a curve that aging follows? After six months there's no change, 12 months you've hit the peak of aging, 18 months and you've ruined it?

[DisplacedCornellian]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Speaking of aging beer... I have 4 bottles of Bell's Expedition Stout left over... They claim that you can age this... Thinking about giving that a shot... Is that something you do at room temp? Fridge? In between? This was bottled in late Sept. 2013, so what kind of time frame am I talking before I see a difference?

1. Same question as above, under what conditions do you age a beer?
2. What does aging do to a beer?
3. Is there a curve that aging follows? After six months there's no change, 12 months you've hit the peak of aging, 18 months and you've ruined it?

It really depends on the alcohol content. Most beers are best when fresh, but some of your higher alcohol content beers (imperial stouts, barleywines, strong IPAs, etc) can "benefit" from aging. Aging time and temp again depend upon the alcohol content. Generally, refrigerator is too cold, room temp probably too warm. The higher the alcohol content, the longer and "warmer" you can age it.

My advice on aging - buy a few bottles, store them some place cool (basement?), and pop one every 3-4 months to see how it is. I had a Dogfish Head 120 minute that was a completely different beer after being aged for a year - way more mellow. Sam Adams Utopias (if you can find/afford it) is another one that ages well...mine aged because I couldn't bear the thought of it being completely gone. There is a curve though - let it go too long and pfft. In the end it's beer, not rocket science. Drink it when you think it tastes good

[jmh]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

My one serious beer snob friend ages his in a wine fridge. As DisplacedCornellian said, cooler than room temp but warmer than a regular refrigerator. Also, don't age beer with a cap (as opposed to a cork) on its side.

Oh man, now I want a beer.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Ideally, you need a corner of the basement - dark, and cooler than the rest of the house. If that's not possible, a pantry or cabinet where the door is usually closed will suffice for beers at the high end of the ABV spectrum. I would probably never try to rest a beer with less than 8% ABV, as that's asking for spoilage/infection. It's also rare that I would rest a beer for more than a year, as they tend to get very flat. So as Cornellian said, stick to the strongest beer styles, and try to get a few bottles so that you can sample one every few months.

[jen]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Just had a thought. Neapolitan Milk Stout float with strawberry ice cream (or maybe just vanilla) and dark chocolate syrup. It sounds delicious. I'm not sure the execution would be equal to my idea.

[jmh]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Man, I want a beer. Or a glass of wine. Or something. It's 3:40 on Friday and I'm ready for it to be 5:01.

Do I have a drinking problem?

[bigblue_dl]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Man, I want a beer. Or a glass of wine. Or something. It's 3:40 on Friday and I'm ready for it to be 5:01.

Do I have a drinking problem?

Well, yeah, it sounds like you do. You want a drink, and you don't have one, that is definitely a problem.

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Yahara Bay light rum and dragonfruit mango juice. Just about to whip up some blackened cobia fish tacos.

Almost feel like I'm on a beach... almost.

[Slap Shot]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Summit Frost Line Rye. Me likey.

[RaceBoarder]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Gonna be enjoying Lienie's Snowdrift Vanilla Porter tonight... Kinda appropriate with Snowmageddon coming overnight/tomorrow

[The Rube]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Paulaner Octoberfest Weisn. Such a good "normal" beer. That, and I only have "saved" beers in the fridge for other beer.

[gmann]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Long time listener. First time caller here.

I'm not much of a drinker these days. More of a social one if anything. Not a big fan of beer. Definitely a whiskey, bourbon or scotch kinda guy. My all time favorite adult beverage is Crown Royal. Through various channels I have slowly amassed quite neat little stockpile of beverages. Tonight's drink? Pappy Van Winkle's 23-Year-Old. One word.......awesome.

[The Rube]

Re: Drinking Thread: Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Wine - Raise a Glass, All Are Welcome

Long time listener. First time caller here.

I'm not much of a drinker these days. More of a social one if anything. Not a big fan of beer. Definitely a whiskey, bourbon or scotch kinda guy. My all time favorite adult beverage is Crown Royal. Through various channels I have slowly amassed quite neat little stockpile of beverages. Tonight's drink? Pappy Van Winkle's 23-Year-Old. One word.......awesome.

Again, I hate you.