ParkMeadow
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Posts posted by ParkMeadow
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Taro T brought up one of my all time favorites, Molson Stock Ale. GREAT brew, downed cases and cases when we hung out at Waverly Beach in our teens and early 20's; we referred to it as "truck driver beer"! Oh how I wish it were available to me in NH!
Another Canadian that I believe is NOT exported is Sleeman's. They make a wonderful cream ale, among others, and whenever friends or family come visiting from WNY or Canada I beg them to bring some!
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Another great topic!
Cigars are an ideal vice in that they are legal (at least now they still are!), reasonably priced ($5-10 for an hour or more of enjoyment), and won't put you at risk for a DUI (unless you overdo an accompanying libation). In addition, it is usually a very social endeavor, as they are best enjoyed in the company of fellow travelers. Even if you enjoy one alone, it gives a great opportunity for reflection and relaxation, which most of us could use a lot more of!
I often get quizzical looks and am asked how I can smoke cigars without feeling hypocritical. You see, I treat patients with cancers of the head and neck, of which the majority have smoking as a major causative factor. My response is that there are two main reasons one can enjoy cigars without any real risk of carcinogenesis :
1. As with most good things in life, MODERATION is the key.
2. Cigars are never to be regularly inhaled.
My intent in posting this is not to generate a debate about health risk of smoking, second hand smoke, or anything like that, but rather to endorse the enjoyment of an occasional cigar as one of life's sublime pleasures. As far as which ones I like, my favorite is an Arturo Fuente Hemingway, although I have no argument with any of the others recommended so far! Enjoy!
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So glad this thread was revived - it's one of my favorite OT's!
Some great comments on bourbons (thanks, Weave) and new suggestions for single malts to try - I'll begin my search tomorrow.
As far as Manhattans, here's another suggestion for everyone's consideration. If you've never had one made with Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, do yourself a favor and do so. This is supposedly the original vermouth from Italy, and it tastes nothing like the sweet Martini & Rossi types that we are so used to. It is expensive (like $40 or more a bottle) and made in small quantities. It is hard to describe the taste, but there are notes of dried fruits, dates, spices and vanilla - it is unique! However, mixed with a smooth bourbon like Woodfords, and a dash of bitters if you prefer, and you have a smashing drink (pun intended!) I can not go back to a plain old Manhattan anymore. You might want to order one out at a bar the first time, just in case it is TOO different for you and you don't want to invest in a whole bottle of the Carpano Antica, but I think you'll like it!
Keep the suggestions and anecdotes coming!
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This is a great topic and I have enjoyed reading every response!
I have some experience in this arena, both from being old and from making educational trips to both Ireland and Scotland, where I took courses and visited several distilleries. I tried single malts in both countries that we will never see over here, and even got to taste a couple that were over fifty years old. It is a fascinating subject to learn about, and if you cannot be so lucky as to go to either country personally, be sure and read up on it!
I am certainly not a snob about whisk(e)y, and the best advice I can give is to try as many as you can, because no two are the same. I agree that one cube is the only thing that should be added to single malt, as it will cut it just enough as it melts, as by all means SIP, don't shoot.
My recommendations for reasonably priced, readily available, mild whiskies to start with include:
Scotch : Glenfiddich or Glenmorangie - not peaty or smokey (which are a taste most work up to)
Irish : Red Breast or Black Bush (by Bushmills)
Bourbon : Maker's Mark or Knob Creek
As this is a subjective topic based on individual taste, each of us will have our own favorites and recommendations and nobody is wrong! It is something that is alot of fun to discuss, especially while sampling some of the product, and accompanied by a good cigar!
Enjoy!
The Official Beer Appreciation Thread
in The Aud Club
Posted
Hi, all. I'm an infrequent poster but enjoy catching up with all of the entertaining posts on this site.
I just got a hold of two new beers that I will try tonight. My son, who is much more of a craft beer aficionado than me, is very jealous.
The first is called Heady Topper, brewed by the Alchemist in VT. It's a double IPA, and is supposed to be outstanding. You can only get it at the brewery, and lucky for me, I have a friend who just brought some back. I have 2 cans, and the label says to drink it out of the can.
The second is from Narragansett and called Black Imperial Steam ale. My son read a good review about it, but he lives in Orchard Park and can't get it. It has not yet come to NH, where I live, but I found it at a store in Salem, MA and picked up a big bottle (reconnasaince for my son's sake!). Heady Topper is 8% apv and the Steam ale is 9%, so if I drink them all, I won't be reporting back to anyone tonight!
Cheers!