J_Ozzy

There was something intensely karmic about the experience of sipping on a 20th Century cocktail while reading the contents of prohibition cabinet. I'm glad I had the chance to visit (The brandy milk punch was also superb). I think that's as close as I'll ever get to a sealed pre-ban bottle of Pernod Fils. All in all, a great way to cap off Tales.

I have to concur with Glacies, the drinks were glorious. I caught sight of johnder for a moment on the last day at the "making your own ingredients" seminar, he mentioned that he (and the rest of the tenatious crew) weren't running on much sleep. My hat's off to him for going above and beyond to answer questions and talk about his bitters despite everything else going on.

Any reccomendations from N.O. natives for the restaurants featuring spirited dinners? I'm sure they will all be exceptional, but are there any favourites?

How about the use of cucumber vs the traditional borage to accent a Pimm's Cup? Substitution of convenience, or truly an equivalent option? edit:spelling

hmm.. I wish I could edit my last post. After a little help from Victoria, I signed for the whole shebang. I'm sorry I missed last year; I won't make that mistake again

Forgive an ignorant foreigner, but is the Founder's Day pass for a single particular day?

I'm usually quite content with VSOP (5-ish+ years in the barrel) grade cognac in general; It's smoother than a VS (3-ish+ years) but still has some wildness in it. They tend to hit my personal preference in terms of balance, price and utility in both cocktails and on it's own. This isn't to say a serious XO (6-ish+ years, frequently in the teens or higher) is inferior, far from it. I've enjoyed sipping XO cognac, I just have a hard time convincing myself that I could justify turning it into Sidecar. For what it's worth, I've enjoyed my experiences with Hennessy XO and Delamain Vesper. I've also heard good things about Hine Antique. Edit: Oh, and Welcome to Egullet

I have no idea, I didn't pursue the line of questioning any further. I had ready access to western Quebec at the time, so I made my high proof purchases there.

Seems like a good day for a Corpse Reviver No. 2

That was the answer I got from the manager (roughly 5 years ago) when I asked why it showed up in the online inventory but was never on the shelves. Part of the LCBO's "Social Responsibility" mandate, I guess. LCBO product ID 288142 (it's 95%, not 94), actually quite reasonably priced given the alcohol content.

The LCBO carries half liter bottles of 94% alcohol, but requires a prescription to dispense them. The SAQ, in contrast, sells house brand (or Global) 94% normally in all standard sizes, usually in the same section as vodka. I've also seen similar proof Everclear available in Alberta in the vodka section as well.

Quick update: after an informal store survey in SW Calgary, there are two versions available. One version listing "Alcohol, Aromatic Herbs and Carmine" as ingredients, and another version listing several herbs (such as Amaranth), and two artificial dyes.

Following slkinsey's lead, let's compare then with now (from the 2004 thread) Well, I'm now safely out of school, and my inventory has massively increased, so I'll keep my answers to funtional most-often-used house pours. Gin: Beefeater and Plymouth are my go-to's depending on the drink (still haven't tried Junipero) Vodka: I've still got that bottle of 94% alcohol, and that same bottle of grey goose ... I guess I'm not much of a vodka drinker Rye: Alberta Premium/Springs when I'm feeling patriotic, Old Potrero when I need to be technical (value brand and mid-range American rye is still impossible to find out here). Rum: St James, HC and Appleton's for mixing (still have the W&N overproof, too). Cachaca: 51 (same bottle from previous post) Bourbon: Maker's Mark and Evan Williams, depending on the drink Scotch: Famous Grouse Irish: Redbreast Tequila: Sauza Hornitos Brandy: Courvoisier VSOP, Pisco ABA (same bottle from previous post) Apple: Michel Jodoin Apple Brandy (Quebec), as close as I can come to applejack Orange: Still a huge fan of Meagher's Gran Curacao Vermouth: Cizano Red, Noilly Pratt white Aperatif: Campari, Lillet, amaro Ramazzotti Herbal: Benedictine, Chatreuse Absinthe: Jade N-O (no value brands in this category, might as well aim high) Bitters: Everything currently in commercial production except Regan's Orange (will fix that soon) and the Hermes line. Etc: loads of eau-de-vie, cremes, liqueurs, misc spirits and ingredients required to build obscure cocktails. (It's tough to find value here if you're exploring. If you've got a set drink repetoire, then it's much more manageable).

I'm still on a carmine bottle here in Alberta, though I haven't bought in a while. I'll check out the store supply tomorrow.

That looks like it has most of the same content as feeverte.net edit: softened tone

that's some exceptional exposure for Lucid

And a year goes by... Anything new that anyone is enjoying? I'll be back in the area around late December and might grab something of interest.

Our good friends in Quebec produce a range of maple sirup eaux-de-vie, aperatif and mead-like equivalents. some of my favourites: Eau-de-vie Mead-like for further reading (ignore the Calvados): The full list available in Quebec

In terms of other spirits form South Africa, there'a a blue agave spirit (since they can't call it tequila or mezcal) that's fairly good. I think it's called "Pure Blue", IIRC.

Has anyone given the Alberta Premium Limited Edition 25 Year Old a whirl yet? 100% rye mashbill, 80 proof, $27. I picked up a bottle this evening but haven't opened it yet.

Marie Brizard makes a Peppermint Schnapps which might suit the purpose

I'd guess Alberta, based on the selection.

Just an update. If you're looking for case-quantities of agricole (though you may be able to manage smaller orders), this Ontario beverage agent may be of interest: http://www.carriagetradewines.com/PRODUCTS.HTML "Cane Rum from Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Venezuela, Grenada "

Well, it's a bit of a trip, but Quebec stocks some rhums. The SAQ recently (over the summer) featured several rhum agricole products from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Dillon rhum blanc agricole 700 ML 03012991 302046 27,65 $ L'Arbre du Voyageur rhum agricole ambré 1998 700 ML 03700012 112049 134,00 $ Longueteau rhum agricole de la Guadeloupe 700 ML 03357900 002304 30,50 $ Madras rhum vieux ambré 700 ML 03290940 002500 47,50 $ Martinik eau de vie de canne à sucre rhum blanc agricole 700 ML 03172910 019780 27,90 $ Saint James agricole rhum ambré 750 ML 03255537 507066 25,75 $ Saint James agricole rhum blanc 750 ML 03147699 102466 28,65 $ Saint James Paille agricole rhum ambré 750 ML 03147699 102473 28,70 $

ned, Know that you're not alone in your Enbrel-related journey. Both my father and one our close family friends are both alcohol-free for three quarters of a year. When using Plymouth (which I adore), I like to push the Gin/Campari/Vermouth ratio to 3/2/2, since I became initially aquainted with Negroni made with more assertive gin. Edit: spelling