“Here, see if you can make me something with this”, the liquor rep taunted as he dropped a bottle of aquavit on the bar. If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I don’t really work that well under pressure. I try, but it literally takes me weeks to come up with a new drink that I’m happy with. Maybe I’m slow, maybe I’m a perfectionist, doesn’t matter: I hate it when I have to work under pressure.
So I was especially vexed when this particular wiseass handed me a bottle of aquavit. For those of you who don’t know, is a traditional Scandinavian liquor flavored with caraway and - typically - other herbs such as fennel and anise. It’s delicious, but it’s unique and isn’t known for its superb mixability.
However, I knew the liquor boob was insinuating that I might not be able to rise to the challenge, so I whipped this up (after about three false starts). A small handful of visitors to the bar at Clyde Common have suggested that it might be one of the best drinks I’ve come up with so far, but I’ll let you be the judge of that. I just think it tastes delicious.
1 oz aquavit
1 oz applejack
¾ oz sweet vermouth
¼ oz yellow Chartreuse
1 dash Angostura bitters
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail coupe. Garnish with a large twist of lemon peel and serve.
My problem with homemade tonic water has always been a flavor profile that was too esoteric for the general audience. This recipe takes some of the positive qualities people have come to understand from commercial tonic water and updated them with fresh ingredients.
One question I'm often asked is "Do you have any drink-related book recommendations?" Well, funny you should ask, I've compiled a list of the ten books every professional bartender or home mixologist should own. I keep every one of these close at hand and have read most of them several times. I suggest you do the same.
The problem with living in Oregon is the absence of little wooden shacks by the sea that sell cases of fresh ginger beer stacked on back porches. But with some readily-available ingredients, a recipe I've been revising for several years - and a few free minutes - I can easily transport myself to a little fishing boat on the ocean as I sip a Dark and Stormy made with fresh, house-made ginger beer.
It's always mojito season somewhere, so this advice is timely in your area about half the year. Wether you're making them or simply enjoying them, this advice will help you look like a pro in no time at all.
The flavors of the Richmond Gimlet are imbued with sunshine. Fresh mint mingling with the herbaceousness of gin and the tartness of lime have made this drink a Eugene classic for many years now.
You'll get a lot of snarky advice on this site about how to make a proper drink, but if you ever need to know what not to do, this is the video for you.
Not to be confused with the Spanish wine-and-fruit-based alcoholic beverage sangria, sangrita (meaning "little blood") is a traditional accompaniment to a tequila served completo; a non-alcoholic sipper that cleanses the palate between fiery doses of agave.
The world of booze can be mystifying to people that don't work in bars or around alcohol all the time. I hear a lot of assumptions about the industry I'm in that are - much like 90% of what you hear in bars - completely false. Here are a few you've probably heard yourself.
The debate rages on: Should we try to look cool and crack open the Boston shaker or be tidy professionals and use the Hawthorne strainer the way God intended? Be sure to leave your two cents in the comments section.
The traditional garnish for a Pisco Sour is a couple of drops of bitters in the foam, but I've never been particularly impressed with the way these few paltry drops of bitters sat in their little egg-white mattress and didn't play along with the rest of the drink. I envisioned a Pisco Sour with a uniformly-distributed bitters-scorched foam: slightly crisp as the fire burnt the sugars, and slightly warm as the foam insulated the rest of the frosty cocktail from the heat. A pisco creme brulée in a glass!
I get so many visitors looking for tips on how to write a bartending resume that I thought I should finally post a tutorial on how to write your own. Click the headline to read more.
I always love showing up to a party with a gallon jug of pre-mixed margaritas, so I've decided to share my recipe. This margarita recipe is the perfect blend of strong, sweet, and sour. But be warned: this recipe packs a serious punch.
There isn't much I can say about this video that hasn't been said already. If you've read anything I've written about cocktails, you'll understand why this video symbolizes everything wrong with the state of bartending in America today. Watch and learn, but be warned: this one isn't for the feint of heart.
About Me
My name is Jeff Morgenthaler and I'm the head bartender at Clyde Common in Portland, Oregon.
I'm 37, I've been tending bar since 1996 and writing about it since 2004. Mixing drinks has become something of a passion for me in recent years, and I strive to elevate the experience of having a drink from something mundane to something more culinary.
The writing I do here is intended as a work in progress. My recipes are like my opinions: they are constantly being revised and refined as I work them through my mind and my fingers. Comments and participation are encouraged, so please don't feel the need to tread lightly here.
From time to time, I’ll pop in to Paul Clarke’s liquor cabinet to see what I should have to drink. The only problem is, he lives several hundred miles away and I can’t actually have any of the goodies located therein. However, I can post a list of what’s in my liquor cabinet so that you, too, can peek into my inner sanctum. Unlike Paul’s esoteric list, this is pretty much straightforward, but there are a couple of winners to be discovered…
Bush Pilot’s Private Reserve
A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 Years Old
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve, 20 Years Old
Seagram’s 7
Vodka
Trump Vodka
Van Gogh Blueberry-Açai
Belvedere Pomarancza
Liqueurs
Get27 Creme de Menthe
John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum
Bols Dark Creme de Cacao
Herbsainte
G. Miclo Creme de Mirabelle
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Amari, Bitters and Vermouth
Averna
Carpano Punt e Mes
Fee Brothers’ Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters
Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6
Fee Brothers’ Orange Bitters
Fee Brothers’ Mint Bitters
My Housemade Grapefruit Bitters
Angostura Bitters
Mixers
Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Mix
Patrick Henry’s Revolutionary Bloody Mary Mix
Dirty Sue Dirty Martini Mix
Among the many things I should never say around my wife, “I really should buy more gin” is near the top of the list. Though, that’s what I’m thinking — damn, I need to lay in some Old Raj and Junipero.
And please do yourself a favor and ditch the Trader Vic’s Mai Tai mix, and bounce over to the Beachbum’s site for the recipe to his $100 Mai Tai.
(Note to self: Make Jeffrey a proper Mai Tai…)
08 Aug 2007 at 7:32 pm 5. Andy S.
“So, what’s in your liquor cabinet? ”
I keep an inventory of all of my bottles on an Excel file, not including any of my homemade liqueurs (falernum and soon-to-be pimento dram) or any non-alcoholic syrups. I guess it’s my OCD tendencies coming through, but I like to have a quick reference for my slowly growing stockpile, especially now that I’ve overgrown my 2 cabinets in the kitchen. It’s also nice because I keep a log of my spent bottles so I can keep an eye on how fast I’m going through them!
My classification system is a little screwy, but here’s a cut-and-paste from my log of what I have on hand right now (the flavored rums are my wife’s…razz me if you must!):
Applejack - Laird’s (750 ml)
Amaro - Campari (750 ml)
Bitters - Aromatic - Angostura (5 oz)
Bitters - Aromatic - Forest Floor (5 oz)
Bitters - Aromatic - Peychaud’s (5 oz)
Bitters - Lemon - Fee’s (5 oz)
Bitters - Orange - Fee’s (5 oz)
Bitters - Orange - Regan’s No. 6 (5 oz)
Bitters - Peach - Fee’s (5 oz)
Brandy - Paul Masson Grande Amber VSOP (750 ml)
Cachaça - Pitu (L)
Gin - Boodles (L)
Gin - Broker’s (L)
Gin - Gordon’s (L)
Liqueur - Amaretto - Disaronno (750 ml)
Liqueur - Apricot Brandy - Bols (1 L)
Liqueur - Coffee - Kapali (750 ml)
Liqueur - Crème de Cacao - Bols (1 L)
Liqueur - Crème de Cassis - Milady (750 ml)
Liqueur - Crème de Menthe (Green) - Hiram Walker (750 ml)
Liqueur - Irish Cream - Bailey’s (750 ml)
Liqueur - Maraschino - Maraska (750 ml)
Liqueur - Melon - Midori (750 ml)
Liqueur - Orange Curaçao - Hiram Walker (750 ml)
Liqueur - Passion Fruit - Alizé (750 ml)
Liqueur - Peach - Southern Comfort (1 L)
Liqueur - Pomegranate - PAMA (L)
Liqueur - Raspberry - Chambord (500 ml)
Liqueur - Raspberry - di Amore (750 ml)
Liqueur - Triple Sec - Cointreau (750 ml)
Liqueur - Triple Sec - Patron Citronge (L)
Liqueur - Vanilla - McGillicuddy’s (750 ml)
Pisco - Don César (750 ml)
Rum - Aged - Appleton Estate V/X (750 ml)
Rum - Aged - Bacardi 8 (750 ml)
Rum - Aged - Rhum Barbancourt Five Star Réserve Spéciale (750 ml)
Rum - Dark - Gosling’s Black Seal (1.75 L)
Rum - Dark - Gosling’s Black Seal (750 ml)
Rum - Flavored - Bacardi Island Breeze (Wild Berry-flavored Lite Spirit) (L)
Rum - Flavored - Bacardi Limon ( 1.75 L)
Rum - Flavored - Bacardi Limon (L)
Rum - Flavored - Bacardi O (L)
Rum - Flavored - Malibu Mango (750 ml)
Rum - Flavored - Malibu Passion Fruit (750 ml)
Rum - Overproof - Wray & Nephew White (750 ml)
Rum - White - Appleton White (L)
Tequila - Blanco - Roundy’s (L)
Tequila - Reposado - Jose Cuervo Tradicional (750 ml)
Vodka - Flavored - Absolut Peppar (750 ml)
Vodka - Flavored - Ketel One Citroen (L)
Vodka - Flavored - Smirnoff Raspberry Twist (L)
Vodka - Fleischmann’s (1.75 L)
Vodka - Ketel One (L)
Whiskey - Bourbon - Maker’s Mark (750 ml)
Whiskey - Canadian - Seagram’s VO Gold (L)
Whiskey - Rye - Sazerac (750 ml)
Whiskey - Tenessee - Jack Daniels (750 ml)
I knew I was going to take a lot of flack for what I’m not stocking. So, thanks for confirming my suspicions, internerds!
Things move quickly in and out of my cabinet. Rum and Scotch are two of my favorite things to have after work, so they’re what I have the least of. Oh, and they’re also the easiest to consume straight (I don’t like doing a lot of work after doing a lot of work).
If you must know, Scott and Jimmy, I just polished off the last of the Laphroaig and the Pampero a few weeks ago. Ahem. Now I must commence with the restocking!
I just thought it was cool and kitsch-y, so I picked up the bottle. It’s still unopened. If you look at the Trader Vic’s site, you’ll see this beautiful degradation of the recipe all the way down to Mai Tai mix. Sad. But still better than half the Mai Tais out there, I guess…
No, not bad at all, there, kiddo. I’m eyeballing that Stock Maraschino of yours, I haven’t had the pleasure yet (it was hard enough to find Luxardo here in Oregon)
Cheers!
09 Aug 2007 at 11:09 am 12. mmblz
Ok, here’s my not-so-well-rounded collection:
Gin:
Bulldog (3 bottles, since it’s only available in NY and NJ)
Tanquery Ten
Other Whisk(e)y:
Bruichladdich 3D Peat Proposal
Connemara
Cutty Sark
Jim Beam
Maker’s Mark
Redbreast 12
Suntory Yamakazi 12
Vodka:
3
Armadale
Belvedere
Ciroc
Citadelle
Crater Lake
Down Under
Effen
Fris
Grey Goose
Hangar 1
Ketel One
Level
Olifant
Roth
Six
Vermont White
Vox
Xellent
Youri Dologoruki
Rum:
Bacardi Blanco
Bacardi Gold
Malibu
St James XO
Other:
Angostura Bitters
Chambord
Courvouisier
Creme de Cacao
Disaranno Amaretto
E&J Brandy
Kahlua
Grand Marnier
Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth
Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth
Mezzaluna Limoncello
Perppermint Schnapps
Sambuca
Sour Apple Pucker
Triple Sec
To the person with Aberlour a’bunadh, I’m jealous. That’s my favorite scotch and I am sadly all out.
I’ve been meaning to do this for a while, so I took some time and did it right. I’m missing a few brands (because this is from memory), so bear with me:
Whisk(e)y:
Ballantine’s
Bushmill’s Irish
Canadian Club
Famous Grouse
Jim Beam
Macallan 12-Year
Maker’s Mark
Sazerac Rye
Rum:
Bundaberg
Coruba
Cruzan Light
Cruzan Coconut
Lemon Hart Demerara 151
Mount Gay Eclipse
Rhum Barbancourt
Saint James Rhum Vieux Agricole
Stroh 80º
Brandy
Napoleon VSOP
– Calvados
Liqueurs and Others:
Amaretto di Saronno
Benedictine
Bols Blue Curaçao
Bols Créme de Banana
Campari
Chambord
Chartreuse (green)
Cherry Heering
Cinzano Dry Vermouth
Cinzano Rosso Vermouth
Cointreau
DeKuyper Root Beer Schnapps
DeKuyper Sloe Gin
Drambuie
Frangelico
Galliano
Grand Marnier
Hiram Walker Peach Schnapps
Hiram Walker Peppermint Schnapps
Kahlua
La Muse Verte Pastis
Lillet Blanc
Luxardo Maraschino
Mandarine Napoleon
Marie Brizard Orange Curaçao
Marie Brizard Parfait Amour
Massenez Creme de Framboise
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
Potter’s Apricot Brandy
Potter’s Blackberry Brandy
Potter’s Créme de Cassis
Potter’s Créme de Cacao (white)
Potter’s Créme de Menthe (green)
Potter’s Créme de Menthe (white)
Potter’s Triple Sec
Southern Comfort
Torani Amer
Trader Vic’s Macadamia Nut Liqueur
Velvet Falernum
Villa Massa Limoncello
Bitters:
Angostura
Fee Brothers’ Mint Bitters
Fee Brothers’ Peach Bitters
Fee Brothers’ West Indian Orange Bitters
Peychaud’s Bitters
Underberg
Syrups and Mixers:
Coco Real Coconut Cream
Finest Call Grenadine
– Raspberry Syrup
Rose’s Lime Cordial
simple syrup (homemade)
Trader Vic’s Orgeat
Trader Vic’s Passion Fruit
Trader Vic’s Rock Candy Syrup
Fever Tree Club Soda
Fever Tree Tonic Water
Reed’s Ginger Beer
Stirrings Tonic Water
09 Aug 2007 at 7:34 pm 14. Dan
Jeff,
The Stock is a little milder and less ‘funky’ than the Luxardo, if that makes any sense. I haven’t played around with it very much, I’ve just been using it for Aviation cocktails.
11 Aug 2007 at 12:11 pm 15. Brandon R.
I just turned 21 so my collection isn’t as vast as some of yours, but here it goes:
Whiskey:
Jim Beam Rye-750mL
Michter’s US1 Straight Rye-750ml
Maker’s Mark-750mL
Gin:
Bombay Saphire-750ml
New Amsterdam-1.75L
Rum/Cachaça:
Bacardi Peach Red-750ml
Bacardi 8-750mL
Boca Loca Cachaça-750mL
P51 Cachaça-1L
Captain Morgan’s-1.75L
Flor de Canta Extra Dry 4yrs-750ml
Vodka:
Stolichnaya-750mL
Stoli Razberi-750mL
Chopin Potato Vodka-750mL
3 Olives Grape-750ml
Svedka-1.75L
Van Gogh-750mL
Van Gogh Vanilla-750ml
Tequilla:
Margaritaville Oro-1.75L
Cabo Wabo Reposado-750mL
Patron Silver-750mL
Jose Cuervo Tropina-1.75L
Patron Anejo-750mL
Jose Cuervo Black Medallion-1.75L
Jesus, Brandon, you’ve got enough there to start your own nightclub!
11 Aug 2007 at 9:37 pm 18. Ken Loon
Here you go…
Vodka:
Skyy
Absolut
Absolut Pears
Absolut Citron
Absolut Mandarin
Smirnoff No. 21
Smirnoff No. 55
Russian Standard Platinum
Russian Standard Imperia
Svensk Apple
Svensk Simultron (wild strawberry)
Gin:
Bombay Sapphire
Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Rum:
Myers’s Platinum White
Myers’s Original Dark
Havana Club Anejo 3 Anos
Bacardi Superior
Bacardi Oro
Tequila:
Sauza Blanco
Herradura Silver (100% de Agave)
Liqueur and others:
Malibu
Kahlua
Tia Maria
Grand Marnier
Cointreau
Heering Cherry Liqueur
Midori Melon
Frangelico
Chambord
G.E. Massenez Creme de Mure
Marie Brizard Manzanita
Marie Brizard Creme de Menthe
Marie Brizard Creme de Cacao (dark)
Marie Brizard Parfait Amour
Marie Brizard Orange Curacao
Marie Brizard Peche du Verger
Marie Brizard Poire William
Marie Brizard Cherry Brandy
Marie Brizard Framboise
Marie Brizard Fraise de Bois
Marie Brizard Fraise
Bols Triple Sec
Bols Cacao (white)
Bols Lychee
Bols Blue
Bols Apricot
Bols Amaretto
Bols Creme de Cassis
Bols Kirsch
Eau de vie de Poire William
Benedictine DOM
Archers Schnapps
Choya
Bols Advocaat
Argh, wow, I went ahead and wrote my own post on this but now that I come back to review everyone else’s lists it’s nice to see what good company we’re all in.
I plan to just create a page that I’ll update versus creating the spreadsheet or database. And yeah, Andy, that top shelf (and the Maker’s Mark especially) looks to be thinking of comitting hara-kiri in my photo, you’re right.
The good folks at Trump sent me a sample case of minis a few weeks ago and I’ve been playing with it both at home and at work. It’s a very unique vodka in that it truly has no discernible flavor or mouthfeel.
I’ve sampled it neat, on the rocks, in a vermouth-less Martini, half-and-half Vya Martini, with tonic, and with orange juice. While the five-times distilled Trump vodka is certainly without a hint of impurities, it also provides a completely neutral palate on which to work.
I’m not sure how I felt about the neat, rocks, or vermouth-less Martinis made with Trump (I at least like my vodka to have a pronounced, creamy mouthfeel) but it was unparalleled when mixed with other ingredients. So I started playing around and came up with this:
The Bitter Billionaire
2.5 oz Trump vodka
.5 oz Fernet Branca
Stir ingredients over cracked ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a piece of crystallized ginger candy belted with a lemon twist.
Anyway, the question that comes to my mind is this, should vodka really taste like nothing at all? Because, if so, then Trump could be a contender for the best vodka in the world.
However, if a more texture-driven experience is a crucial component to vodka, then Trump is clearly missing the boat with an over-purified product.
I’d be interesting in hearing your thoughts.
Cheers!
28 Aug 2007 at 6:14 pm 24. Bob
This is a “Scotch Bar”
Aberfeldy 12
Aberlour A’bundah
Aberlour 16
The Balvenie Double Wood 12
The Balvenie Single Barrel 15
Bowmore 12
Bowmore DarkestCragganmore 12
Bowmore Marriner 15
Dalmore Cigar Malt
Glenfarclas 12
Glenfarclas 17
Glenfiddich Special Res 12
Glen Scotia
Highland Park 12
Highland Park 18
The Glenlivet French Oak 15
The Glenlivet 18
Glenmorangie 12 Port Finish
Lagavulin 16
Laphroaig 12
Longmorn 15
MacAllen 12
MacAllen Fine Oak 15
Spring Bank 10
Talisker 18
Scotch Blends:
Johnny Walker Black
Dewars White Label
Dewars Special Reserve 12
Pig’s Nose
White Horse
Bourbon: The Bar’s in Kentucky
Blanton’s Single Barrel
Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18
Elmer T Tyler Single Barrel
Evan Williams Single Barrel
Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10
Knob Creek 9
Makers Mark
Old Fitzgerald Very Special 12
Old Rip van Winkle 107 10
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey Rare breed
W L Weller 12
Other Whiskey:
Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey
Crown Royal
Jack Daniels
Irish:
Bushmill’s Original
Black Bush
Bush Malt 10
Michael Collins Single Malt
Redbreast 12
Rum:
Mt Gay Rum Extra Old
Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve
Santa Teresa 1796
Tequila:
Clase Azul
Centanario Anejo
Don Julio Reposado
Herradura Reposado
Mayorazgo Reposado
Vodka:
Rain
09 Oct 2008 at 8:44 pm 25. Joe
So here’s a question from a neophyte - what’s the shelf life of a bottle? When do you need to start worrying about things going bad or losing their proper taste?
WoW! U guys really like your beverages, so i figured you’d know. Hope someone is still keeping up with this posting…
My fella well enjoys his “beverages” too. He & his friends are a bunch of party animals who spend loads of time imbibing enormous quantities of alcohol, Rally racing, off-Roading, Drifting, 4-wheeling (here in Barbados they are legal road vehicles), speed-boating etc… & view waking up 3 days later in hospital a form of artistic expression that must be repeated! - Just to give you a sense.
Now because I travel a lot I can bring & have brought him alcohol from round the world. I don’t imbibe myself, so I’m a bit clueless about what to get. I was in Cancun last week & got him Tequila - El Senorio Mezcal because it had worms in them - & I just have to get him & his buds eating those worms. I’ve called him from Duty Free & & said Scotch which one? - he said - my little brother Walker. or Vodka? - Finlandia. So that’s how that goes.
Now I was curious about the Tequila I just got him so I googled it & here I am.
Last night we were talking & since alcohol is his favourite subject it came up. He asked, “Do you know what is the best tasting vodka?” “Grey Goose.” He went on to explain why, but said he woke up the next morning with the shakes. I was a bit surprised he had a favourite, since I just thaought they were just a bunch of alcoholics; although over the years, he expresses that my not drinking is the only the problem he has with me & my counting his drinks when he’s gonna drive - ME.
Friday he came home from work & asked me to ‘build him a beverage.’ So, I filled up the belly of a pina colada glass with vodka & splashed in some coconut water. He was shocked & disgusted when he tasted it. He was like ‘Woman!, WTF! & making yuck faces? I was bewildered, because I see him drink alcohol straight or with tonic or a splash of red bull, or some other non-sweet mixer? so I figured he’d want more vodka & less coconut water.
I’ve gotten him assorted flavoured Bacardi & Finlandia, but he doesn’t like them, he wants them unflavored. I donno? (again I don’t drink, so I figure the flavours would kill the taste, but he likes the unvarnished tastes) - go figure.
Now, with all that background, What should I get him for his liquor cabinet? He LOVEs Vodka & Scotch. & what I’m looking for here is to impress him with my liquor savvy. My next trip I’d like to blow his baja-shorts off with awe! He liked the El Senorio & we’re all excited about the worms in it, but he hasn’t tried it yet. actually he didn’t try any of the Tequila yet. - Centenario Reposado & Plata, Jose Curvo Especial & Tradicional, 1800 Anejo. Anyway he was excited about the worms, but I realize he now has a healthy respect for Tequila. He doesn’t drink wines but he does drink beer - he prefers Heineken. Oh & although we’re in Barbados, no Mount Gay Run, I think he’s sworn that off - it evidently doesn’t go well with his alcoholism either.
So, what of all alcohol in the world would you recommend?
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08 Aug 2007 at 2:19 pm 1. paul
What th’ — so that’s where my Junipero went!
Among the many things I should never say around my wife, “I really should buy more gin” is near the top of the list. Though, that’s what I’m thinking — damn, I need to lay in some Old Raj and Junipero.
08 Aug 2007 at 4:19 pm 2. Jimmy
no rye? no malt from Scotland? weird.
08 Aug 2007 at 6:49 pm 3. your sister
Damn, you’re an alcoholic.
08 Aug 2007 at 7:12 pm 4. Scottes
What?? No RUM?
And please do yourself a favor and ditch the Trader Vic’s Mai Tai mix, and bounce over to the Beachbum’s site for the recipe to his $100 Mai Tai.
(Note to self: Make Jeffrey a proper Mai Tai…)
08 Aug 2007 at 7:32 pm 5. Andy S.
“So, what’s in your liquor cabinet? ”
I keep an inventory of all of my bottles on an Excel file, not including any of my homemade liqueurs (falernum and soon-to-be pimento dram) or any non-alcoholic syrups. I guess it’s my OCD tendencies coming through, but I like to have a quick reference for my slowly growing stockpile, especially now that I’ve overgrown my 2 cabinets in the kitchen. It’s also nice because I keep a log of my spent bottles so I can keep an eye on how fast I’m going through them!
My classification system is a little screwy, but here’s a cut-and-paste from my log of what I have on hand right now (the flavored rums are my wife’s…razz me if you must!):
Applejack - Laird’s (750 ml)
Amaro - Campari (750 ml)
Bitters - Aromatic - Angostura (5 oz)
Bitters - Aromatic - Forest Floor (5 oz)
Bitters - Aromatic - Peychaud’s (5 oz)
Bitters - Lemon - Fee’s (5 oz)
Bitters - Orange - Fee’s (5 oz)
Bitters - Orange - Regan’s No. 6 (5 oz)
Bitters - Peach - Fee’s (5 oz)
Brandy - Paul Masson Grande Amber VSOP (750 ml)
Cachaça - Pitu (L)
Gin - Boodles (L)
Gin - Broker’s (L)
Gin - Gordon’s (L)
Liqueur - Amaretto - Disaronno (750 ml)
Liqueur - Apricot Brandy - Bols (1 L)
Liqueur - Coffee - Kapali (750 ml)
Liqueur - Crème de Cacao - Bols (1 L)
Liqueur - Crème de Cassis - Milady (750 ml)
Liqueur - Crème de Menthe (Green) - Hiram Walker (750 ml)
Liqueur - Irish Cream - Bailey’s (750 ml)
Liqueur - Maraschino - Maraska (750 ml)
Liqueur - Melon - Midori (750 ml)
Liqueur - Orange Curaçao - Hiram Walker (750 ml)
Liqueur - Passion Fruit - Alizé (750 ml)
Liqueur - Peach - Southern Comfort (1 L)
Liqueur - Pomegranate - PAMA (L)
Liqueur - Raspberry - Chambord (500 ml)
Liqueur - Raspberry - di Amore (750 ml)
Liqueur - Triple Sec - Cointreau (750 ml)
Liqueur - Triple Sec - Patron Citronge (L)
Liqueur - Vanilla - McGillicuddy’s (750 ml)
Pisco - Don César (750 ml)
Rum - Aged - Appleton Estate V/X (750 ml)
Rum - Aged - Bacardi 8 (750 ml)
Rum - Aged - Rhum Barbancourt Five Star Réserve Spéciale (750 ml)
Rum - Dark - Gosling’s Black Seal (1.75 L)
Rum - Dark - Gosling’s Black Seal (750 ml)
Rum - Flavored - Bacardi Island Breeze (Wild Berry-flavored Lite Spirit) (L)
Rum - Flavored - Bacardi Limon ( 1.75 L)
Rum - Flavored - Bacardi Limon (L)
Rum - Flavored - Bacardi O (L)
Rum - Flavored - Malibu Mango (750 ml)
Rum - Flavored - Malibu Passion Fruit (750 ml)
Rum - Overproof - Wray & Nephew White (750 ml)
Rum - White - Appleton White (L)
Tequila - Blanco - Roundy’s (L)
Tequila - Reposado - Jose Cuervo Tradicional (750 ml)
Vodka - Flavored - Absolut Peppar (750 ml)
Vodka - Flavored - Ketel One Citroen (L)
Vodka - Flavored - Smirnoff Raspberry Twist (L)
Vodka - Fleischmann’s (1.75 L)
Vodka - Ketel One (L)
Whiskey - Bourbon - Maker’s Mark (750 ml)
Whiskey - Canadian - Seagram’s VO Gold (L)
Whiskey - Rye - Sazerac (750 ml)
Whiskey - Tenessee - Jack Daniels (750 ml)
09 Aug 2007 at 3:25 am 6. Jeffrey
I knew I was going to take a lot of flack for what I’m not stocking. So, thanks for confirming my suspicions, internerds!
Things move quickly in and out of my cabinet. Rum and Scotch are two of my favorite things to have after work, so they’re what I have the least of. Oh, and they’re also the easiest to consume straight (I don’t like doing a lot of work after doing a lot of work).
If you must know, Scott and Jimmy, I just polished off the last of the Laphroaig and the Pampero a few weeks ago. Ahem. Now I must commence with the restocking!
Oh, and Andy S: HOLY CRAP. Nice work!
09 Aug 2007 at 3:32 am 7. Jeffrey
Hey, Scott! I know my proper Mai Tai!
I just thought it was cool and kitsch-y, so I picked up the bottle. It’s still unopened. If you look at the Trader Vic’s site, you’ll see this beautiful degradation of the recipe all the way down to Mai Tai mix. Sad. But still better than half the Mai Tais out there, I guess…
But, please, Scott, please do know that I’ve done my research.
09 Aug 2007 at 3:44 am 8. Scottes
That article redeems you in my eyes! I was a bit nervous for a moment.
09 Aug 2007 at 7:59 am 9. Dan
Oh dear.
Gin
Citadelle (750ml)
Hendricks (750ml)
Tanqueray 10 (750ml)
Whiskey/Whisky/Rye
Wild Turkey 101 (750ml)
Baker’s (750ml)
Sazerac 6 (750ml)
Macallan 12 (750ml)
Cragganmore 15 (750ml)
Vodka
Level (750ml)
Vanilla (500ml - homemade)
Lemon (500ml - homemade)
Apple (500ml - homemade)
Rum
Bacardi Light (750ml)
Appleton V/X (750ml)
Goslings Black (750ml)
Tequila
1800 Reposado
1800 Silver
Other
Peachtree (750ml)
Campari (750ml)
Applejack (750ml)
Dry/Sweet Vermouth - M&R (750ml)
Angostura/Peychaud’s
Triple Sec (750ml)
Cointreau (1L)
Stock Maraschino (750ml)
Starbucks Coffee Liqueur (750ml)
I think that’s about it…
Not bad for a 21 year old, eh?
09 Aug 2007 at 8:01 am 10. Dan
Oops, I have a bottle of Crown Royal, too ;)
09 Aug 2007 at 10:14 am 11. Jeffrey
Dan
No, not bad at all, there, kiddo. I’m eyeballing that Stock Maraschino of yours, I haven’t had the pleasure yet (it was hard enough to find Luxardo here in Oregon)
Cheers!
09 Aug 2007 at 11:09 am 12. mmblz
Ok, here’s my not-so-well-rounded collection:
Gin:
Bulldog (3 bottles, since it’s only available in NY and NJ)
Tanquery Ten
Tequila:
1800 Reposado
Patron Silver
Single Malt Scotch:
Aberlour A’bunadh
Auchentoshan Select
Dalmore 12
Glenlivet 12
Glenlivet 15 (french oak)
Glenlivet 18
Glenlivet 21 (archive)
Glenlivet Nadurra
Oban 14
Old Pulteney 12
Old Pulteney Signatory 1989
Tomatin 12
Other Whisk(e)y:
Bruichladdich 3D Peat Proposal
Connemara
Cutty Sark
Jim Beam
Maker’s Mark
Redbreast 12
Suntory Yamakazi 12
Vodka:
3
Armadale
Belvedere
Ciroc
Citadelle
Crater Lake
Down Under
Effen
Fris
Grey Goose
Hangar 1
Ketel One
Level
Olifant
Roth
Six
Vermont White
Vox
Xellent
Youri Dologoruki
Rum:
Bacardi Blanco
Bacardi Gold
Malibu
St James XO
Other:
Angostura Bitters
Chambord
Courvouisier
Creme de Cacao
Disaranno Amaretto
E&J Brandy
Kahlua
Grand Marnier
Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth
Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth
Mezzaluna Limoncello
Perppermint Schnapps
Sambuca
Sour Apple Pucker
Triple Sec
09 Aug 2007 at 3:20 pm 13. Marleigh
To the person with Aberlour a’bunadh, I’m jealous. That’s my favorite scotch and I am sadly all out.
I’ve been meaning to do this for a while, so I took some time and did it right. I’m missing a few brands (because this is from memory), so bear with me:
Gin:
Damrak
G’Vine
Plymouth
Tanqueray No. 10
Vodka:
Absolut Kurant
Absolut Vanilia
Prism
Stoli Razberi
Tequila:
Cazadores Reposado
Sauza Hornitos
Whisk(e)y:
Ballantine’s
Bushmill’s Irish
Canadian Club
Famous Grouse
Jim Beam
Macallan 12-Year
Maker’s Mark
Sazerac Rye
Rum:
Bundaberg
Coruba
Cruzan Light
Cruzan Coconut
Lemon Hart Demerara 151
Mount Gay Eclipse
Rhum Barbancourt
Saint James Rhum Vieux Agricole
Stroh 80º
Brandy
Napoleon VSOP
– Calvados
Liqueurs and Others:
Amaretto di Saronno
Benedictine
Bols Blue Curaçao
Bols Créme de Banana
Campari
Chambord
Chartreuse (green)
Cherry Heering
Cinzano Dry Vermouth
Cinzano Rosso Vermouth
Cointreau
DeKuyper Root Beer Schnapps
DeKuyper Sloe Gin
Drambuie
Frangelico
Galliano
Grand Marnier
Hiram Walker Peach Schnapps
Hiram Walker Peppermint Schnapps
Kahlua
La Muse Verte Pastis
Lillet Blanc
Luxardo Maraschino
Mandarine Napoleon
Marie Brizard Orange Curaçao
Marie Brizard Parfait Amour
Massenez Creme de Framboise
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
Potter’s Apricot Brandy
Potter’s Blackberry Brandy
Potter’s Créme de Cassis
Potter’s Créme de Cacao (white)
Potter’s Créme de Menthe (green)
Potter’s Créme de Menthe (white)
Potter’s Triple Sec
Southern Comfort
Torani Amer
Trader Vic’s Macadamia Nut Liqueur
Velvet Falernum
Villa Massa Limoncello
Bitters:
Angostura
Fee Brothers’ Mint Bitters
Fee Brothers’ Peach Bitters
Fee Brothers’ West Indian Orange Bitters
Peychaud’s Bitters
Underberg
Syrups and Mixers:
Coco Real Coconut Cream
Finest Call Grenadine
– Raspberry Syrup
Rose’s Lime Cordial
simple syrup (homemade)
Trader Vic’s Orgeat
Trader Vic’s Passion Fruit
Trader Vic’s Rock Candy Syrup
Fever Tree Club Soda
Fever Tree Tonic Water
Reed’s Ginger Beer
Stirrings Tonic Water
09 Aug 2007 at 7:34 pm 14. Dan
Jeff,
The Stock is a little milder and less ‘funky’ than the Luxardo, if that makes any sense. I haven’t played around with it very much, I’ve just been using it for Aviation cocktails.
11 Aug 2007 at 12:11 pm 15. Brandon R.
I just turned 21 so my collection isn’t as vast as some of yours, but here it goes:
Whiskey:
Jim Beam Rye-750mL
Michter’s US1 Straight Rye-750ml
Maker’s Mark-750mL
Gin:
Bombay Saphire-750ml
New Amsterdam-1.75L
Rum/Cachaça:
Bacardi Peach Red-750ml
Bacardi 8-750mL
Boca Loca Cachaça-750mL
P51 Cachaça-1L
Captain Morgan’s-1.75L
Flor de Canta Extra Dry 4yrs-750ml
Vodka:
Stolichnaya-750mL
Stoli Razberi-750mL
Chopin Potato Vodka-750mL
3 Olives Grape-750ml
Svedka-1.75L
Van Gogh-750mL
Van Gogh Vanilla-750ml
Tequilla:
Margaritaville Oro-1.75L
Cabo Wabo Reposado-750mL
Patron Silver-750mL
Jose Cuervo Tropina-1.75L
Patron Anejo-750mL
Jose Cuervo Black Medallion-1.75L
Brandy:
Laird’s 71/2 Year Apple Brandy
Liqueur:
LUCID Absinthe-750mL
Starbucks Coffee Liqueur-1L
DiSaronno Originale-1L
DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps-1L
DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps-750mL
Southern Comfort 100 proof-1.75L
Jagermeister-750mL
Patron Citronge-750mL
DeKuyper Triple Sec-1L
Bushmills Irish Cream-750mL
Other:
Angosutra Bitters
11 Aug 2007 at 12:19 pm 16. Brandon R.
OOPS!
Forgot:
Peychaud’s Bitters
Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth
Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth
I think it’s a pretty good start.
11 Aug 2007 at 12:48 pm 17. Jeffrey
Jesus, Brandon, you’ve got enough there to start your own nightclub!
11 Aug 2007 at 9:37 pm 18. Ken Loon
Here you go…
Vodka:
Skyy
Absolut
Absolut Pears
Absolut Citron
Absolut Mandarin
Smirnoff No. 21
Smirnoff No. 55
Russian Standard Platinum
Russian Standard Imperia
Svensk Apple
Svensk Simultron (wild strawberry)
Gin:
Bombay Sapphire
Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Rum:
Myers’s Platinum White
Myers’s Original Dark
Havana Club Anejo 3 Anos
Bacardi Superior
Bacardi Oro
Tequila:
Sauza Blanco
Herradura Silver (100% de Agave)
Cachaca:
Gabriela Cachaca Silver
Gabriela Cachaca Gold
Pitu
Cachaca 51
Whisk(e)y:
MacCallan Elegancia 1991
MacCallan 1851 Inspiration
Jim Beam Bourbon
Glen Mhor 1976 (28 years) single malt
Glencraig 1975 (29 years) single malt
Brandy/Calvados:
Christian Drouin Calvados
Martell Noblige Cognac
Vermouth & fortified wine:
Martini Extra Dry
Martini Rosso
Cinzano Bianco
Dubonnet (red)
Lillet Blanc
Bitters:
Angostura Bitters
Angostura Orange Bitters
Campari
Wine/Port/Sparkling:
Laboure-Roi Bourgogne Aligote 2003
Corte Giara Amarone 2004
Tawny Port
Moet & Chandon
Zonin Prosecco
Cristalino Cava
Merrydown Dry Cider
Liqueur and others:
Malibu
Kahlua
Tia Maria
Grand Marnier
Cointreau
Heering Cherry Liqueur
Midori Melon
Frangelico
Chambord
G.E. Massenez Creme de Mure
Marie Brizard Manzanita
Marie Brizard Creme de Menthe
Marie Brizard Creme de Cacao (dark)
Marie Brizard Parfait Amour
Marie Brizard Orange Curacao
Marie Brizard Peche du Verger
Marie Brizard Poire William
Marie Brizard Cherry Brandy
Marie Brizard Framboise
Marie Brizard Fraise de Bois
Marie Brizard Fraise
Bols Triple Sec
Bols Cacao (white)
Bols Lychee
Bols Blue
Bols Apricot
Bols Amaretto
Bols Creme de Cassis
Bols Kirsch
Eau de vie de Poire William
Benedictine DOM
Archers Schnapps
Choya
Bols Advocaat
12 Aug 2007 at 5:30 am 19. Darcy
I think I’ve got 110 bottles, and counting. Lots of rum and whisky. But it’s too much to list here.
12 Aug 2007 at 7:22 pm 20. Gabriel
Argh, wow, I went ahead and wrote my own post on this but now that I come back to review everyone else’s lists it’s nice to see what good company we’re all in.
I plan to just create a page that I’ll update versus creating the spreadsheet or database. And yeah, Andy, that top shelf (and the Maker’s Mark especially) looks to be thinking of comitting hara-kiri in my photo, you’re right.
16 Aug 2007 at 5:08 pm 21. heckler
no licor 43? no maker’s mark?
are you SURE you’re the bartender at el.vaquero@5th.street?
20 Aug 2007 at 7:01 pm 22. mike
noticed you had Trump vodka listed up there….can you tell me how you like it compared to Belvedere (and Stoli Elit if you’ve had it).
also, if you haven’t had it, Miller’s Gin is fantastic as well (the only contender for Junipero’s spot as my number one).
22 Aug 2007 at 10:05 am 23. Jeffrey
Mike
The good folks at Trump sent me a sample case of minis a few weeks ago and I’ve been playing with it both at home and at work. It’s a very unique vodka in that it truly has no discernible flavor or mouthfeel.
I’ve sampled it neat, on the rocks, in a vermouth-less Martini, half-and-half Vya Martini, with tonic, and with orange juice. While the five-times distilled Trump vodka is certainly without a hint of impurities, it also provides a completely neutral palate on which to work.
I’m not sure how I felt about the neat, rocks, or vermouth-less Martinis made with Trump (I at least like my vodka to have a pronounced, creamy mouthfeel) but it was unparalleled when mixed with other ingredients. So I started playing around and came up with this:
The Bitter Billionaire
Stir ingredients over cracked ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a piece of crystallized ginger candy belted with a lemon twist.
Anyway, the question that comes to my mind is this, should vodka really taste like nothing at all? Because, if so, then Trump could be a contender for the best vodka in the world.
However, if a more texture-driven experience is a crucial component to vodka, then Trump is clearly missing the boat with an over-purified product.
I’d be interesting in hearing your thoughts.
Cheers!
28 Aug 2007 at 6:14 pm 24. Bob
This is a “Scotch Bar”
Aberfeldy 12
Aberlour A’bundah
Aberlour 16
The Balvenie Double Wood 12
The Balvenie Single Barrel 15
Bowmore 12
Bowmore DarkestCragganmore 12
Bowmore Marriner 15
Dalmore Cigar Malt
Glenfarclas 12
Glenfarclas 17
Glenfiddich Special Res 12
Glen Scotia
Highland Park 12
Highland Park 18
The Glenlivet French Oak 15
The Glenlivet 18
Glenmorangie 12 Port Finish
Lagavulin 16
Laphroaig 12
Longmorn 15
MacAllen 12
MacAllen Fine Oak 15
Spring Bank 10
Talisker 18
Scotch Blends:
Johnny Walker Black
Dewars White Label
Dewars Special Reserve 12
Pig’s Nose
White Horse
Bourbon: The Bar’s in Kentucky
Blanton’s Single Barrel
Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18
Elmer T Tyler Single Barrel
Evan Williams Single Barrel
Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10
Knob Creek 9
Makers Mark
Old Fitzgerald Very Special 12
Old Rip van Winkle 107 10
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey Rare breed
W L Weller 12
Other Whiskey:
Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey
Crown Royal
Jack Daniels
Irish:
Bushmill’s Original
Black Bush
Bush Malt 10
Michael Collins Single Malt
Redbreast 12
Rum:
Mt Gay Rum Extra Old
Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve
Santa Teresa 1796
Tequila:
Clase Azul
Centanario Anejo
Don Julio Reposado
Herradura Reposado
Mayorazgo Reposado
Vodka:
Rain
09 Oct 2008 at 8:44 pm 25. Joe
So here’s a question from a neophyte - what’s the shelf life of a bottle? When do you need to start worrying about things going bad or losing their proper taste?
19 Jan 2009 at 10:59 am 26. Rick
Jeff,
Just posted mine a little while ago:
http://www.kaiserpenguin.com/my-liquor-cabinet-what-am-i-missing/
31 Mar 2009 at 6:04 am 27. Josh
You guys might be interested in a group I started on flickr:
What’s in your liquor cabinet?
http://www.flickr.com/groups/985291@N21/
Enjoy!
11 May 2009 at 8:36 am 28. TrineyGurl
WoW! U guys really like your beverages, so i figured you’d know. Hope someone is still keeping up with this posting…
My fella well enjoys his “beverages” too. He & his friends are a bunch of party animals who spend loads of time imbibing enormous quantities of alcohol, Rally racing, off-Roading, Drifting, 4-wheeling (here in Barbados they are legal road vehicles), speed-boating etc… & view waking up 3 days later in hospital a form of artistic expression that must be repeated! - Just to give you a sense.
Now because I travel a lot I can bring & have brought him alcohol from round the world. I don’t imbibe myself, so I’m a bit clueless about what to get. I was in Cancun last week & got him Tequila - El Senorio Mezcal because it had worms in them - & I just have to get him & his buds eating those worms. I’ve called him from Duty Free & & said Scotch which one? - he said - my little brother Walker. or Vodka? - Finlandia. So that’s how that goes.
Now I was curious about the Tequila I just got him so I googled it & here I am.
Last night we were talking & since alcohol is his favourite subject it came up. He asked, “Do you know what is the best tasting vodka?” “Grey Goose.” He went on to explain why, but said he woke up the next morning with the shakes. I was a bit surprised he had a favourite, since I just thaought they were just a bunch of alcoholics; although over the years, he expresses that my not drinking is the only the problem he has with me & my counting his drinks when he’s gonna drive - ME.
Friday he came home from work & asked me to ‘build him a beverage.’ So, I filled up the belly of a pina colada glass with vodka & splashed in some coconut water. He was shocked & disgusted when he tasted it. He was like ‘Woman!, WTF! & making yuck faces? I was bewildered, because I see him drink alcohol straight or with tonic or a splash of red bull, or some other non-sweet mixer? so I figured he’d want more vodka & less coconut water.
I’ve gotten him assorted flavoured Bacardi & Finlandia, but he doesn’t like them, he wants them unflavored. I donno? (again I don’t drink, so I figure the flavours would kill the taste, but he likes the unvarnished tastes) - go figure.
Now, with all that background, What should I get him for his liquor cabinet? He LOVEs Vodka & Scotch. & what I’m looking for here is to impress him with my liquor savvy. My next trip I’d like to blow his baja-shorts off with awe! He liked the El Senorio & we’re all excited about the worms in it, but he hasn’t tried it yet. actually he didn’t try any of the Tequila yet. - Centenario Reposado & Plata, Jose Curvo Especial & Tradicional, 1800 Anejo. Anyway he was excited about the worms, but I realize he now has a healthy respect for Tequila. He doesn’t drink wines but he does drink beer - he prefers Heineken. Oh & although we’re in Barbados, no Mount Gay Run, I think he’s sworn that off - it evidently doesn’t go well with his alcoholism either.
So, what of all alcohol in the world would you recommend?