A familiar scenario: It’s Friday. You’re waking up between
noon and one pm. If you’re doing things correctly, you skipped your Friday
college curriculars or you scheduled so you don’t have them. Tonight you’re
planning on doing a solid pregame with your bros and a couple of the sorosties
from across the street. In the kitchen you have…
1) Natty’s. Standard. Expected. Actually, I’m surprised you
still have some left over from last night.
2) Nothing else. You can’t quit while you’re ahead, because
you’re already behind. Hell, you ate shit hopping the first hurdle.
You wake up your housemates to go grab some McDoubles and
then head to the liquor store. Here in lies the question: What should we buy?
Here is a short guide of various alcoholic beverages (some you probably haven’t
tried) for multifarious situations so you look more like a stud and less like a
clown.
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Be able to distinguish oneself from the crowds of mediocrity. |
-Beer. An
essential in a collegiate household (or a normal one) at all times. Despite
popular belief, light beer isn’t good or appropriate at all times. “Bro, I
drink frat water like it’s my job”. I’m sure you do. We all do or did. Over
time your beer taste buds will mature, like that awkward chick in 8th
grade who ended up being a mega babe senior year of high school.
Natty: I don’t really need to explain
this. Useful in most party situations. However, Natty is cheap and it tastes
like it.
Harp Lager: A pretty damn good beer.
Heavier than light beers obviously. Start with this before you move to shittier
brew.
Sam Adams Summer Ale: Yeah, it’s essentially
a ‘lemonade beer’, but it’s not too sugary. Citrus flavors but still has a beer
taste. Have your woman grab a couple while she’s making you a ham sandwich and
bring them out to the boat. (This is sexist, just kidding. Kind of.)
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale: This
beer is aged in decanted bourbon barrels. It’s absolutely delicious. A complete
frat beer. High alcohol at 8%. This is for special occasions and for sipping
during football games, (college games in my preference). Bit expensive at
around $12 for 4 bottles.
-Bourbons and
Whiskey’s. I’ll reiterate from my last post: Rum is the less cool little
brother of these two. A Captain and Coke is okay every once and a while I
suppose. “Bro, I chug Admiral Nelson like I’m dehydrated”. Cool. Are you 17 in
a basement party? I didn’t think so. BW’s (bourbon whiskeys) just have a more
distinct flavor, and are definitely classier.
Old Crow: Just kidding, get the fuck out
of here with this crap.
Jim Beam Red Stag: I was at first a little turned off by this considering
Jim Beam decided to use Kid Rock as it’s ambassador (Bawitaba bourbon…?).
However, it’s quite tasty. Black Cherry flavor infused, and it can be drank
comfortably on the rocks. Bomb with Coke. Great pregaming ammo considering it’s
only 80 proof.
Wild Turkey American Honey: Another pseudo-bourbon whiskey. Pretty sweet, not
as harsh as the aforementioned ‘Stag. Can be drank on the rocks, or mixed great
with ginger ale or sprite. Nice change up from normal BW’s.
Maker’s Mark: Probably my
favorite Whisky (yes, spelling is correct in this case). Caramel-ish taste with
a pretty damn smooth finish. All around good stuff, very reliable. A bit
stronger at 90 proof. A staple in a distinguished fraternity man’s alcohol
lineup. Pro Tip: Try Maker’s Mark 46:
stronger than the basic and has a more potent lingering finish. Drank a big double
of this on the rocks last week and it got me moderately loose.
Knob Creek: This stuff is strong. Good,
full-bodied, and strong. At 100 proof, fill a flask of this and you will feel
it, Champ. If you’re feeling risky, give the Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve a try. It’s a whopping 120 proof.
Basil Hayden’s Bourbon: This is
the real deal. Top shelf Bourbon for a top shelf kind of guy. This is
definitely for special occasions, such as formal, or the tailgate against a
rival school. It’ll set you back a bit more than most. “Overpriced”, some may
cry. Yeah, maybe if you can’t tell it’s good. Or if you’re a biggity bitch.
However, your lady friend’s father will be impressed this is part of your BW
repertoire and that it’s on your shelf.
*(I left out some obvious ones, e.g. Jack. I know you’ve had
Jack, Bro. Everyone and their high school sophomore little brother have had it.
It’s not one of my favorites is all)
Scotch: “And
hurry up. All I’ve had today is like, six gummy bears and some scotch.”
–Archer; Also Ron Burgundy’s favorite.
Auchentoshan
Single Malt Scotch: I don’t drink much Scotch yet, but my grandpa did, and
he spoke of this. It’s pretty good, albeit pricey. Rob Roy anyone? You don’t
know what that is, again? C’mon, man.
Johnnie
Walker: more accessible and a respectable bottle.
Gin:
Bombay Sapphire: Clean and tasty,
considering I’m not a huge gin guy. Wide mix of flavors in one.
Tanqueray: My mother likes this. She has
good taste. Only had it once a while back.
*You need gin for a Tom Collins. You don’t know what a Tom
Collins is? “You rack disciprine”. Go look it up.
Vodka: I don’t
like vodka. But if I have to drink it, I’d prefer it to be top notch.
Ciroc: Vodka I actually like. Somewhat
expensive (~$40). Get this for your formal date. PS- It’s not Diddy’s vodka you
noobs. He’s just the brand ambassador.
Tequila: It makes
me vomit. Blacked out twice hardcore (I do NOT throw around the “blackout” term
frequently and/or loosely) on it, and I’ve stayed away.
Take my advice, or don’t. You’d be smart if you did. If I
come visit Brick and I see one of you dudes drinking a vodka cranberry, I’m
going to pull a Farva and punchasize your face for free.
-The Brofessor