''oh its only 150 proof

[shadylane]

Guess I'll throw in my $.02 worth.
Any thing that comes from my still is only consumed by gray haired old farts and their young wives?
Their all close friends. No security risks. No drama.
We gather in each others shop to make fun of and/or secretly admire what they have built.
While having a sip or two or more.
I'd never let any of my shine go to a party or get into the hands of unknown persons.
Nor trick someone to drinking high proof.
To big of a security, moral and legal risk.

[BoomTown]

Folks, this about promoting our hobby in safe and responsible world.

need more be said?

[Lazarus Long]

Some of the most expensive whiskeys are sold at barrel strength which I believe is about 55-60+%. I have never had any of these but I assume the people who buy these drink them straight. Yes, no? Are people paying high prices just for a chance at cancer or illness, or do they just like the taste?
I'm not advocating drinking high proof spirits, just wondering where that line is?

Edit: posting same time as Rad and Jimbo.

Googled 120 Proof Whiskeys, Knob Creek came up first...

From their own website:
At 120 proof, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve bottled at almost cask strength. Some bourbon fans will find this high proof enjoyable, but most will want to add a few drops of cool water to fully release the flavors and aromas of this great bourbon.
http://cocktails.about.com/od/whiskeyre ... hiskey.htm

The line is wherever its drawn by the individual, folks here are trying to explain where the line is drawn by individuals that understand the dangers.

[aquavita]

Man I feel the "Old Man" rising to the surface here - and I'm not even 50. I'm not going to go all high-horse 'cause mine has too many whip marks.. With the stupid things I've done to myself, it's a wonder I am here at all - guess the big guy has a plan for me still.

This is kind of what happens when things have to go "under-ground". Families that may have once had a great history of making something for the holidays no longer do it (mine) - and no longer have the opportunity to pass along the "best-practices" process for wine, beer, distillates, etc. Even with wine and beer a legal to make, many are uninformed as to their legality.

Thank goodness for the this site.

I am a raw-noob, and I appreciate everyone's help. The guidance and education offered here (for FREE!), are so valuable. If you are new, thicken your skin and ask the questions. Better read up on the site first. Guarantee that 75% of what you were going to ask is on the first 2 pages of post listings.

BTW - adding a few drams of quality spring water to nearly any pot stilled spirit will invite the aromas and complex flavors to the party. Always a shock to those that show off with a shot of a high shelf bourbon how good the bourbon really is given the opportunity to shine.

[Bu77hed]

The line is wherever its drawn by the individual, folks here are trying to explain where the line is drawn by individuals that understand the dangers.

Lazarus, are you saying that I don't understand the dangers? I was just asking a question to add to the conversation. I don't drink high proofs, I don't advocate drinking high proofs, hell, I don't even drink low proofs. It's been years since I've even been tipsy. I take this hobby seriously. I felt I asked a serious question.

[bearriver]

Bu77head, me thinks lazarus was saying something else entirely.

Any who the "line" of reason has been well drawn at cask strength. It's also well discussed that cask strength might be unpalatable for some and flat out dangerous for others. Not everyone can drink like a gentleman and hold their liqour.

I'm going to try any future AG at cask Str and work down from there till it fits my palette. Me and my family get tipsy twice a week. Keeping anything in a cask is going to be next to impossible...

[Jimbo]

I offered up my nickle worth below with the cask strength comment.

But Id like to offer one more thought, perspective. The older I get, the more I realize how much there is to learn from others. In this case, you guys with the spring water to bring out flavor are spot on. I never used to add water, dunno if it was a macho thing, or just like the warm feeling from 90+ proof or what. But Corene told me recently that both my bourbon and apple brandy come alive with a tablespoon or 2 of water. Made me take pause, and try it. And damned if she isint right.

As much as I enjoy 90 proof, Im now embarking on a whole new flavor experience with a bottle of Evian on the bar. Thank you all for that.

[BoomTown]

"and the good ol boys were drinking Whiskey and (huh) water....

I've about 5 bottles of CruzAnne 151 rum under my bar. Never tried to drink it straight, but might just to do a little research...

Boom

[IrishEnigma]

I played around with 151 straight a few years ago. that was after the bottle of Jim beam my friend and I drank. I remember playing with fire, and bouncing off the hallway walls walking my buddy to his bed lol. Haven't touched it since

[Jimbo]

"and the good ol boys were drinking Whiskey and (huh) water....

....singin this 'll be the day that I ... try rye?

[Jimbo]

I played around with 151 straight a few years ago. that was after the bottle of Jim beam my friend and I drank. I remember playing with fire, and bouncing off the hallway walls walking my buddy to his bed lol. Haven't touched it since

Tht boucin off the walls shit is no fun. Kinda like hanging on to the grass with both hands so you dont fall off the lawn.

[BDF]

Tht boucin off the walls shit is no fun. Kinda like hanging on to the grass with both hands so you dont fall off the lawn.

I wouldn't wish vertigo in my worst enemy.

[Beerbrewer]

You beg to differ with what?
Sorry, this is a little off-topic still, but;
If you don't believe me that drinking high proof alcohol is bad for you, ask your doctor.
It will obviously get you fucked up quicker, which is bad, but what I was specifically thinking of was the damage it does to the mucous membranes and other delicate tissues of your mouth and throat. This will lead to damage, irritation, increased chance of infection, and like all chronic irritation of delicate membranes may eventually be carcinogenic. The fact that you think drinking 80% abv spirits is "very nice" suggests that your tastebuds are already buggered beyond recognition.

Going to say, probably a short cut to mouth cancer.

[IrishEnigma]

I played around with 151 straight a few years ago. that was after the bottle of Jim beam my friend and I drank. I remember playing with fire, and bouncing off the hallway walls walking my buddy to his bed lol. Haven't touched it since

Tht boucin off the walls shit is no fun. Kinda like hanging on to the grass with both hands so you dont fall off the lawn.

Hah, first time I've heard that. That must have been some high proof alcohol

[gazeuse]

hahaha.too funny...god im glad those days are over.