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I drink it raw. Nothing like taking a small sip and it feeling like you just drank a shot of fire. I love when people say ''oh its only 150 proof that's nothing" and seeing their face as it hits their lips! Plus I can't keep enough to age, seems like I give more out to family than I actually make

grizz wrote:I drink it raw. Nothing like taking a small sip and it feeling like you just drank a shot of fire. I love when people say ''oh its only 150 proof that's nothing" and seeing their face as it hits their lips! Plus I can't keep enough to age, seems like I give more out to family than I actually make

This is what I'm talking about. You are drinking something "raw" at 150 proof for kicks. That's not exactly an exegesis of fine craft distilling. I'm guessing it's not meant to be, and that's fine.
However, I am not going to spend the time and effort carefully selecting the grains or fruit for fermentation, making those careful cuts to give what I hope will be a fully balanced spirit, cutting it with water to the abv which will best showcase the base ingredients, only to do shooters with it while shrieking "WOO-HAA"!

Both ways are fun, both are valid, I guess. I'm thinking my way will retain my interest for longer, but who knows? My point is is that they are different, and that not all spirits in the white are "raw" or "unaged", and that the distinction can be very great.


PS I have to add that drinking spirits at 150 proof is really not very good for you.

grizz wrote:I drink it raw. Nothing like taking a small sip and it feeling like you just drank a shot of fire. I love when people say ''oh its only 150 proof that's nothing" and seeing their face as it hits their lips! Plus I can't keep enough to age, seems like I give more out to family than I actually make

This is an example of irresponsibility and disrespect for our craft... It's not funny and is a serious safety concern... It is up to you, the supposedly educated one, to not let any spirits over 100 proof out of your hands... If you don't know the WHY behind this then you'd better figure it out... Just don't do it, plain and simple...!!!

This is an example of irresponsibility and disrespect for our craft... It's not funny and is a serious safety concern

I am quoting this word for word to someone I know. It couldn't be said any better.

rad14701 wrote:

grizz wrote:I drink it raw. Nothing like taking a small sip and it feeling like you just drank a shot of fire. I love when people say ''oh its only 150 proof that's nothing" and seeing their face as it hits their lips! Plus I can't keep enough to age, seems like I give more out to family than I actually make

This is an example of irresponsibility and disrespect for our craft... It's not funny and is a serious safety concern... It is up to you, the supposedly educated one, to not let any spirits over 100 proof out of your hands... If you don't know the WHY behind this then you'd better figure it out... Just don't do it, plain and simple...!!!

+1

Yep not a safe thing to do .Someone die cause it you be one paying for it.Had a friend have a close call years ago He gave a friend some uncut for a mixer in punch at a party rather then more that was tempered .At this gathering like so many other Im sure most can relate to .Theres alway this one dumb sombitch who thinks he can drink anything . After being told what it was He grabbed the jug and tried to see how much he could kill at once . Long story short We was really glad when he didn't die .Was told it was touch and go for a while. Nothing over 100 proof ever left his place again..

Dan P. wrote:

grizz wrote:I drink it raw. Nothing like taking a small sip and it feeling like you just drank a shot of fire. I love when people say ''oh its only 150 proof that's nothing" and seeing their face as it hits their lips! Plus I can't keep enough to age, seems like I give more out to family than I actually make

This is what I'm talking about. You are drinking something "raw" at 150 proof for kicks. That's not exactly an exegesis of fine craft distilling. I'm guessing it's not meant to be, and that's fine.
However, I am not going to spend the time and effort carefully selecting the grains or fruit for fermentation, making those careful cuts to give what I hope will be a fully balanced spirit, cutting it with water to the abv which will best showcase the base ingredients, only to do shooters with it while shrieking "WOO-HAA"!

Both ways are fun, both are valid, I guess. I'm thinking my way will retain my interest for longer, but who knows? My point is is that they are different, and that not all spirits in the white are "raw" or "unaged", and that the distinction can be very great.


PS I have to add that drinking spirits at 150 proof is really not very good for you.

I beg to differ. I like my sweetfeed heart jar 160 proof nuked and cooled 3x with a handfull of JD barrel chips. Comes out very nice from the jar as is or cut it 50/50 bring it down to the standard 80 proof, or anywhere in between. Have yet to meet someone who didn't like it at something between 80-160. Works at the higher proofs either neat to sip on, or in a mixed drink. I wouldn't take shots at 160 proof

halfbaked wrote:

rad14701 wrote:

grizz wrote:I drink it raw. Nothing like taking a small sip and it feeling like you just drank a shot of fire. I love when people say ''oh its only 150 proof that's nothing" and seeing their face as it hits their lips! Plus I can't keep enough to age, seems like I give more out to family than I actually make

This is an example of irresponsibility and disrespect for our craft... It's not funny and is a serious safety concern... It is up to you, the supposedly educated one, to not let any spirits over 100 proof out of your hands... If you don't know the WHY behind this then you'd better figure it out... Just don't do it, plain and simple...!!!

+1

+2

Chroi wrote:

Dan P. wrote:

grizz wrote:I drink it raw. Nothing like taking a small sip and it feeling like you just drank a shot of fire. I love when people say ''oh its only 150 proof that's nothing" and seeing their face as it hits their lips! Plus I can't keep enough to age, seems like I give more out to family than I actually make

This is what I'm talking about. You are drinking something "raw" at 150 proof for kicks. That's not exactly an exegesis of fine craft distilling. I'm guessing it's not meant to be, and that's fine.
However, I am not going to spend the time and effort carefully selecting the grains or fruit for fermentation, making those careful cuts to give what I hope will be a fully balanced spirit, cutting it with water to the abv which will best showcase the base ingredients, only to do shooters with it while shrieking "WOO-HAA"!

Both ways are fun, both are valid, I guess. I'm thinking my way will retain my interest for longer, but who knows? My point is is that they are different, and that not all spirits in the white are "raw" or "unaged", and that the distinction can be very great.


PS I have to add that drinking spirits at 150 proof is really not very good for you.

I beg to differ. I like my sweetfeed heart jar 160 proof nuked and cooled 3x with a handfull of JD barrel chips. Comes out very nice from the jar as is or cut it 50/50 bring it down to the standard 80 proof, or anywhere in between. Have yet to meet someone who didn't like it at something between 80-160. Works at the higher proofs either neat to sip on, or in a mixed drink. I wouldn't take shots at 160 proof

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.

Dan P. wrote:

Chroi wrote:

Dan P. wrote:

grizz wrote:I drink it raw. Nothing like taking a small sip and it feeling like you just drank a shot of fire. I love when people say ''oh its only 150 proof that's nothing" and seeing their face as it hits their lips! Plus I can't keep enough to age, seems like I give more out to family than I actually make

This is what I'm talking about. You are drinking something "raw" at 150 proof for kicks. That's not exactly an exegesis of fine craft distilling. I'm guessing it's not meant to be, and that's fine.
However, I am not going to spend the time and effort carefully selecting the grains or fruit for fermentation, making those careful cuts to give what I hope will be a fully balanced spirit, cutting it with water to the abv which will best showcase the base ingredients, only to do shooters with it while shrieking "WOO-HAA"!

Both ways are fun, both are valid, I guess. I'm thinking my way will retain my interest for longer, but who knows? My point is is that they are different, and that not all spirits in the white are "raw" or "unaged", and that the distinction can be very great.


PS I have to add that drinking spirits at 150 proof is really not very good for you.

I beg to differ. I like my sweetfeed heart jar 160 proof nuked and cooled 3x with a handfull of JD barrel chips. Comes out very nice from the jar as is or cut it 50/50 bring it down to the standard 80 proof, or anywhere in between. Have yet to meet someone who didn't like it at something between 80-160. Works at the higher proofs either neat to sip on, or in a mixed drink. I wouldn't take shots at 160 proof

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.

I'm not trying to start an argument. I SOMETIMES like to sip (very very small sips) of sweetfeed at 160 proof. It basically melts over your tongue and warms the mouth. There is no burn, no sting, no pain etc. The only other person in the house is my fiance and she is perfectly aware of and involved in the stilling. My product is labeled with the proof. Anything I give away has been under 100 proof. I do not feel I am being irresponsible nor are my taste buds "buggered"

I'm not advocating dumping a gallon of azeo in the punchbowl.

The issue at hand is what gets handed out to folks who may not know the risks... Whatever you do to yourself is all on you... However, if you poison someone else and they end up hospitalized the hospital staff will ask questions and if you get fingered then you could be in for an unexpected shit-storm... Serving up high proof alcohol to family and friends isn't cute, isn't funny, isn't healthy, isn't respectful, and just plain old isn't smart... High proof commercial spirits like 151 Rum and Everclear are not intended to be consumed without dilution with a mixer and it is stated clearly on the bottles so that should tell an intelligent person something... Being intelligent enough to distill spirits also inherently implies there being enough intelligence to know what is and isn't safe... If we intend to be shepherds of the craft then we need to do so responsibly... I am by no means pointing any fingers, I am merely stating the facts...

I'm confused...is the issue the irritation/damage that proof of spirit can do on the way down? or the proportionally stronger affects it has on getting the person drunk that they may or may not be expecting?

BDF wrote:I'm confused...is the issue the irritation/damage that proof of spirit can do on the way down? or the proportionally stronger affects it has on getting the person drunk that they may or may not be expecting?

Both potential tissue damage and unexpected effects, including alcohol poisoning... Drinking high proof over an extended period of time can cause esophageal cancer, amongst other health issues... And, yes, just like excessive sun exposure, just once can be all it takes...

rad, ya can't fix stupid, quit tryin

sltm1 wrote:rad, ya can't fix stupid, quit tryin

Perhaps not, but I can try to prevent others from making similar mistakes... The more you know, the more you know...

That's not why we love Rad. He makes a case like Perry Mason. If the OP doesn't listen that's ok. Lots of other people are going to read this thread and be better people for it. Even if it just reinforces what we already knew.

Keep on being rad, Rad.

Edit: typing as Rad was.

It is some useful information. I think everyone tries/has tried 100p+. Rad has a very valid point. I don't want to be responsible for anyones illness/death, nor do I want it to be because of my likker

Chroi wrote:
I'm not advocating dumping a gallon of azeo in the punchbowl.

So what are you advocating? I don't get it. You have a little taste of the undiluted stuff as it comes off the still? I think everybody does that.

What people do to themselves is their own choice, and in an ideal world that choice will be a fully informed one.
However, on my side of the internet two things exist as fact;

Drinking spirits at 75% for kicks is goofy.
Saying that you sit down to relax with a couple of fingers of 80% is taxing my credulity a bit too heavily. By which I mean "bullshit".

There's old shiners and bold(think stupid)shiners . There is no such thing as an OLD BOLD SHINER .

rockchucker22 wrote:This is a horrible idea, NEVER drink anything over 100 proof it's not wise, cool or the slightest bit smart. Please listen to what Rad and Dan are saying and stop. Not a drop, sip, gulp...etc

Id like to propose editing that number to around 120 or so. Ive had some very nice cask strength whiskies in the high 50's% Very nice neat.

I have read that 150 proof and above can cause permanent damage to the esophagus.

Jimbo wrote:

rockchucker22 wrote:This is a horrible idea, NEVER drink anything over 100 proof it's not wise, cool or the slightest bit smart. Please listen to what Rad and Dan are saying and stop. Not a drop, sip, gulp...etc

Id like to propose editing that number to around 120 or so. Ive had some very nice cask strength whiskies in the high 50's% Very nice neat.

I have read that 150 proof and above can cause permanent damage to the esophagus.

I personally have no qualms drinking up to 120 proof myself but I would never hand any out, especially to an inexperienced drinker... Heck, some folks can't even handle 100 proof... Tissue damage can start anywhere above that 120 proof mark...

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.

When I was in college in the late '60's a friend of mine did a stupid thing at a frat party . He turned up a bottle of high proof grain and started chugging to 'show out' . About a 4 bubble pull , from what I was told later .
He hit the floor dead with the jug still in his hand ! Caused the frat a lot of problems because of bad PR for WVU . Balls before brains = pain and , sometimes , a lot of loud singing and slow walking (funerals).

Never really tried anything much over 55% - raises the hairs a little too high. I like it white or oaked, somewhat aged, and neat at 50%. I like the warmth in my throat and chest and the slight buzz I get from a 4 or 5 oz glass. Alcohol is my drug of choice. I usually drink it at night, sleep like a rock, and wake up refreshed. I strongly believe that it has medicinal properties, but is dangerous to life and health if taken irresponsibly. Aint been shit-faced drunk in over 30 years.

Dan P. wrote:

IrishEnigma wrote:
I'm not advocating dumping a gallon of azeo in the punchbowl.

So what are you advocating? I don't get it. You have a little taste of the undiluted stuff as it comes off the still? I think everybody does that.

What people do to themselves is their own choice, and in an ideal world that choice will be a fully informed one.
However, on my side of the internet two things exist as fact;

Drinking spirits at 75% for kicks is goofy.
Saying that you sit down to relax with a couple of fingers of 80% is taxing my credulity a bit too heavily. By which I mean "bullshit".

I believe you misquoted what I said as coming from IrishEnigma.

Its not about being tough, I'm certainly not drinking high proof stuff to impress anyone, and I don't drink it very much or very often! What you consider "goofy" is largely subjective, no? I have a chili head of a friend who guzzles hotsauce like water and eats the hottest stuff I've ever tasted with nary a blink. I think he's nuts. But thats his business.

This will be my last post in this thread. I'm sorry if I've ruffled some feathers, I certainly don't want to be the cause of someone getting hurt.

That said:

Don't drink booze thats over 120 proof. Don't give away booze more than store strength ( call it 60-90 proof) I retract my previous statements.










(And I never said anything about relaxing with a few fingers of 160proof. I believe my words were "SOMETIMES, VERY VERY SMALL, and SIPS")

Chroi wrote: I believe you misquoted what I said as coming from IrishEnigma.

Woops! My apologies to both.

I'm not supposed to drink above 120 proof.
But my bottle of cask strength single malt is 125 proof!


I believe they call this a "1st world problem".

I regularly stock 80% ABV ... for myself ... to mix

But while I am totally fine with having it around, I will only drink it diluted. Typically I mix 2 cans of coke with 50ish ml of 80% and fill the 1L mason jar with ice and drink it over about 3 hours ... There is no way I would shoot it - just dumb. Bringing it to parties over 100 proof - well, nothing like getting arrested when something goes wrong ... and then getting sued ...

Dan P. wrote:I'm not supposed to drink above 120 proof.
But my bottle of cask strength single malt is 125 proof!


I believe they call this a "1st world problem".

Ya, I have had 61.5% cask from a commercial distiller - but it makes sense to have that on ice, or very slowly sipping

Common sense isn't always that common!.