You're pretty when I'm drunk.

Fletcher Knives

Fletcher Knives

STEEL BREATHING BLADE MAESTRO
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I like to take a few beers or a bottle/flask with me most of the time when I go for a little hike or camping trip.

I think it's nice to have a little glass of Glenlivet. I usually prefer 21 year old, but I don't always have that kind of money. If times are tough, I'll settle for 18. I also fancy a good Macallan. My friend Derek gave me a bottle of 30 year old Macallan a couple of years ago that I just finished off about 2 months ago. Now THAT was a good one. Great way to spend a grand too. I'm not all about the Scotch though. I do like a Jameson Vintage Reserve, or, again if times or tight, an 18 year old Jameson Reserve.

On the beer side, the list is long, but distinguished. I really like a dark full beer, nothing too bitter. I also like to try new beers on a trip. I'll go down to Red's and pick up a few that I haven't tried before and give 'em a shot.

I don't know why. I just love having booze to accompany a great view I've discovered, a good campfire, or some friendly company. Who doesn't? (Man that sounds like I'm an alcoholic. lol. I promise I'm not. ...although I hear that's one of the signs.:confused:)

So what do you guys like? I ask because, like I said, I like trying new alcoholic beverages and I'm looking for a little direction. It doesn't have to be anything expensive, just tasty. So what cocktails do you guys have around the fire?
 
+1 for booze. I always top of my flask with Glenlivet, 12 year.

"Settle for 18" screw you :P
 
Went on a two-week canoe trip in BC with my father in 2006. Time of my life.

We brought along a single bottle of very nice port, and we had a little drink after dinner each night. I totally agree that there's something special about sipping a fine beverage while watching the sun go down over the mountains.

The port didn't last very long, though. We bumped into a young family out for a two-day jaunt, and shared a few cups around their campfire one evening. Great memories.

All things considered though, a decent cigar takes up less space in one's pack.

Cheers!

- Mike

PS - I hiked in the Adirondack's near Lake Placid for the first time this year. While we didn't bring any alcohol with us on the trail, it was nice to be able to return to camp in the evening, pile in the car, and drive 20 minutes to a respectable brew pub. Very nice microbrews.
 
depends on how light we are going. for supported camping we bring a mix of wine and beer plus what i always take out into the bush

what i always take out is a small vial of brandy for coffee, a flask of scotch, and depending on the mood and what I'm going to be doing out there I take one of the small bottles of mead. I bottle some of mine into 11 ounce bottles for the purpose
 
I certainly enjoy having a drink in the wilderness. However, I keep my alcohol intake pretty limited to one or two drinks at the campfire or so. The drink is for the taste and not for effect, and I prefer to wake up early clear of head to the alternative.

I don't usually buy something specific to take along, it usually involves my raiding the liquor cabinet to see what is available. However, since the cabinet usually has something in it that means I rarely go with out. Scotch (ranging from good to cheap) are usually my preferences. I totally agree on the cigar thing though, and that is one thing that I will go out and buy before a trip. We have a store a couple of blocks away from us that has an amazing selection of cubans.
 
Beer(Mac and Jack's African Amber Ale) out to dinner.
Vodka(Gordon's) or Rum(Cockspur or Captain Morgan) at home.
Beer(Henry's) or Rum in camp.
Bourbon(Knob Creek) on the trail.
All of them next to a fire.
 
My vices are weed and stimulants, so that's handy on the weight penalty thing. I seldom take alcohol but when I do it is vodka. I use Stollinger or Absolut. About a week ago I had my first go on Wild Swan. I rather liked that too. It's as least as good as the other two if not better.
 
kgd said:
We have a store a couple of blocks away from us that has an amazing selection of cubans.
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Have you tried to browse this selection since the new regulations came into effect? Talk about discouraging! I suppose that's the point, actually.

Instead of a cabinet full of Cuba's finest, I now get to look at a metal panel plastered in "buying these kills babies" stickers.

Oh well, sometimes a man has to work for his hiking luxuries. :)

Best,

- Mike
 
I enjoy having a nice drink every now and then. I am a Vodka guy, but I'll occassinally have a glass of Scotch. Johny Blue is the most expensive I have in my bar.

I have always enjoyed beer. Lately my neighbors and I have been getting together every Sunday afternoon for football. We each bring a 6pack of something different.

DogFish Imperial 90 minute is my current favorite. If you haven't tried that, I highly recommend it. Can get pricey at $12.00 for a 4 pack.
 
Boulevard Wheat beer is my fave. I like Knob Creek, sailor jerry, Johnny Walker blue, and mezcal too. Trail booze is nice in moderation!
 
Wow, 30 yo Macallan! I don't think I've ever even seen a bottle of that. I'm quite partial to the 18yo though.

My usual hillside tipple is 18yo Glenmorangie. You're quite right - it can really enhance a good campfire or view.

I don't really do much else alcohol-wise, I'm definitely scotch man. Besides, my diet doesn't allow beer. It means I can save my money for the decent scotch though so thats OK.

I have been known to take a bottle of Bollinger RD up in the mountains though - what a way to celebrate!
 
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i don't drink at all...... so it's usually coffee, water or tea, while out in the woods.... sometimes i drink a soda...:cool:
 
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I like Jack Daniels or Capt. Morgan around the campfire. I also enjoy a premium cigar. Jack and Coke and a nice full bodied cigar by a fire is a beautiful thing.
 
I'd love to take a cigar or two with me, but I quit smoking and I think it might be too much of a temptation, so I just steer clear. Maybe somewhere down the road I can get back to my beloved CAO, Partagas, and Arturo Fuentes. Oh man how I wish for a good cigar right now.
 
WhiskyJack said:
+1 for booze. I always top of my flask with Glenlivet, 12 year.

"Settle for 18" screw you :P
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Hey brother, I'm a firm believer in dropping coin for good booze. :) Don't get me wrong, I don't mind inexpensive stuff, but when I'm shopping for me, I reach up instead of down.
 
I usually leave the expensive booze and beer at home. Rarely take a beer camping with me at all, although once in a while we'll take some Grain Belt with us for around the campfire. If anything, I usually have a little Wild Turkey 101 with me.

At home, it's beer that looks like used motor oil or good bourbon. My current favorites in their respective categories are Breckenridge Vanilla Porter and Van Winkle 15-year old. Appreciate a good IPA or wheat-based beer from time to time. Had a Westmalle Trippel a while back, and that was a fantastic beer. Expensive, but good.
 
Interesting thread Dylside. I always take a little whiskey along on overnight treks. It's fun and very relaxing to sit up later than most and sip a good whiskey while reading a book with a headlamp.

For a long time I was pretty much limited to Jack Black. Then one of my son's got me interested in single malt scotch and my tastes began to broaden out a bit. Now I keep a collection of blended and single malt whiskeys of several types. Here's what I currently have in stock:

Scotch:

Aberlour 16 yr old single malt

Chivas Regal 12 yr old blended

Irish:

Bushmills 16 yr old single malt

Powers Gold Label blended

Jameson blended

Canadian:

Seagram's VO Gold 8 yr old blended

Tennessee Whiskey:

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel

Bourbon:

Evan Williams Single Barrel


My current favorite for sipping in camp is the Bushmills 16 yr old Irish. Don't carry anything for day hikes.
 
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Dylside said:
I'd love to take a cigar or two with me, but I quit smoking and I think it might be too much of a temptation, so I just steer clear. Maybe somewhere down the road I can get back to my beloved CAO, Partagas, and Arturo Fuentes. Oh man how I wish for a good cigar right now.
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I've never smoked, except for a cigar, twice. Last one was 8 years ago.

Recently I've been really wanting another; especially when I'm sat on the hillside with my scotch. Trouble is, I wouldn't know one from another; none of my (few) friends smoke them.

I'm thinking Romeo y Julieta, from reading quite a lot of descriptions. Does this sound like a good start to go with my Glenmorangie? Any suggestions welcome!
 
mtnfolk mike said:
i don't drink at all...... so it's usually coffee, water or tea, while out in the woods.... sometimes a drink a soda...:cool:
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:thumbup: I am with you,I am only 35 but in my hay days of youthfulness,I could drink (crown royal or vodka my fav drinks)but now I feel every drop...:(
 
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