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The Ten Most Recent Comments By turbowombat

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

Hey! Let's not create extra demand for Rum in the market! I really enjoy my bottles of Zacapa and Zaya at their current prices.

Responses to Comments by turbowombat

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

Sometimes you can find a good deal on your favorite spirit by checking listed sales at liquorliker.com. It might be worth a stop at a store that's a bit out of your way, if you've got several bottles to buy, and you're saving $5-6 on each bottle.

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

nickinc & AHolland: good points. As wookie pointed out, my intent wasn't to say that Glenfiddich is just like Laphroaig, just cheaper, but that at a time when you're tightening your belt, sometimes it's necessary to shift off the favorite tastes and onto something still pleasing, but cheaper. AHolland's recommendation of Bowmore as a more appropriate substitution for Laphroaig is better than my Glenfiddich example; thanks for suggesting that.

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

I had several nice crystal decanters for years, but never used them. Four years ago we moved and I set up a self service bar in the dining room. I used my decanters on a cart with a mirrored top. They look great! I got some very nice pewter nameplates to hang around them and I filled them up. I have bourbon, scotch, gin, vodka, rum and cognac. When company comes over I direct them to the bar. I also use a crystal ice bucket with silver tongs and a small crystal water pitcher. People make their own drinks in my heavy bottom crystal glasses and only ask me for whatever mix they need. I don't deceive them about the brands; if asked I answer.
Bourbon, Jim Beam Black; Scotch, Famous Grouse; Gin, Bombay Sapphire; Vodka, Sirmnoff Triple Filtered; Rum, Bacardi Select Dark; Cognac, Hennessey. I'm rarely asked about the brands and when I am it's usually to offer a positive comment. This approach allows me to purchase the larger containers which generally offer a better price per ounce. I figure I save at least $600 a year on liquor; more than enough to buy a few decanters if my friends hadn't given me any. By the way I drink all the brands on the rocks or with a splash except the rum. That's with coke or tonic.

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

I'd like to return to the Glenfiddich v. Laphroaig debate. To say that Glenfiddich (a smooth highland malt) is a possible subsititute for Laphroaig (a smokey, strong island malt) is wrong. That doesn't mean, though, that there are now cheaper substitutes to look for. Probably your best bet for a cheaper substitute would be Bowmore (which also hails from Islay). It goes for around $40.

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

@embolini9: "You can also just switch where you shop - like gas prices, liquor prices go up and down DRAMATICALLY depending on the location of the liquor store."
While this is generally a decent suggestion, some states have regulated liquor prices via the Liquor Control Commission (Dept of Labor & Economic Growth). Many readers do not have the luxury of simply "shopping around" for better prices. Good article.

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

As for really great sippable rum I always go to Mt. Gay Extra Old for $35 - $40 a bottle or Cruzan Single Barrel Rum for $25 - $30. Both are complex and flavorful.. great for sipping on the rocks.

My go-to affordable bourbon has always been Maker's Mark and for under $25 a bottle it is well worth every penny.

As for Gin, I have found that Boodles is usually a few bucks cheaper than Tanqueray and frankly, i think it makes a better G&T.

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke


I've pulled a few good free drinks cause of dontspendadime.com

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

You can also just switch where you shop - like gas prices, liquor prices go up and down DRAMATICALLY depending on the location of the liquor store. The wine I usually buy is almost $10 less if I buy it outside the city. I'm not saying you should find the sketchiest liquor store you can, just maybe try to find a less expensive town, or suburb if you live in the city.

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

@nickinc--I think it's all in how you read that bit of advice. He doesn't say Glenfiddich can replace Laphroaig, he just says it might be time to reassess the virtues of the less expensive choice.

From Required Eating

Cheap(er) Drinks: Tips For Enjoyable Drinking Without Going Broke

C'mon!!! You lost me with the first one. Glennfiddich as a replacement for Laphroaig!?! I am a fan of both, but it's apples and oranges.