478104 Thu Jan 10 14:27:40 -0800 2008 8 36 Spirits 0 3282491 With wine, serving it at the right temperature is a downright science. Too warm, and a lot of unclean flavors come out, too cold and it gains a harsh acid bite. With liquor, there isn't really a whole lot of info of the right way to serve them. For instance Vodka traditionally comes out of the freezer. Yet in stocking my new home, I bought two bottles, one the Reika vodka and the other Zyr. I brought them out of the freezer after about an hour at most and tasted them out of curiosity. The Zyr restored my love of Vodka in a single sip while the Reika, while smooth, tasted watered down next to Zyr. The next day I brought them out again and the Reika had transformed itself into a clear, smooth masterpiece, while the Zyr had gained some of the more industrial and unpleasant tones you can find in vodka and lost some of its wonderful "flavor". I'm moving the Zyr to the fridge and leaving the Reika in the freezer. I wanted to know everyone's input in what they have found as far as ideal temperature/serving method for their drinks of choice. Thu Jan 10 14:27:40 -0800 2008 124704 Icantread 1 3282499 I'll add that I bought some rums in the islands just before moving in and came across a nice bottle of Admiral Rodney. Never heard of it before but was recommended. Incredibly smooth, wonderful taste. I served it on the rocks the other day and was assaulted by a rather harsh and unpleasant rum. This one's best served room temperature, 70-75degrees. Look forward to everybody's replies! Thu Jan 10 14:30:14 -0800 2008 3282491 124704 Icantread 2 3284853 Every thing is a personal preference, but in general, you taste buds will not appreciate anything at 5*F or colder. Think of ice cream, Italian Ice and etc.......the warmer it gets or as it melts, the flavors burst out more in your mouth. I like ice......neat if I must. Fri Jan 11 08:58:10 -0800 2008 3282499 123497 fourunder 1 3284836 I feel that no spirits should be stored in the fridge or freezer. Except for a vodka that is to be served chilled that day. Chilling a beverage usually masks some of the taste, but as you noticed it can also bring out others. Products of the fermentation process and distillation such as Cogeners, fusel alcohols, etc. react to temperature and water in varying ways. Each spirit has a different way it reacts to temperature and water, that is also unique to each individual. You can love a spirit warm and neat while I hate it and vice versa. Oh, and the old practice of warming a spirit such as brandy is ridiculous. F. Paul Pacult addresses this quite well http://www.spiritjournal.com/taste101.htm When I am writing reviews or testing batches of spirits I make, I always try it at 40-50% abv, temp. 70-75 degrees neat in a tasting glass, then on the rocks, then with added water. The taste progression and aroma are very visible if I always taste the spirit in this way and I can then compare the spirit to others. Fri Jan 11 08:53:49 -0800 2008 3282491 10732 JMF 2 3285508 Thanks! I'm going to give that approach a try. I'm just getting into my liquors as I explore my taste buds. I used to be heavy into mixed drinks and if I wanted to "enjoy" my drink I'd go straight to a nice wine, as I am very picky and just dislike most stuff out there, so I am having some trouble when I try to sophisiticate my liquor cabinet but follow the old college days rules. Fri Jan 11 11:22:31 -0800 2008 3284836 124704 Icantread 1 3285523 I like my tequila at room temperature & served "neat" in a rocks glass or snifter. Fri Jan 11 11:25:52 -0800 2008 3282491 26725 swsidejim 2 3285545 what tequilas do you drink? Just tried Corzo and thought it was fantastic. Definitely not material for salt, lime and a glass slam Fri Jan 11 11:30:29 -0800 2008 3285523 124704 Icantread 3 3285572 I bounce around, I like blanco's, reposado's and anejo's. My most recent bottles I have had at home are: Don Julio 1942 Anejo - my favorite, but just an expensive treat now and then Corazon Blanco Cazadores Blanco Sauza Tres Generaciones anejo Don Viejo anejo Cabo Reposado Fri Jan 11 11:36:30 -0800 2008 3285545 26725 swsidejim 1 3285558 I drink almost all of my booze (with the exception of vodka) neat and add a single ice cube. I've found it takes off the harsh edge some alcohol may have without reducing the temperature and masking the flavors. YMMV. Fri Jan 11 11:32:23 -0800 2008 3282491 92744 invinotheresverde