Favorite liqueurs and where you buy them

15 years ago

I've been buying liqueurs at the grocery stores and drug stores (except for Walgreens, which does not sell drinking alcohol), but I had been unable to find Kahlua Mocha, which I had been buying previously around Christmas and New Year's. It is my favorite addition to ice cream, and I was finally able to find it at Bevmo Liquor & Spirits in Manhattan Beach - about the same distance from me as Marina Del Rey, but in the opposite direction.

While at Bevmo, I also bought Kahlua Coffee & Cream liqueur, which is low alcohol content and just tastes like coffee and cream when drunk straight. I don't think I'll mix that with anything. I also bought some E&J Cask & Cream Chocolate liqueur (not reading the label properly) thinking that it would be an inexpensive chocolate liqueur, but instead, it tastes like chocolate milk. Neither of these are bad, but I was hoping to find an alternative to the more expensive Godiva Chocolate Liqueur that I have and seldom use.

While at Bevmo, I stocked up on Chimay Belgian beer (because I don't always otherwise find it), some Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve Rye (aged 6 years), and a bottle of Cruzan Black Strap Rum. I've been looking for alternative rums with more flavor, and this one definitely does have more flavor (like very strong molasses), but it also has hints of gasoline - similar to the Mescal I drank from a barrel on the beach in Puerto Arista, Chiapas. I like the molasses flavor but would prefer it without the burnt sugar aftertaste. I think if I mix it with something it will be okay - probably coke.

Do you buy liqueur at a special store, and do you have any recommendations for a really good rum that could be sipped straight? I bought the rye only because I like to have it for guests who prefer something like Bourbon or Scotch - neither of which I will touch, but I think rye comes close enough to those, and I will drink rye on occasion. I'm hoping to invite people over by the end of the week, when I expect my best orchid cactus to be blooming.

Lars

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Comments (6)

sushipup1
15 years ago
BevMo is an amazing store.

Can't help with the run, tho, I just can't drink it.

We shop BevMo and Costco for almost all the alcohol we buy. But we really aren't buying unusual things. I love the 5 cent wine sale at BevMo and use it to stock up with a couple of cases of assorted goodies.
caliloo
15 years ago
You might try Bacardi Anejo. I keep it on hand for sipping and I think it is a lovely rum. I definitly wouldn;t use it for mixing though, I think the subtle caramel notes would be lost. I can get it at our local PA State Store, but I would think any larger private store would carry it too.

Can't help with the chocolate alternative.

Alexa
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caliloo
15 years ago
I forgot to include the link.....

Here is a link that might be useful: Bacardi Anejo
jakkom
15 years ago
I'm all for supporting BevMo, which used to be Beverages & More, was run into the ground by dumb buyers, then repurchased by the original founders when it was almost comatose. They brought it back to life and have done a good job. I went there to buy Scotch for my handyman when I wanted to give him a bonus. Just went in and said, "Who knows the most about Scotch here?" and sure enough, was guided to a terrific Scotch my guy had never tried and absolutely loved.

However, if I need something really special I go to a local store in San Francisco which is renowned for having the best of everything, and if they don't have it they can get it. A friend and I tried the Pappy Van Winkle 20-yr old Bourbon in a restaurant and this store was the one I immediately thought of to buy a bottle - and sure enough, they had it and could ship one to my friend (and one to me, LOL). Stupendous stuff, a real after-dinner sipper.

Don't know if you're into port and madeira? My favs are the Dow 30 yr Old Tawny Port and I was just introduced to the 15 year-old Verdelho Madeira from Henrique & Henrique's at a local Portugese-Brazilian restaurant. Much better than the super-sweet Malmsey Madeiras you find in most places; this was more like a dry sherry crossed with a tawny port. Really luscious!
Lars
Original Author
15 years ago
I've had Bacardi Anejo and thought it was a bit harsh - the Cruzan Black Strap is smoother. I've read reviews of rums from Nicaragua and Guyana that sounded good, but they are difficult to find. I might have to do some blind testing.

I'm not into Port or Madeira and do not even use them for cooking. I especially do not like sweet Port or Madeira. I don't like dry sherry either, but I do use it (or sake) in cooking.

I might try asking the people at Bevmo about a rum - maybe someone there will know. The Ralphs Waterside Marina store has a sommelier (complete with French accent) who also advises on liquor, but they do not have a large enough selection of rums. I think there are some that have a butterscotch flavor, and that is what I was looking for.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Lars
bunnyman
15 years ago
I'm partial to Glenlivet aged in the french oak barrels. Loved it as a 12 year scotch but now it only seems to appear as a 15 year old. Aging has not improved it to my taste.

Tiny little grocery store in a town with a census pop. of 356 stocks it for me. I don't get to drink much these days as the doc has me on meds that don't mix well... slowly sipping a beer is pretty much my limit.

: )
lyra

Favorite liqueurs and where you buy them

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sushipup1

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Favorite liqueurs and where you buy them

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