The 40oz Challenge

I like beer (well, liquor and wine too). I was talking the other day with a friend about the first time the golden brew touched our lips.

“What kind was it,” my friend asked.

“Budweiser, I think,” I replied. “My friend’s mom left us alone at home and we took back a sixer in the back yard. When she came home, she had no idea…at least I don’t think she did.”

“Did you ever drink forties?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t say I drank them a lot,” I started, “but my first forty was King Cobra. I kinda lean towards Mickey’s now if I’m driving into the deep, malt liquor black hole.”

That gave me the idea to write a blog about malt liquor and all of its glory. After all, one of my favorite songs is “Forty Ounces to Freedom” by Sublime.

Malt liquor is a strong lager or ale in which sugar and corn are added to the malted barley to boost the final alcoholic strength of the product. These brews (sometimes referred to as “Ghetto Wine”) are commonly sold in 40 oz bottles (Forty-Ounce, Forty or Foa-tay) as opposed to the standard 12oz bottle or can. They have been known to be produced in bottles up to 64oz at one point. Though imported “malt liquors” can be expensive, American domestic "malt liquors" tend to be very inexpensive and are usually less than $3.

Some of the better known malt liquors include Colt 45, Black Fist, Country Club, Olde English 800, Mickey's, Black Bull, Labatt Blue Dry, Wildcat, Molson Dry, Private Stock, St. Ides, Steel Reserve 211, King Cobra, Genesee, and Hurricane. Almost all of these have been endorsed by American rappers at some point and time. The highest ABV for a malt liquor is from Canada in Mountain Crest which comes in at 11%.

Recently, a local brewer (Dogfish Head Brewery) has sporadically produced a high-end bottle-conditioned forty called "Liquor de Malt.”

Here are a couple that I’ve tried in the past.

Colt 45 – 5.6% ABV

National Brewing Company introduced Colt 45 in 1963. Today, this malt liquor is owned by Pabst Brewing Company. Some may remember Billy Dee Williams who coined the phrase “It works every time” in the 1980’s ad campaign. In the early 1990’s, Colt 45 makers experimented briefly with a mint flavored beer (Cool Colt), a double malt version (Colt 45 Double Malt), and fruit based beer (Blast by Colt 45).

St. Ides – 8.2% ABV

McKenzie River Corporation out of San Francisco, CA first introduced this high octane, malt liquor in 1987. At the time, It was brewed by Pabst Brewing Company and was eventually purchased by Pabst’s parent company Miller. Every rapper know to man has endorsed this product at some point whether in a musical tribute or an ad campaign. The original brew had 6.2%, but in the early 2000’s it jumped to 8.2% calling itself “High Gravity.”

Steel Reserve 211 – 8.1% ABV

This intoxicating beverage is produced in Fort Worth, TX by the Steel Brewing Company – a subsidiary of Miller Coors. The “211” which appears on the label is actually the medieval sign for steel.  During the 28 day (minimum) brewing process, extra barley and hops are added to produce a higher gravity.  First introduced by SABMiller in London, Steel Reserve also produces a Triple Export Malt Liquor which weighs in at 8.2% ABV.

Mickey’s – 5.8% ABV

For an everyday malt liquor, try Mickey’s. I think I just came up with a new ad champagne. This liquid remedy is best known for its 12oz grenade-shaped, stubby green bottles with a hornet on the label and secret codes under the caps.  There is a reputation of Mickey’s being the “white guy’s” choice of malt liquor – yes, even I drank it in college. Today, Miller continues to produce Mickey’s which has become a sponsor of Ultimate Fighting in the USA.

Olde English 800 – 5.9%

Pabst began brewing Olde English (OE) in 1964 and sold the brewery and brand in 1999 to MillerCoors.  They also produce a high gravity brew which comes in at 8.2% ABV.  According to The New York Times, the "40-ounce bottle, introduced in the late 1980's with aggressive marketing campaigns aimed at minority drinkers" was by 1993 "fast becoming the intoxicant of choice for black and Hispanic youths in New York and other American cities.” Today, OE continues to win worldwide awards.

Hurricane – 5.9% ABV

MillerCoors can’t have all the fun with Malt Liquor! Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser) produces this low alcohol alternative in Missouri. Hurricane produces a pale, straw color with a full bodied taste with a bit of bite from the booze. They also produce a high gravity beer with 8.2% ABV.

King Cobra – 6% ABV

Introduced in 1984, King Cobra is brewed with a warmer fermentation than usually used for Anheuser-Bush’s pale lagers, and the ingredients include barley, malt and corn. As stated before, The Cobra was the first malt liquor I ever tried. I’m pretty sure that it cost around $1 back in the day. I remember drinking it from the bottle, just as most Forties should be consumed.

I won’t pick a winner here – I will let you try them out and decide. If you can’t take down the whole Forty, go out, buy one, invite some friends over and pour it out in solo cups. It’s like a poor man’s keg party!

Flavored Vodka - The Survival Guide

Remember when you had to mix fruit juices with vodka to create flavorful cocktails? Either do I. Today, the flavored vodka craze has made the bartender’s job so much easier by producing “premixed” vodkas that already include flavor. You will find young girls lining up for blocks to take part in these Twinkie like infusions on a Friday or Saturday night in your local town. That’s no reason to knock these flavored vodkas as they can be great shots for guys as well as gals.

Here is your survival guide to the world of flavored vodka. For your wallet, they are listed by price. Here you go:

Belvedere ($$$$$) - Editor's Pick for "Mixologists"

Produced in Poland (the birthplace of vodka), Belvedere has several flavors along with their regular Belvedere, Belvedere Red (special label – global charity), and their Intense line which come in filtered and unfiltered that contain less water and more flavor). Still somewhat new to the flavored vodka scene, Belvedere’s flavors include Orange, Citrus, Bloody Mary, Pink Grapefruit, Black Raspberry, and Belvedere IX which I have selected as my favorite of all of their flavor line. The IX includes nine (IX) different flavors of Cinnamon, Jasmine, Ginseng, Ginger, Guarana, Almond, Eucalyptus, Black Cherry, and Acai Berry. It’s a “Mixologist’s wet dream in a bottle!

Ciroc ($$$$$) - Editor's Pick for "Rappers"

This French vodka is co-owned by P. Diddy Combs (Aka Sean Combs of Notorious BIG fame and a world known ra/ producer in his own right) who, in 2007, combined his knowledge with Diagio to produce Ciroc’s flavored vodkas. Ciroc uses French grapes instead of grains in its vodka production. In addition to their Ultra-Premium vodka, Ciroc has the flavors of Red Berry (strawberry and raspberries), Snap Frost (Cold maceration, fermentation and storage), Peach, and coconut. For the money, I would pick the peach for its smoothness and quality.

Grey Goose ($$$$) - Editor's Pick for "Ultra Premium Flavors"

Another Ultra Premium French vodka is Grey Goose which was introduced to the US market in 1997. Today, they continue to produce their vodka in France by collecting wheat in Picardy, France (just north of Paris) and distilling and bottling in Cognac. In addition to the vodka, Grey Goose produces L’Orange (orange), Le Citron (citrus) and La Poire (pear). For the money and rarity, I would go with the La Poire as a high quality alternative for flavored vodka.

Ketel One ($$$$) - Editor's Pick for "Doing what you do best"

I am a Ketel man myself as a go to vodka. The Nolet Distillery opened in 1691 in Schiedam, Holland, but it was not until 1983 that the Ketel One (actually pronounced Kaye-Tel) brand began its 100% wheat production. This “Ultra Smooth” vodka is silky smooth with a hint of sweetness. Somewhat forced into the vodka flavor craze, Ketel began producing only two high-quality, flavored vodkas: Citroen (citrus) and Oranje (orange).  The Ketel Oranje is so smooth that you can drink it alone or on the rocks as a great summertime cocktail.

Stoli ($$$) - Editor's Pick for "The Original"

Originally produced in Russia, Stoli vodka began production in 1946 and is made with wheat and rye grains. Stoli (or Stolichnaya –  its real name) comes in red and gold labels (80 Proof), blue (100 proof) and  Stoli Elite (ultra filtered). Stoli may be the first premium vodka to mass produce flavored vodka such as: Blakberi (blackberry), Blueberi (blueberry), Citros (citrus), Cranberi (cranberry), Gala Applik (apple), Ohranj (orange), Peachik (Peach),  Razberi (raspberry), Strasberi (strawberry), Vanil (vanilla), White Pomegranik (pomegranate), Wild Cherri (cherry), and Chocolat Razberi (chocolate and raspberry). Again, for the rareness, I would go with the Chocolat Razberi as a smooth alternative.

Van Gogh ($$$) - Editor's Pick for "The Best Line of Ultra flavors"

Introduced in 2000, Van Gogh vodka hails from the Royal Dirkzwager Distillery in Schiedam, Holland just like Ketel One. Back in the day, Van Gogh only came in one flavor: Espresso.  It was the go to shot of the industry as bartenders and servers would pour it into coffee mugs and pass it off as a shot of espresso while on the job. Today, in addition to their regular vodka (Blue and “Classic”) and Gin, Van Gogh produces a total of 19 flavors including: acai−blueberry, banana, black cherry, citroen, coconut, regular espresso, double espresso, Dutch caramel, Dutch chocolate, grape, Mango, Melon, mojito mint, oranje, pineapple, pomegranate, raspberry, vanilla, and wild apple. I’m not sure if it’s for nostalgic reasons or because it tastes so damn good, but I would have to go with the double espresso on this one! It can also be mixed with Guinness for a mocha beer.

Hangar One ($$$) - Editor's Pick for "Best Organic Flavors"

In 1982, St. Gorges Distillery opened in Alameda, California; outside of San Francisco. In 2001, they began producing Hangar One vodka – which today may be the largest, small production vodkas from the USA. In addition to their Viognier grape (one of my favorite grape varietals) based vodka, they produce the flavors of Buddah’s Hand Citron (produced from a scary, octopus looking “lemon” from China and India), Mandarin Blossom (distilled with the floral blossoms of the mandarin tree), Kaffire Lime (the ugly duckling of limes), Frasier River Raspberry (made with real raspberries), Spiced Pear, and Chipotle. There is nothing like Hanger One Chipotle vodka in a Bloody Mary on an easy weekend morning.

Absolute ($$ 1/2) - Editor's Pick for "World Wide Distributor of Flavors"

Heralded as the largest brand of alcoholic beverages in the world, Absolut began production in 1879 under a different name in Sweden. It was not until 1979 that Absolut began being produced in its famed blue logoed bottle. Besides their vodka and special labels series including The City Series, Artists Series, and Crystal Series, the Absolut flavor line has been available since 1986 with the introduction of Peppar. In addition to Peppar, Absolut flavors come in Citron, Kurant, Mandrin, Vanilia, Raspberri, Apeach, Ruby Red (grapefruit), Pears, Mango, Berri Acai, Wild Tea, Orient Apple, and Grapevine (white grape, papaya, and dragon fruit). I would go with the newly launch Grapevine.

Three Olives ($$) - Editor's Pick for "Best Chick Flavored Vodka"

Now we seem to go into the “off the wall” flavors of vodka where it is not about the fruit, but definitely about the party and the realm of shots and shooters. Three Olives is produced in the UK and comes in “Naked” (regular vodka) and 20 flavors including watermelon, pomegranate, berry, orange, citrus, mango, cherry, rangtang (orange), raspberry, chocolate, espresso, vanilla, purple (crushed grapes), Dude (Mountain Dew), root beer, super cola, cake, loopy (tropical fruit), and bubble gum. Three Olives is a chick’s dream with its various fun flavors. I would have to go with Dude for something different.

Skyy ($$) - Editor's Pick for "Making a Come Back"

The cobalt blue bottle is produced in San Francisco, California, since 1992. In 2008, Skyy introduced its flavors called Infusions which include cherry, citrus, ginger, grape, passion fruit, pineapple, raspberry, vanilla, blood orange, and dragon fruit. I would suggest the dragon fruit (called Pataya) with its cactus spices and kiwi fruit characteristics.

Smirnoff ($$) - Editor's Pick for "The First Mass Produced Flavor Producer"

I can honestly say that Smirnoff was the first vodka I ever tired. This vodka began distilling in Moscow in the early 1860’s and is now produced in Great Brittan. Today it is owned by Diagio and is the self proclaimed “best selling distilled spirit in the world.” Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov began his distillery which now produces vodka and malt beverages as well as flavored vodkas such as the “Twist” line of 20 flavors which include green apple, orange, cranberry, raspberry, citrus, vanilla, strawberry, black cherry, watermelon, lime, blueberry, white grape, melon (honeydew/cantaloupe), pomegranate, passion fruit, pear, peach, pineapple, mango and the most recently additions of coconut, whipped cream and marshmallow. I would go for a marshmallow and hot chocolate on a cold, winter’s night. Today, Smirnoff has associated itself with musicians such as Madonna to create the “Smirnoff Global Nightlife” project.

Svedka ($$) - Editor's Pick for "The Best Flavors of 2033"

Claiming that they will be the world’s best selling vodka as of 2033, Svedka is produced in Lidkoping, Sweeden under the Constellation house. Today, in addition to their regular vodka, Svedka produces 70 proof flavors such as clementine, citron, raspberry, cherry, grape, and vanilla. I would suggest a combination drink with chilled clementine and vanilla Svedka with orange juice to create an orangecicle.

Pinnacle ($) - Editor's Pick for "Best Flavored Vodka to have in the Freezer."

When it first came on the scene, Pinnacle, French vodka did not have the quality of other superior vodkas. With the explosion of the flavored vodka craze, Pinnacle has found their niche and has become king by producing some of the most off the wall, fun flavors. Today, Pinnacle has apple, atomic hots, banana, berry, blueberry, butterscotch, cake, cherry, cherry lemonade, cherry whipped, chocolate, chocolate whipped, citrus, coconut, cookie dough, cotton candy, grape, gummy, kiwi-strawberry, le double espresso, mango, marshmallow, orange, orange whipped, pineapple, pomegranate, raspberry, root beer, tropical punch, vanilla, whipped cream, and whipped key lime. I would suggest keeping one of any of their flavors in the freezer for a readily available shot or a Hemmingway inspired cocktail with the whipped key lime and a touch of cream in a martini glass rimmed with gram cracker crumbs.

Burnett’s ($) - Editor's Pick for "Best Inexpensive (Not Cheap!!) Flavors"

Though cheap in price, Burnett’s is not cheap on creative flavors.  Heaven Hill Distilleries in Kentucky has been producing this vodka since 2000. Today, Burnett’s produces 27 flavors including blueberry, cherry, citrus, coconut, cranberry, espresso, fruit punch, grape, lime, limeade, mango, orange, orange cream, peach, pineapple, pink lemonade, pomegranate, raspberry, sour apple, strawberry, sweet tea, vanilla, hot cinnamon, whipped, sugar cookie and watermelon. In addition, Burnett’s also offers a line of Ultra Flavored Vodkas - Ultra Cherry, Ultra Grape, and Ultra Raspberry. I would suggest a margarita alternative by taking the limeade with triple sec, sour mix, orange juice and a splash of sprite. If it’s cold outside, hit the sugar cookie and hot chocolate with a floater of whipped.