Historic Spirits

December 27, 2004 1:35 PM

The real Spirit of 1776. Spurred by a Christmas gift of 18th century-style rye whiskey, I found this fascinating exposition on the history of beer and the history of San Francisco. I've signed up for a tour!
posted by Daddio (15 comments total)

I noticed that the links are associated with Anchor Steam brewery in S. Fran. CA, and would like to vouch for them being a very hoppy and bitter IPA...

That's a compliment...

I would very much like to try this "Whiskey of the Founders"... Just to see if it makes me more ..Um... Patriotic!!
posted by Balisong at 2:34 PM on December 27, 2004

You've got to be fucking kidding me.
posted by Mo Nickels at 3:04 PM on December 27, 2004

These Ryes are not bad, they are somewhat like single malts from Scotland, best drunk neat (with water), but a waste in mixed drinks.
posted by DV8 2XL at 3:21 PM on December 27, 2004

The History Channel show Modern Marvels had an episode on distillation. Anchor Steam was prominently showcased as going the historical American approach. Worth watching next time it comes on. Very informative show.

I went to the Whiskey Heritage Tour Center in Edinburgh, Scotland, right next to the castle. It was cheesy as a Disney attraction. You do get a sample of whiskey in the beginning, too bad it was Duers. Would of been nice to get a single malt, guess my hopes were too high. Originally it was going to be Johnnie Walker Red but they ran out. Darn it.
posted by Meaney at 4:03 PM on December 27, 2004

Here's a previous post about George Washington's whiskey business.
posted by homunculus at 5:09 PM on December 27, 2004

What's your problem, Mo?
posted by spincycle at 6:32 PM on December 27, 2004

the liberty ale is some good stuff. their rye is a bit pricey tho, 'specially when you can get more affordable things like george dickel #12 (which to be fair is not a pure rye I think) or wild turkey (which to be fair is not exactly what I'd call smooth... maybe it's worth a try of the newfangled brita filter trick, hmm...)

wish I'd known to take anchor's tour when I lived in sf. damn!
posted by dorian at 6:42 PM on December 27, 2004

Have you tried new Anchor Blue?
posted by squirrel at 7:41 PM on December 27, 2004

spincycle , I suspect that Mo prefers vodkas and gins ... or, more likely he was attempting to snark an FPP which he felt wasn't worthy of his attention. Obviously, others appreciate Daddio's post ... like me ... and you.
posted by ericb at 7:56 PM on December 27, 2004

Your second guess is correct. Four links to a well-known alcohol manufacturer? What the hell is that? Pepsi Blue? How shallow does a promotional gimmick have to be before people don't think it's worth linking to?
posted by Mo Nickels at 8:40 PM on December 27, 2004

Fair enough, Mo. The post can be viewed as bordering on being Pepsi Blue. However, I enjoyed it - and learned a few things - particularly that Anchor Steam (while well-known out West; not quite familiar to many here in the East) produces 18th. Century style distilled liquors. I enjoyed learning about their take on the history of beer and early San Francisco. Granted I could learn such elsewhere, but found the exploration of daddio's post to be enjoyable.
posted by ericb at 9:02 PM on December 27, 2004

Pepsi Blue was my first thought also. But this has alcohol in it, and I'm a wee bit pissed right now, so I'm inclined to let it slide.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 10:14 PM on December 27, 2004

O spleen! Whither thy ventage when most we need it?
posted by squirrel at 7:51 AM on December 28, 2004

Dorian: The rye might be pricey (I don't know; it was a gift), but it's 125.1 proof. That might explain the differential....
posted by Daddio at 11:14 AM on December 28, 2004

While you're at it, why don't you give me a paper cut and pour some Old Potrero on it...
posted by pmbuko at 10:36 AM on January 3, 2005