What to drink (and how much) while on safari

23 March 2014, 11:16

Blair 338RUM

A beer, especially Tafel is the go before dinner as a sharpener.

Then SA wine with dinner....Rupert & Rothschild, Ken Forrester.....it's all bloody good.

And for a post dinner finisher a single malt Islay malt bottled at cask strength (54.2%) Ardbeg "Uigeadail".......it sorts the men from the boys

Cigars....as long as they are Cuban......no Dominican rubbish.

23 March 2014, 13:39

N E 450 No2

Ardbeg is a good Scotch...

23 March 2014, 17:37

MJines

quote:
Originally posted by Blair 338RUM:
Cigars....as long as they are Cuban......no Dominican rubbish.

That may have been true a number of years ago, but not so much any more. In my experience, a data set of one, the quality of Cuban cigars has diminished over the years and the quality of the Dominican and Nicaraguan cigars has improved vastly. Today I think the quality non-Cubans are every bit as good as the Cubans. Particularly with names like Cohiba which I find to be generally overrated.

23 March 2014, 19:47

MikeE

Mike I agree with the declining quality of the Cuban brands. Sometimes, I think that the vendors counterfeit Cubans, just for the cachet of a "Cuban cigar". Having spent a lot of time in Central Americas last few years, I think some of the Dominican stuff is really good, and that many tourist cigar places are frauds, selling imitations at best.

I did have some Cuban Monte Cristo's in Curacao that were some of the best I have had, about three years ago. Sadly, I cannot locate anymore of them, anywhere.

If you are ever in the Bahamas, stop in at the GreyCliffs restaurant, have a wonderful dinner, and watch their great cigars being made in the bar, take box home with you, no customs issues there either, being a Bahamian product.

23 March 2014, 19:58

Saeed

I thought we went on safari to hunt, not to get drunk!

23 March 2014, 20:13

shootaway

How about an energy drink? It sure makes this fellow HAPPY.

23 March 2014, 20:52

Saeed

African treatment for those who drink too much

23 March 2014, 21:55

pagosawingnut

quote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
I thought we went on safari to hunt, not to get drunk!

Who said anything about getting drunk, Saeed? Besides, when it gets dark, what's a guy to do?

23 March 2014, 22:15

Saeed

quote:
Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
quote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
I thought we went on safari to hunt, not to get drunk!

Who said anything about getting drunk, Saeed? Besides, when it gets dark, what's a guy to do?

In Chete one year I had night vision goggles.

And I used to sit at night and watch animals come to with come within 50 yards of my hunt. The hunt had one side completely open.

And the animals included hyena, elephants and once a leopard.

I am glad I wasn't drunk then.

23 March 2014, 22:16

MikeE

quote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
I thought we went on safari to hunt, not to get drunk!

Hey I wasn't drunk - it was just a high speed wobble!

23 March 2014, 23:30

MJines

Some folks seem to see every issue as black and white. Wonder if that is intentional?

Enjoying a drink or two in the evening around a campfire is not getting drunk. In fact, I would venture to say that next to the hunting, the time people spend around the campfire in the evening enjoying a drink, telling stories and having a cigar if that is your pleasure is probably one of the most memorable things about safari for many folks.

23 March 2014, 23:31

pagosawingnut

Yes, I've had lions walk in between the tents at night and was glad I was awake to be able to see them as well.
I figure that as long as I don't have to crawl back to my tent, it's ok.

24 March 2014, 00:38

Todd Williams

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Some folks seem to see every issue as black and white. Wonder if that is intentional?

Enjoying a drink or two in the evening around a campfire is not getting drunk. In fact, I would venture to say that next to the hunting, the time people spend around the campfire in the evening enjoying a drink, telling stories and having a cigar if that is your pleasure is probably one of the most memorable things about safari for many folks.

I have to agree. Having a drink or two is a far cry from "getting drunk". I stopped "getting drunk" for the most part back in my 20s when going to parties that were designed for that very purpose for the most part. Enjoying a beer or few, or a couple of drinks of scotch, martini, G&T, or the like within responsible moderation is a long way from drinking with the intent of "getting drunk". Same thing for the occasional cigar or in my case, a pipe. There is a huge difference in puffing on a stogie now and again as compared to smoking a couple of packs of cigarets every day.

Is smoking a cigar or having a few drinks a net positive in terms of health benefits? No, probably not as compared to Tea Totaling, but then again, a dry salad is probably more healthy than a good, juicy Rib-Eye steak consumed "extra rare"; but then again, I'm no rabbit!

24 March 2014, 01:00

MJines

Not that this would ever happen but it could be asserted that taking polarizing positions on issues to keep things stirred up is intentional to keep interest up. Just speculation of course.

24 March 2014, 01:08

Todd Williams

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Not that this would ever happen but it could be asserted that taking polarizing positions on issues to keep things stirred up is intentional to keep interest up. Just speculation of course.

Ya think so? Here on AR? Nah. Couldn't be. All of those Mark Sullivan debates have been straight up! I'm convinced of it!

24 March 2014, 01:19

MJines

Yea, you're right. Just a baseless conspiracy theory. I am starting to sound like Jimmy Carter suggesting that the government is spying on his email.

Back to the subject at hand, regarding cigars, focused just on brands, it is hard to beat the various La Flor Dominicana blends, particularly the Ligeros and Double Ligeros.

24 March 2014, 02:00

Steve Ahrenberg

quote:
Originally posted by Todd Williams:
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Some folks seem to see every issue as black and white. Wonder if that is intentional?

Enjoying a drink or two in the evening around a campfire is not getting drunk. In fact, I would venture to say that next to the hunting, the time people spend around the campfire in the evening enjoying a drink, telling stories and having a cigar if that is your pleasure is probably one of the most memorable things about safari for many folks.

I have to agree. Having a drink or two is a far cry from "getting drunk". I stopped "getting drunk" for the most part back in my 20s when going to parties that were designed for that very purpose for the most part. Enjoying a beer or few, or a couple of drinks of scotch, martini, G&T, or the like within responsible moderation is a long way from drinking with the intent of "getting drunk". Same thing for the occasional cigar or in my case, a pipe. There is a huge difference in puffing on a stogie now and again as compared to smoking a couple of packs of cigarets every day.

Is smoking a cigar or having a few drinks a net positive in terms of health benefits? No, probably not as compared to Tea Totaling, but then again, a dry salad is probably more healthy than a good, juicy Rib-Eye steak consumed "extra rare"; but then again, I'm no rabbit!

Hi Todd,

I agree. Having a few and getting pissed are completely polar from on another. However, It has been my experience, you are the exception and not the rule.

I just returned from two weeks in Brazil. Never have I seen a camp "Drank Dry" of any and all adult beverages.

I cannot understand, going to exotic and far away places, on trips with so much enthusiastic anticipation and getting hammered at each and every opportunity.

24 March 2014, 02:05

MJines

Honestly, having been on eight safaris and shared camp with many people, most of whom I did not know, I cannot recall one instance of anyone getting drunk. Not once.

24 March 2014, 02:15

Steve Ahrenberg

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Honestly, having been on eight safaris and shared camp with many people, most of whom I did not know, I cannot recall one instance of anyone getting drunk. Not once.

I would never get pissed in front of a lawyer either

24 March 2014, 02:24

larryshores

I like to drink but i rarely drink when hunting. I can drink here. I don't need to go halfway across the world to drink.

24 March 2014, 02:50

pagosawingnut

I usually, like some of the others, stop in one of the duty free and purchase whatever I like to drink. I don't believe that a couple of drinks hurt a dang thing. There are some that don't drink and then there are some that will sit around the campfire and imbibe. It's my vacation/free time so I might as well enjoy it.

24 March 2014, 02:55

JGRaider

I'm looking forward to sitting around a fire while trying out the some Tafel and WH lager. Never had either one.

24 March 2014, 02:56

larryshores

quote:
Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
I usually, like some of the others, stop in one of the duty free and purchase whatever I like to drink. I don't believe that a couple of drinks hurt a dang thing. There are some that don't drink and then there are some that will sit around the campfire and imbibe. It's my vacation/free time so I might as well enjoy it.

We only had a couple at Gilchrist? Lol

24 March 2014, 04:16

pagosawingnut

Oh, Larry!
You're right. We only had a couple at Gilchrist. Right before a couple more, and maybe a couple more and then you were knocking on my door. BUT....This thread was about African hunting, not American hunting in Florida. I was just trying to be as gracious as my host and keep up with him.

24 March 2014, 07:19

Saeed

We have a rule in camp.

Anyone caught drunk will be tied at the edge of the river over night.

Both the hyenas and the croc have to fight over him

24 March 2014, 08:55

pagosawingnut

That's funny right there!!!!! But don't you think that is a little harsh?? And who gets to decide what drunk is? Dang, Saeed.

24 March 2014, 09:09

Saeed

quote:
Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
That's funny right there!!!!! But don't you think that is a little harsh?? And who gets to decide what drunk is? Dang, Saeed.

That would be the one who never drinks or smokes.

It just so happens to me

25 March 2014, 05:54

Blair 338RUM

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
quote:
Originally posted by Blair 338RUM:
Cigars....as long as they are Cuban......no Dominican rubbish.

That may have been true a number of years ago, but not so much any more. In my experience, a data set of one, the quality of Cuban cigars has diminished over the years and the quality of the Dominican and Nicaraguan cigars has improved vastly. Today I think the quality non-Cubans are every bit as good as the Cubans. Particularly with names like Cohiba which I find to be generally overrated.

Mike,

The output of Cuban cigars has increased enormously, so undoubtedly the quality has dropped overall. So I would agree with you on that.

I just find Cuban cigars have more complexity, than even the best non Cubans....and buying them here in Oz is no problem....so you can test drive various brands and discover what floats your boat.

And a good humidor is essential

And having a few drinks with dinner and your mates is hardly getting pissed...it increases the overall experience, Saeed

25 March 2014, 20:58

Gatogordo

quote:
Originally posted by larryshores:
I like to drink but i rarely drink when hunting. I can drink here. I don't need to go halfway across the world to drink.

Not for the first time, I agree with Larry. I am always amazed at the number of people who seem to think hunting trips are simply excuses to get drunk away from home. I don't understand it, the hunts cost money, the experiences are often exceptional, and why someone would choose to dull one or both by being stupid drunk is beyond me.

Pleasantly relaxed around a fire is an entirely different matter, of course.

25 March 2014, 22:28

fairgame

You can do what as you please on your safari but don't drink my diesel.

25 March 2014, 22:47

MJines

Talking about drinks in the evening around the fire, Peter Byrne described it like this, "[We] had another pleasant evening, its ambience warmed by [a] bottle of Scotch." I think that description captures the notion nicely.

26 March 2014, 00:12

Saeed

Get the recipe and make some from hyaena brain!

Might turn you into a witch doctor!

26 March 2014, 12:46

Scriptus

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
You can do what as you please on your safari but don't drink my diesel.

Is that your special "reserve?"

26 March 2014, 13:42

luan

Alot of water some diet cooldrink and a cigar at the fire nothing better.

Luan

26 March 2014, 14:10

shakari

quote:
Originally posted by luan:
Alot of water some diet cooldrink and a cigar at the fire nothing better.

Luan

Yeah, right!

26 March 2014, 17:10

Blair 338RUM

quote:
Originally posted by luan:
Alot of water some diet cooldrink and a cigar at the fire nothing better.

Luan

Are you being fair dinkum there Luan??

26 March 2014, 17:24

luan

Hey guys

Im a water drinking machine as you all know.

Luan

26 March 2014, 17:27

shakari

quote:
Originally posted by luan:
Hey guys

Im a water drinking machine as you all know.

Luan

26 March 2014, 17:42

The Norwegian

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:

Enjoying a drink or two in the evening around a campfire is not getting drunk. In fact, I would venture to say that next to the hunting, the time people spend around the campfire in the evening enjoying a drink, telling stories and having a cigar if that is your pleasure is probably one of the most memorable things about safari for many folks.

I totally agree Mike - in my opinion this is one of the finest moments on any hunt I am attending ! In Africa such moment in sunset or darkness around the campfire listening to the sounds around the camp, smelling firewood etc is just plain medicine to a hunting soul