Let's get drunk - Cheap Strong Beer review - Unemployment styles yo!
So, apparently unemployment levels in Alberta have reached levels not seen since the 1980's, and a decent number of our fellow beyond comrades are now unemployed, and morale is in the toilet, this seems fitting. I figure if you can't make the world a better place, and you aren't making six figures, you may as well get drunk. Let's see if we can figure out what beer is the best to purchase if you are broke and just want to get your buzz on.
The Premise: Beer that cost under $10 for a six-pack, and has over 5.0% alcohol. Available in the North-central area of town. The list is not exhaustive, but a good cross-section of your common options.
The Journey: We started our search at North Hill Mall, conveniently located on several major bus routes, and beside the LRT, or a short walk from a few parks that you could sleep in.
Liquor Depot North Hill: A fine liquor store. I was immediatly drawn to a gentelman who was arguing with the staff about his ability to wear a backpack in the store. After he took it off, he headed straight for the "TNT Strong Malt". That was a man who knew what he wanted, and he wasted no time looking at options. I followed his lead and got some. I also picked up some "River Valley Light Lager" after a short chat with the staff. This is apparently made big Big Rock, and is same as AGD and Co-op lager. I'm using this light beer as my control group for this experiment.
Dave's Liquor: A short walk to the sears end of the mall and across 16th avenue you'll find this gem, although if that clerk is called Dave, I'll eat my hat, or his. I checked what the crowd of four "urban adenturers" who were sitting on the doorstep were drinking, and they had chosen Black Ice. By their condition, it was indeed a quality choice. Sadly inside, it wasn't sold in six-packs, and I don't need a 15-pack, even if it was only $18 for one. I ended up with Lucky Extra, a favourite of our west-coast friends, Bow Valley Strong, and some lucky "Force8" that frankly drew my attention in unnatural ways.
Highlander Liquor: (Just west of the Mall on 19th street) by that former burger king that is now a good Thai restaurant. This is a nice liquor store. If you want advice about wine, this is your spot. Not a single six-pack available for under $10. I fucked off out of here pretty quickly.
Olympia Liquor (Centre Street and 19th Ave N) Nice little store, with decent selection of better hard boozes. Have found some great rums here in the past, but today my focus was elsewhere. Back in the cooler, I found some of my previous purchases, but I also found some Black Ice in a six pack at last. True, it was $10.57 once you factor in tax and deposit, but they had a 24 pack for $$26.99 plus GST and deposit, so that's a solid contender, and clearly a choice of veterans.
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The lineup:
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Banana is for scale. I honestly get a headache just looking at that picture.
Ratings criteria will be alcohol percentage, smoothness, taste and aftertaste. As mentioned, I will also rate the one light beer as a kind of control. So we have six varieties of beer, and four criteria, the first one rated out of 8, the other three rated out of 5, so max score is 23 points.
Originally Posted by killramos
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