Recently I have been getting quality value out of Red Hook's ESB.

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ESB, for the uninitiated (huh heh) stands variably for Extra Strong Bitter, or Extra Special Bitter. Bitter is an English style that goes way back, and sadly isn't very popular in the States. It isn't actually very bitter at all, it just has that name, but it is a phenomenal style of beer. Hooligans will certainly agree, if they can stop punching each other for a few seconds! For a 24/12 case- $28.99.

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When it comes to whiskey or scotch or bourbon, well let me just make that choice for you. It's bourbon. The money doesn't lie, and the best you're going to do is Ezra Brooks bourbon. Whether you're sweltering in the third story of your walk-up with a non-functional air conditioner or looking down, shirking your duties to the community that just got 14 inches of snow dumped on it, this is your best bet. For a 1.75L bottle- 23.49.