Still, Debowa isn’t too bad of a vodka – it’s not as ‘clean’ tasting as some top-shelf liquors, but it does have miles more character.

Transcript

Hello, this is DrinksAhoy and this… is Beverage Guide Express.

In this episode, we’re covering Debowa Military Vodka.

It’s a Polish vodka, with a distinctive cartridge-shaped wooden bottle containing a glass insert within.

At 40 percent alcohol by volume, this vodka is typical export strength.

The spirit is manufactured by Debowa Polska, based in Wolsztyn, Poland.

The name Debowa translates from the Polish for ‘Oak’ – hence the wooden bottle, and addition of a piece of oak wood to every bottle.

Debowa were founded in 1982, although for much of their history they produced plum brandy, only adding Vodka to their roster a couple of years ago.

Their main vodka is sold as ‘Oak Vodka of Poland’, available in a variety of styled bottles – or in plain glass one should you eschew novelty.

Polish Plum 40% is Debowa’s flagship non-vodka brand.

There’s little to say about the vodka’s appearance: it’s absolutely clear, with nary a hint of colour.

Its aroma is similarly basic: difficult to discern anything other than alcohol without tasting.

What flavour is there is subtle – a fruity warmth, with a hint of spice and woodiness.

Slightly diluted, the flavours open up, revealing notes of vanilla and a fruity spruce of black elderberry.

With the right mixer, these undertones shine through, and give Debowa a character unlike a mass-produced vodka.

It might not be as smooth as some top-shelf varieties – and the bullet-shaped bottle is nothing but a novelty: but nevertheless this oaken Polish vodka – is of a surprisingly good calibre.

Thanks for watching, and join me next time for a popular cider from Hereford.

Until then – cheers!

Sorry to see it go, but this at least clears the route to finishing the Black Ops weapons guides before November, when of course I’ll be switching to Black Ops 2.

Transcript

Hello, this is XboxAhoy – and these are the Weapons of Modern Warfare.

In this episode, we’re taking a look at the G36 platform – namely, the G36C and MG36.

The G36, or ‘Gewehr sechs-und-dreißig’ hails from Germany – designed and manufactured by Heckler und Koch.

The G36 platform was designed in the early 1990s, entered production in 1996 – and in 1997, was adopted by the Bundeswehr.

The G36C made its first appearance in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and returned in Modern Warfare 3.

The C stands for Compact – as it’s a subcarbine-length variant of the G36 rifle.

The MG36 is the Light Support Weapon variant, with a heavier barrel and bipod making it more suitable for sustained fire.

It made its debut appearance in Modern Warfare 3.

The G36 platform replaced the G3 rifle in service with the Bundeswehr, which was introduced in 1959.

The G3 was originally a Spanish design, namely the CETME rifle, named for the establishment who designed the weapon – the ‘Centro de Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales’, or Centre for Technical Studies of Special Materials.

The CETME and later G3 rifles both fire 7.62mm NATO rounds – and as such are classified as battle rifles, in the same category as the FN FAL.

The 1970s saw a transition towards intermediate calibres, and so there was a growing desire to replace the G3.

The G11 was intended to be West Germany’s new service rifle – a unique design using caseless 4.73mm ammunition.

Sadly, the project was scuppered during the political changes during the German reunification, and the G11 didn’t see widespread adoption.

During this time, H&K offered a couple of rifles in the NATO intermediate calibre – the HK33, developed in the 1960s, was essentially a smaller version of the G3 rifle intended for export.

The G41 was a more modern version, introduced in 1981 – but neither this nor the HK33 were deemed suitable replacements for the G3, and instead were bound solely for export.

The newly united Germany had a desperate need for a new 5.56mm assault rifle, and in 1990 H&K would embark on ‘Project 50’ – what would eventually become the G36.

In trials, the G36 would face off against the Austrian AUG – but the native rifle won out, and was adopted in 1997.

The G36’s magazine design is similar to that seen on the SIG 550 – translucent polymer box mags, with studs on either side, allowing magazines to be clipped together.

Standard capacity is 30-rounds, although for the MG36 there exist 100-round C-Mag type drum magazines.

Cyclic rate of fire is 750 rounds per minute across all variants.

The original G36 weighs in at 3.63 kilograms: The G36C is considerably lighter, at 2.82 kilograms; and the MG36’s heavier barrel brings the platform to 3.83 kilograms.

Overall length, again, depends on variant: The original G36 and the MG36 are a shade shy of a metre, at 999 millimetres – while the G36C is considerably shorter, at 720 millimetres.

In addition to the rifle’s adoption by the Bundeswehr, the rifle is used by many other forces all over the world – including the Hellenic Armed Forces, Latvian Army, Lithuanian Armed Forces, the Spanish Army and Navy, and the SAS – and many police forces, too – including the German Bundespolizei, Australian Operational Response Group, Brazilian Federal Police, Finnish Border Guard and Police, National Police of Iceland, Mexican Federal Police, UK’s Metropolitan Police Service, and the United States Capitol Police.

The G36 platform extends to a number of variants – some intended for export, such as the G36V, or ‘Variant’, produced for Spain and Latvia.

The MG36 was the light support weapon variant of the platform, although this version is now discontinued.

The G36K – Kurz, meaning short – is a shortened carbine version of the rifle: somewhere in-between the G36 and G36C.

The more recent G36A2 is an updated version of the platform, equipped with a quick-detachable red dot sight on a Picatinny rail.

There exist a couple of civilian models, too – the SL8 semi-automatic rifle, and R8 straight-pull bolt-action.

Unlike the G36, these variants have a thumbhole stock, and some models will accept only single-stack 10-round capacity magazines.

H&K also have their eye on American military contracts – and the G36 platform has formed the basis of their proposals for infantry weapon systems.

The XM8 rifle is essentially a dressed-up G36 action, offered for the US Objective Individual Combat Weapon contract in 2003.

However, in 2005 the OICW contract was cancelled, with the XM8 project following suit.

The HK416 was a similar attempt to break the American market, this time competing for the Individual Carbine contract, seeking a replacement for the M4.

Competition is ongoing, and the HK416 remains in the contest – with the rifle’s gas system derived directly from the G36, adapted for use on the AR-15 platform.

The G36’s prevalence reflects its status as a top-tier modern assault rifle: its operation is reliable, its ergonomics keen, and it has sufficient robustness to stand up to general infantry use.

Its depiction in Modern Warfare 3 reflects the platform’s versatility – the MG36 boasts some of the quickest handling in the LMG class, and the G36C is a versatile assault rifle that offers consistent performance at every range.

Should you seek victory, equip this jack of all trades – and master the win.

Thanks for watching, this has been XboxAhoy.

This marks the end of the Weapons of Modern Warfare – for now.

Over the coming weeks I’ll be focusing on finishing the Black Ops weapon guide series, in the run up to Black Ops 2.

Until then – farewell.

Another offering from Peroni, this time – and one that’s much more pleasing to the palate. It’s not the best beer in the world, but it’s a massive step up from Nastro Azzuro.

Not that Nastro Azzuro is bad, of course – I hope I didn’t give you that impression from the last video. It’s a perfectly respectable mainstream lager, perfect on a hot summer’s day – but it lacks any real character, unfortunately.

No pourshot in this episode – but there is a particularly nice ‘wetshot’. It’s always nice to see a tiny quivering rivulet run down the side of a glass. I like these shots – the pourshot, especially, adds a wonderful kinetic element to BGX, although it’s easy to mess up.

Transcript

Hello, this is DrinksAhoy and this… is Beverage Guide Express.

In this episode, we’re covering Peroni Gran Riserva.

Like Nastro Azzuro, Gran Riserva is an Italian beer.

It’s a strong lager, more refined and with bolder taste than its paler brother.

At 6.6% alcohol by volume, it’s a shade more potent – but still within the realm of quaffability.

Peroni Gran Riserva is manufactured by Birra Peroni, based in Rome, Italy.

The variety is a relatively recent addition to their complement, having been introduced in 1996.

In addition to Gran Riserva and Nastro Azzuro, Peroni also make their original Peroni lager, Peroncino, and Leggera.

Gran Riserva pours a golden amber hue, a shade or two darker than the mainstream variant.

There’s little in the way of head, and only slight carbonation.

Aroma is surprisingly inviting – principally malt, with an almost artificial sweetness.

Initial taste mirrors the nose, with the sweet malts giving way to a tarter barley.

The body is much more rewarding than a typical lager, with a wave of warm treacle as you enter the tail end of the taste.

Gran Riserva shares a similar finish to Nastro Azzuro, with a similar hop bitterness and a familiar metallic aftertaste – but, in the light of the enhanced character and flavour, are muted by comparison.

A much more flavourful variety, Gran Riserva lives up to its name – a pleasant experience, that’s best savoured, like the taste: as slow as molasses.

Thanks for watching, and join me next time for a high-calibre Polish vodka.

Until then – cheers!

The first is the more common, and massively more popular – but sadly, not particularly inspiring. Tomorrow’s brew is far superior.

Transcript

Hello, this is DrinksAhoy and this… is Beverage Guide Express.

In this episode, we’re covering Peroni Nastro Azzurro.

It’s a premium Italian pale lager, its name translating to ‘blue ribbon’ in honour of the Blue Riband awarded to the Italian ocean liner, the SS Rex.

At 5.1% by volume, it’s of typical strength for such a lager.

Nastro Azzuro is manufactured by Birra Peroni, currently based in Rome, Italy but founded in Vigevano in 1846.

The beer was launched in 1963, at the 30-year anniversary of the Blue Riband award the beer is named for.

As well as this premium lager, there’s the original Peroni, Gran Riserva, Peronicino, and the light Leggera.

Peroni Nastro Azzuro pours a light yellow-amber colour, with slight carbonation.

Initial aroma is clean – hint of barley, and little else. Not a particularly inviting scent.

First sip is sharp, slightly acidic with the carbonation apparent.

The principal flavour is slightly sweet maize: but otherwise there’s not much to this lager, other than a slightly bitter metallic aftertaste.

Like most lagers, this one is designed for drinkability. Despite being named for a Blue Riband award: it’s unlikely to win any such thing.

Thanks for watching, and join me next time for another, more thoroughbred variety from the scuderia Peroni.

Until then – cheers!

Transcript

Hello, this is XboxAhoy and this is the twenty-ninth episode of my Black Ops weapon guide.

Epic win.

In this episode we’re covering the FN FAL.

It’s a semi-automatic weapon, unlocked at level 32.

The FN FAL, or ‘Fusil Automatique Léger’ – which translates as Light Automatic Rifle – is a Belgian weapon, manufactured by Fabrique Nationale d’Herstal.

It was first produced in 1953, and would become a definitive example of a post-war battle rifle, and the western counterpoint to the Soviet AKM.

The development of the FAL began in 1947, in the wake of World War 2 – with the increasing inadequacy of traditional bolt-action service rifles for infantry combat, and the advent of effective automatic rifles, such as the German Sturmgewehr 44 and Russian AK-47.

The era of the select-fire battle rifle had begun – a politically charged time, with former allied forces dividing Europe in two – North America and Western Europe forming the NATO alliance, and the Soviet Union and Eastern European states uniting under the Warsaw pact.

The FAL would be the cold war service rifle of choice for many NATO states – and would eventually be adopted by over 90 countries total, with 2 million units produced.

Such was its ubiquity, the FAL was nicknamed ‘the right arm of the free world’.

The FN FAL fires the NATO standard rifle cartridge – the 7.62×51mm.

Magazines are of a standard box type, and in Black Ops are available in both 20 and 30 round capacities.

Damage is high, similar to the M14 in that the FAL will kill in 2 bodyshots out to middle range – but lacking the slightly elevated headshot multiplier.

Rate of fire is semi-automatic, but is capped at 625 rounds per minute – faster fingers may hit this rate, but your shots will prove more effective if you fire more slowly, and allow the recoil to settle.

Recoil is moderate, with the weapon generally kicking upwards and – somewhat unusually – to the left.

Fire too quickly and the recoil is enough to foul your aim at a distance, so moderating your fire rate is wise to ensure accuracy.

At close range, recoil is less of a factor – so a faster rate of fire might be more prudent should your opponent be in the same room as you.

Aim time is standard for the assault rifle category, at 250 milliseconds.

Reloads are fairly average, at 2.5 seconds – but with the lower-than average magazine capacity, this may creep up on you if you’re not careful.

It’s worth noting that the FAL’s hipfire performance is the worst of all assault rifles – so it’s best to always aim down your sights, and ideally avoid close range encounters altogether.

The FAL has a full complement of attachments available – with Dual Mags available in place of the M14’s grip.

As a single shot weapon, precision is important – so the optical attachments are generally a pretty good choice.

The Red Dot Sight removes some of the occlusion of the iron sights, and the illuminated reticle will help improve contrast against your target, especially in dark areas.

The reflex sight is the same, with a slightly different appearance but very similar function.

These two sights are the most versatile option, suiting engagements at every distance.

The ACOG scope is quite well suited to the FAL, although will result in a slower aim time, increased recoil, and will decrease your effectiveness against close-range targets.

Still, if employed over long sightlines, the enhanced zoom and precision crosshairs can aid in picking off opponents at distances outside their effective range.

The Infrared scope is similar, although less versatile than the ACOG thanks to its higher magnification.

While it can help in identifying obscured enemies, it’s not particularly easy to use – and so the other sights are generally more useful.

Extended mags will grant you 30 rounds instead of the default 20 – this will delay your need to reload, but isn’t a major help to the FAL.

The weapon is best employed with careful, aimed shots – should you need more than 20 bullets in a single engagement it might be wise to slow your trigger finger and aim with greater care.

Dual mags grant a faster alternate reload, and increased starting supply – two useful traits with the weapon.

The faster alternate reload lessens the need for Sleight of Hand, and the extra mags will mean you can use the FAL in a prolonged defensive role without the need for Scavenger, or locating a replacement weapon.

The suppressor will keep you off the minimap when firing, but will reduce your weapon’s effective range.

This will mean you’ll need 3 hits to kill at medium ranges, and so only really suits smaller maps – or a more manoeuvrable loadout.

If you can get close, you can do incredible damage with a silent FAL – but you should take care to avoid direct confrontation.

The underslung weapons are all present, with few surprises: the underslung grenade launcher is useful for clearing points or for finishing off enemies around corners, but isn’t worth the attachment slot.

The Masterkey is sometimes useful, given that the FAL is less effective up close – but does require Steady Aim in your second perk slot for maximum effectiveness.

The flamethrower is similar, offering a more forgiving solution to close range firefights – but beware those using Flak Jacket Pro.

Our class with the FN FAL is focussed on vigilance: controlling sightlines and maintaining a radar advantage over the opposing team.

We’ll be pairing two attachments – firstly, Dual Mags, for both the extra starting ammo supply, and faster alternate reload – and secondly, either the Red Dot or Reflex sight for pinpoint precision upon distant targets.

For our perks, we’ll be assembling a set that lend themselves to the FN FAL’s core strength – quick 2-shot kills at a middle to long range.

Keeping the enemy at an arms reach will help us avoid direct close range firefights, where a semi-automatic weapon will leave you vulnerable.

Our first perk, Hardline – when paired with the Spy Plane and Counter Spy Plane – will help ensure that you and your team have a near-constant radar advantage.

By keeping one eye on the radar you’ll be able to anticipate likely enemy engagements, and take up firing positions that will give you and your rifle a distinct advantage.

Our second perk, Warlord, will allow you to choose two attachments instead of one for a truly custom loadout.

Pairing Dual Mags with an optic is only one option – alternatively you could add the suppressor with either Dual Mags or the red dot, depending on your preference.

Warlord Pro is also useful for increasing your supply of grenades – 2 lethal grenades and 3 tactical will come in useful on longer streaks.

Our final perk adds a degree of resilience to any defensive class, and is especially useful for those weapons that demand precision.

Tactical Mask will protect you from Nova Gas – and if you can bear to unlock it – Tac Mask Pro will lessen the effects of both flash and concussion grenades, which is very useful.

For your lethal grenades, Frags are perhaps the most versatile – in that you can cook them for near instant detonation near your target, or bounce them around corners to tackle hidden enemies.

Concussion grenades are a good fit for your tactical slot, as they will slow enemies and inhibit their ability to aim – very useful for preventing incoming foes from getting too close.

Equipping a claymore is a similarly wise defensive move, allowing you to cover an otherwise unguarded entrance to your firing location, and focus more on your sights than on the risk of ambush.

For your secondary – a pistol is essential. With the poor hipfire performance of the FAL, the nimbler sidearm will prove more reliable up close.

The CZ-75 with extended mags is my go-to – otherwise, consider the Python for a similar close-range damage profile to the FAL, but with far better close quarter handling characteristics.

The FN FAL is a devastatingly powerful assault rifle that rewards those who can handle a semi-automatic weapon.

Only the M14 bests the FAL’s damage per shot in the assault rifle category – and in most circumstances the FAL will kill just as quickly.

Recoil is generally pretty easy to handle, too – boasting a lower degree of kick than the M14, even if it is a little more inconsistent.

The semi-automatic fire mode will limit your effectiveness up close – even with the high damage, it’s difficult to accurately direct fire upon a close-range assailant.

This weakness means you have to be mindful of your positioning, and take advantage of cover points to ensure you can place your shots accurately without interruption.

If you fire from the open, a mid-ranged enemy with an automatic assault rifle may very well be able to press their advantage.

Nevertheless, with vigilance as your watchword and in adopting a prepared position – the FN FAL will truly shine.

As long as your shots are accurate, you’ll make short work of the enemy – killing in two shots where your opponent may need 4 or 5.

The right arm of the free world’s enduring popularity is testament… to FN brilliance.

Thanks for watching, this has been XboxAhoy.

Join me for the next Black Ops Weapon Guide, when I’ll be covering the MPL.

Until then, farewell.

In any case, it’s our first American drink – and it’s not too bad. I’d sooner have a Hoegaarden (or something rarer), but it’s nice to have a choice.

Notably absent is the pourshot in this episode – it’s my ambition to always include one going forward, as there are few things sexier than a well-captured one. I’m also kicking myself for recording at the wrong shutter speed – there’s some phasing flicker as a result of my lighting’s refresh rate. Perhaps I worry too much – but these are all lessons learned for future episodes.

Transcript

Hello, this is DrinksAhoy and this… is Beverage Guide Express.

In this episode, we’re covering Blue Moon.

Blue Moon hails from the USA, but is distinctly Belgian in style – a Witbeer, to be precise.

Brewed with oats for creaminess, and spiced with orange and coriander – Blue Moon is a true Belgian White, if inauthentic in origin.

Alcoholic content is 5.4% by volume.

Blue Moon is manufactured by the Blue Moon Brewing Company, based in Golden, Colorado.

The Brewery is a part of Tenth and Blake Beer Company – the craft and import division of brewing giant MillerCoors.

Blue Moon was introduced in 1995, and was originally known as Bellyside Belgian White.

It was met with critical acclaim, attaining gold in the World Beer Championship in its year of introduction – and silver the two following years.

The brewery make a number of other varieties, in addition to their flagship witbier: Pale Moon, Winter Abbey Ale, amongst quite a few others.

Blue Moon pours an opaque deep orange hue, its lack of translucency due to the drink being unfiltered.

This is typical for the style, and lends to the beer’s creamy body.

Aroma is intensely citric, largely due to the orange peel added during the brewing process.

Taste follows suit, a sweet body dominated by orange overtones, with a hint of spice underneath.

A little bitter in the finish, This brew is certainly a change of pace from MillerCoor’s usual output.

A mass-produced American beer that’s true to a Belgian style? That sort of thing only comes around – once in a blue moon.

Thanks for watching, and join me next time for a pair of Italian beers, delineated in blue.