I often find myself taking a defensive position when I disclose to acquaintances or some stranger in a pub that I drink a wee glass of whisk(e)y several times a week, or even every day. More often than not, this comes as a shock even to those who are, as yours truly, in their mid to late 20's. One would think individuals in this age-group holds a more relaxed attitude towards alcohol, and would therefore sway from the older generation's swift condemnation of such a “self-destructive habit”.

The problem is, predictably, that they all think I knock back a truck-load worth of the amber nectar each month. It doesn't occur to them that a high proof spirit can be enjoyed and savoured as a life-affirming, highly enjoyable potion that can restore one's spirits (no pun intended) and be an impassioned every-day luxury even when consumed in moderation.

Has cultural differencies and background to do with it? I suspect so. Sweden, my homeland, have for more years than I can remember had a rigorously Orwellian stance on the selling and consumption of alcohol. The only outlet available to us is the state owned retail-chain and every litre of alcohol is taxed 196 SEK (app. €20) on top of the purchasing price. If you are keen on a glass of Ardbeg when strolling down the aisles of the local supermarket on a Saturday night, you will not find this finest of whiskies neatly lined up on any shelf.

There's a sense of guilt that permeates the view we Scandinavians have on alcohol and drinking habits. Therefore I am rarely offended by the suspicious and oft-times derogatory looks and snarls I get when admitting I drink as regularly as I do. “Hey”, I’ll say, amidst loud voices and excessively Vodka-fueled bar-attendants, “One glass holding 3-4 centiliters of malt or bourbon doesn't put me in the same company as a near-death intoxicated Dennis Hopper, sloshed Dorothy Parker or any of the homeless winos lying in a ditch singing their praise to drunkenness.” This reassuring remark doesn't settle well. “Uhum, yeah.” they’ll respond and take another sip of their Vodka mixed with Red Bull.

In retrospect, why the Hell do I bother? A sense of pride perhaps, as if I am the leader of a malt army and need to defend the troops consisting of struggling Speysiders, Islays and bourbons. I attempt to persuade others of the magnificence of whisky, I want them to see the light, too. To no real avail.

To some extent I understand their doubts. The fact is that an alarming majority of Scandinavians use any type of alcohol for the sole purpose of being completely soused. Enjoy a liquid with an ABV of + 40 % and not using it as a means to an end? “C'mon.” they snigger, “You sound like my granddad. Or are you using the stuff to impress the ladies?”.

The counter-move to this type of attitude has in recent years seen some success especially in Southern European countries. Single malts in particular have partly started to loosen up the meagre and sceptic attitudes of the average Fred and John who used to be familiar with Jack Daniels (wrongly calling it a bourbon) and maybe Famous Grouse. You don’t have to be middle-aged or a pretentious snob to appreciate whisky. For my fellow countrymen in my age and younger, there’s still a lot of work to do before any acceptance will be in sight. But don’t we know it: whisky, the finest of spirits, deserves to be recognized as a “means”, and not an “end”.

In the meantime, I’ll confidently pour myself a glass of Ardbeg 1977, well knowing there is a world of difference between serene Zen-like indulgence and rampant binging. I’ll raise my glass and chuckle ironically, “Thank you, whisky-ignorants, for not drinking this liquid love. That means there’s more for me.”.

---

You think you have something to add to this article? You can do so by using this form below! Your comment will be added on the bottom of this page.

Name :
Type yellow text* :
Email** :
Comment :

*) To prevent abuse by automated systems we have to include this extra security step.
**) If you want to receive an email when a new comment is added, please include your email address here. Address will not be shown on this page or used for any other purposes.