Whiskey, it’s traditionally been the old man’s drink. That golden liquid you see suited businessmen sipping away at any bar on a Friday arvo. Really, it’s the bev you thought would never touch until your tastebuds were dead and you have a 25+ career under your belt.
Well studies seem to prove us wrong, as earlier this year over in the States the NY Post showed us that younger guys and girls have actually been increasing dabbles in scotch whiskey. Sales in whiskey rose 7.7% last year, more than any other spirit.
So with World Scotch Whiskey Day coming up next week, it got us wondering, why is this traditional spirit creating such modern buzz?
All Of The Different Types
Scotch Whiskey (oh hey Dewars) is just one of the many different types of Whiskey’s out there to love and embrace. From Bourbon (oh hey Makers Mark) to Single Malt, Blended, Tennessee (oh hey Jacky D), Cinnamon Whiskey (oh hey Fireball) and our new fave, Canadian Whiskey (oh hey CC & Dry).
And with an abundance of choice comes an abundance of drinking options. If straight up or on the rocks is a little bold for your first adventure, shake it up. Try with ginger ale/dry, coke or in cocktail form (think Old Fashioned, Manhattan) – you’re spoilt and you immediately get all of the classy vibes when drinking.
Food Pairings
We are a country that loves our food and drink combos, and whiskey is no different. It’s the rich flavours and foods that really go well with whiskey, think fried chicken, chocolate and pork ribs. Even a sneaky bit of cheese with a smoky or spicy blend can create amazing sensation in your mouth.
The legends over at Dewars even did their own pop up whiskey/food bar called the Scotch Egg Club in Sydney earlier this year. Serving scotch eggs, chicken and chips, the event was so damn popular, they’ve brought it back in Newtown (Websters Bar) and Castle Hill (Crooked Tailor) till the end of July!
Pop Culture Vibes
From Mad Men to Suits, Ron Burgundy to Barney Stinson – pop culture has literally become a staple environment for whiskey.
Let’s be real, popular culture is a big influencer in our lives and there is no doubt in this case. Whether it’s Don Draper and co with that more old school vibe, to Harvey and friends in Suits – the spirit is almost seen as a drink that only the confident, ambitious type of person drinks.
It Makes Us (At Least Seem) Mature
As above. Whether we are legitimately mature or not, you can’t deny the classy connotations associated with whiskey. You’re not slurping it out of a foil bag on your washing line (or are you?) And to pair it with red bull would just be death.
Kudos to your sir/ma’am if you’ve earned the maturity, and hey if you’re not quite there yet, enjoy your temporary aura.
Image Sources: Dewars, We Loversize, Portland Monthly.