Whisky: A Drink With Character And Its Own Drinking Culture

The geography of whisky has long been much broader than the first countries of production — Ireland and Scotland. Today, whisky is consumed in America, India, Japan, Canada, and Europe. As a result, it has developed its own culture of consumption. In this article, we will talk about whisky and the rules for drinking it.

 

Why whisky was considered an exclusively male drink until recently

Women have a long and interesting relationship with whisky. They invented the still, smuggled it during Prohibition, and ultimately led to its repeal. Many women were even burned at the stake for selling strong alcohol during the Middle Ages. However, despite the significant contribution of women to the establishment and development of this category of strong alcohol, many still consider it a masculine drink, according to conventional wisdom.

Ideas about women and whisky have a parallel in the world of gambling. For a long time, casinos and gambling halls were seen as male spaces. Women were expected to stay away, and their presence at the tables was often questioned or judged. Early venues were built around male customers, and women who played cards or visited casinos faced criticism for being careless or emotional. Even with online platforms, some old myths persisted. People claimed women preferred simple choices or had no interest in strategy.

The truth is different. Today, women enjoy gambling just as much as men. They learn rules, compare platforms, and choose the experiences that suit them. Online casinos have made it easier to break old stereotypes. Digital spaces offer comfort and privacy, allowing women to play at their own pace. Bonus offers also help newcomers. For instance, a Crusino Casino no deposit bonus lets players explore a platform without spending money, giving them confidence before making any commitment.

This change is similar to what we see in whisky. Women are taking their place, gaining recognition, and showing that interest and knowledge matter more than gender. Both worlds are opening up, and old stereotypes are slowly fading.

Some informative statistics

Not long ago, Future Laboratory conducted a study confirming that 37% of modern whisky consumers are women. For comparison, in 1990, only 15% of women drank whisky. While this is far from half of all consumers, it still represents a significant proportion.

Why whisky is predominantly a male drink

The first reason is the lingering influence of Prohibition-era morals. At that time, whisky was associated with extramarital affairs and was widely sold in brothels once it became apparent that it increased profits from prostitution. A study by The Atlantic claims that in the 1850s in New York, women of easy virtue earned nearly $2 million annually from selling spirits to customers.

Even after Prohibition was repealed, the belief that women drinking alcohol in public and indecent behaviour were linked remained firmly entrenched in American consciousness. In some states, women were even prohibited from appearing in bars unaccompanied by their spouses until the mid-20th century.

This misconception applied not only to bars but also to distilleries. Under the influence of institutionalised fear, women were removed from work in distilleries and had to fight against strange superstitions, such as the ban on climbing the stairs to the still.

Since women could not consume alcohol in public and later were excluded from production, the consumption and production of whisky gradually became the prerogative of men.

Gender stereotypes in whisky advertising

Advertisers also played an important role in shaping the perception of strong drinks as masculine. At that time, three types of advertising slogans prevailed:

• ‘The man you want to be.’ This campaign focused on famous figures associated with masculinity, such as James Bond.
• ‘A man like you.’ A subtler approach, it showed someone resembling the target audience but living a noticeably better life. The message was that the only thing standing between the viewer and this luxury was the choice of whisky.
• ‘If you drink whisky, women like you.’ This was the most unpleasant and overtly sexist technique of the three.

Fortunately, the situation has improved in recent years. For example, Julia Ritz Toffoli founded the Women Who Drink Whisky club in New York, which aims to break down many of these stereotypes.

The right setting for scotch

This drink requires a special atmosphere and the right company. It is best enjoyed in the afternoon, preferably at sunset, so that the sunlight shimmers beautifully in the glass.

Other features include:

• The setting — a cosy living room with soft, preferably leather furniture.
• The company — close friends, relatives, or pleasant acquaintances; whisky is also enjoyed in business circles.
• Drinking alone — perfectly acceptable if you are in the right mood.

The crackling of wood in the fireplace, pleasant music, or a favourite film are excellent accompaniments to a glass of Scotch. If you are not yet familiar with this drink, consider finding out the cost of Jim Beam whisky and trying a bottle.

Rules for drinking

There are a few rules to follow when enjoying Scotch.

• Drink without straws — it should be consumed in small sips and savoured. The first sip should be the smallest, held on the tip of the tongue. The second sip should engage all the taste buds, moving the whisky under the tongue to fully appreciate its flavours.
• Avoid strong aromas — refrain from wearing strong perfume or using flowers with a rich scent. The tasting room should have a neutral smell to avoid interfering with the whisky’s aroma.
• Take breaks — allow up to 30 minutes between glasses. Exquisite alcohol is a long-lasting pleasure best enjoyed in small quantities.
• Avoid snacks — especially with expensive whiskies. Food can spoil the impression of high-quality alcohol and diminish the enjoyment of its taste.

Serving rules

There are a few basic rules to ensure that serving Scotch is harmonious:

• Temperature — ideally 18–20° C. To reach this, place the bottle in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or use an ice bucket with ice and water. The same applies to whisky glasses.
• Glasses — wide with a thick bottom. Such glasses allow the alcohol to fully reveal its taste and aroma.
• To dilute or not to dilute? — it is best to drink Scotch neat. If it feels too strong, add a little cold water or a couple of ice cubes.

If you still want a snack

Scotch pairs well with:

• Orange pumpkin, cooked to your liking, but avoid using too much sugar.
• Fresh melon, apples, apricots, peaches, bananas, and grapes. Citrus fruits are best avoided as they can distort the whisky’s flavour.
• Lean meat and smoked fish.
• Nuts, toast, crackers, or low-fat cheese.

For something sweet, the most suitable options are apple pie or dark chocolate.