The Most Iconic whisky drinkers

It’s more than a drink. The sharp, fiery after-tones and mellifluous textures of a good malt is one of the most pleasurable experiences one can have. From the finest Scotch right down to an ordinary blended whisky, the sweet amber nectar allows one to exert authority and natural couth as they slowly strum that glass. With a drink of such stature, only the most iconic souls are associated with it. Here’s 5 of them who have turned the humble nectar into an icon in it’s own right.

HUMPHREY BOGART, , With his urbane charm, Macintosh and trilby, Mr Bogart exuded a brooding, mesmerising presence on the screen. One of the all-time screen icons, Humphrey was one of the first film stars to become connected to the sweet amber nectar. He didn’t just use it as a style tool though. During the filming of the 1951 African Queen in Uganda, a dysentery virus swept through the entire cast and crew. Filming was delayed as everyone was evacuated to the Kampala for treatment. Everyone that is, apart from Mr Bogart. He didn’t drink water, only whisky.

Bogart-TGJ

Whiskey of choice: any type of scotch.

KEITH RICHARDS , , Whether on tour in Europe or in a quiet bar in New York, Keith Richards is rarely seen without a bottle of his faithful Jack Daniels. As he electrifies audiences with his hypnotic guitar playing and charisma, the odd gulp of whiskey adds another note of style and gutsiness to the man who has shocked and captivated the world for over 50 years. For someone who “should of been dead years” ago, one wonders whether or not his tipple of choice has had some restorative effect on a man who has lived life to the full.

Keith Richards-TGJ

Whiskey of choice: Jack Daniels.

CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS, , Hitchens and whiskey: the two were almost a double act. Throughout his nearly 40 year career, Mr Hitchens was rarely seen without a glass of “Mr Walker’s amber restrorative” by his side. His day was carefully organised around these breaks of scotch filled regeneration. For someone who published 20 books and penned some of the most profound and observant prose of our time, Mr Hitchens was definite proof that the odd drink or two doesn’t drag ones output down.

Hitchens-TGJ

Whisky of choice: Johnny Walker Black Label

MARGARET THATCHER , , Power, authority and determination: the Iron Lady led Britain with strength and tenacity for over a decade. For a woman who broke conventional norms in everything she did, her fondness for a good slurp of blended Scotch whiskey was legendary. At state banquets and international conferences, a tumbler of blended scotch was never far away. For someone who claimed that “you must have whiskey to give you energy”, her 19 hour days are a pretty good testament of the prodigious effect a good blend has. Who needs energy drinks?

Thatcher-TGJ

Whisky of choice: Bell’s.

DON DRAPER , , Yes Ok, he’s a fictional character. However, we feel that no one has perpetuated or exemplified the coolness of a good malt more than Mr Don Draper. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or late at night as he delivers a series of eloquent aphorisms, he personifies the crisp, confident tones of a good single malt. Regardless of whether he’s wearing one of his immaculate suits or simply a casual polo, whisky and Draper are indistinguishable from one another.

Draper-TGJ

Whisky of choice: Canada Club.

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