Whisk(e)y, the tipple of poets, rock stars and vagabonds

Spare a thought for the Irish on World Whiskey (yes, with an “e”) Day tomorrow, who are famously sick and tired of hearing the term “Scotch whisky” (without an “e”). As many as 25 different countries, including South Africa, produce their own whisk(e)y, but it’s the Scottish one that rankles most with the proud nation we call the Irish, believing, not unreasonably, that they have as much of a right to “own” the beverage as their neighbours across the water.

And let’s not even mention the claim to it by their American brothers across the Atlantic to the West and their fondness for bourbon, their smoky equivalent.

Long having had to play second fiddle to “Scotch”, the whiskey scene in Ireland is fast changing, with boutique distilleries having cropped up all over the land, thanks to the boom in craft alcoholic drinks, a far cry from the handful of distilleries there were only a few years ago.

Whisk(e)y is my tipple. I drink wine too but I reserve that for dinner or eating out, or for those occasions when you’re invited to spend three hours at a table with nine perfect strangers making small talk while you nod at the waiter hoping for a replenishment. At a certain point, it’s hard not to give in to the urge to call for a double Pogues, my favourite current “Irish”.

If you’re unsure of who the Pogues are, think of Fairytale of New York, the irreverent Christmas song that is now found on every Christmas hits compilation despite its bawdy lyrics and theme, and of comedian Michael McIntyre’s skit on the song and how it is sung by band member Shane MacGowan rasping and grunting his way through the ballad. MacGowan is a true vagabond of rock n roll and despite its idiosyncrasies, it’s a fabulous piece of Christmas wit, and I think of it and the band with every sip I take.