I used to be one of those “cool” kids getting shit-faced with cheap booze several times a week when I was younger, probably wilder… But definitely not wiser 😉 – oh don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy my fair share of drunken nights out, and drinking warm beer cans outside in a parking lot will never be an obstacle when the occasion calls for it !

But I recently noticed, that as my appreciation and knowledge of whisky started growing, I found myself enjoying a whole new way of drinking alcohol : slowly. It may seem pretty basic to some of you, but as a stupid binge drinker “millennial”, trust me, it wasn’t that obvious for me a few years ago.

Less is More. More time means more pleasure. Whisky allowed me to spend more time trying to decipher the different flavours in my glass, and I now actually spend more satisfying moments with spirits. “Time” is the most important notion in whisky appreciation: wether it is about the production, the maturation, the consumption or the education (all those words that end in “ion”), it is a central concept and should be at the centre stage of your experience. Time is precious.

This new way of “taking the time to drink thus take more pleasure in what you drink” is called “Slow Drinking” and was a campaign initially designed by Bacardi Martini, but it now resonates with a lot of us, and hopefully it will continue to thrive ! I know Slow Drinking doesn’t suit all kinds of get-togethers (I mean, there’s no point being this party-pooper asking for a Glencairn in a night club with your friends that don’t give a single shit about fine spirits), Slow Drinking isn’t about becoming a snobby prick, it’s a new lifestyle to embrace, which enabled me to be more creative with spirits and discover new aromas!

Slow Drinking is also about pushing the pause button on our busy lives – a relaxing moment around a good drink.

Slow Drinking is an habit I would encourage you to take (and your inner body will also thank you for taking this decision ;)). The main advantage, apart from the obvious healt benefits? It’s economic ! If you’re wallet isn’t extensive, you should consider slow drinking as well! Less alcohol means you can indulge in better spirits without breaking the bank: quality over quantity !

 

Here are 3 tips for aspiring slow drinkers :

–> Go Hygge! Stay home, invite some friends over (no drama queens though!) and prepare a hearty dinner or simply a casual buffet with plenty of yummy delights to choose from, create a cosy atmosphere fit for a chill and friendly evening! Get your nice glassware out and introduce your friends to your favourite whisky!

–> Food & Whisky pairings: for a slower consumption, more “convivialité” and new flavour discoveries. Winning pairings you can look into: whisky x cheese, whisky x chocolate, whisky x pastries… You can also cook with whisky, if you’re in lack of inspiration here, I would encourage you to check Martine Nouet’s last book “A Table!”

–> Take your time and share your impressions with others – you can organise blind-folded tastings, tastings in the dark, or even a “blend your own” home lab, there’s no limit with what you can do with whisky !

 

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Cover pic: fannylbld.fr