Column: I Wake Up Thinking About Whisky

There's a famous phrase that resonates deeply with me: I think, therefore I am. Similarly, I tend to think: I think of whisky, therefore I exist. Kind of funny, considering that drinking—water, not the water of life—actually prolongs your lifespan.

What's she rambling about? You must be wondering.

Well, you see, ever since this year, Whisky Monkeys has been my full-time job, and it made me realize: I used to drink more whisky a few years ago. Now, I am offered it more than ever but often find myself declining.

I genuinely believe the whisky industry is the best to work in, with the most delightful people and exceptional products. So I am grateful for all the opportunities and splendid whiskies that are offered to me.

However, I'm not good at 'scheduled' drinking sessions. It feels forced, like I 'must' drink, and I am not exactly a champion at that. A sentiment that has been with me since my younger years.

As a student, if the evening started to turn towards 'mandatory' drinking games, I would typically excuse myself and leave. Why so much emphasis on drinking? Is upping the intoxication meant to increment the fun? I chose not to subscribe to that, and that‘s why I left.

Thankfully, whisky is not about binge drinking, which is a relief. However, I usually don't welcome whisky tastings that feature more than three whiskies to be sampled. Often, it's too much. My body doesn't respond well to it.

I wake up feeling unfresh the next morning, despite eagerly wanting to work. Often, I also suffer from stomach aches and digestive discomfort as if a mini hammer-wielding elf inside is alerting me: hello, you drank too much.

My body used to handle alcohol better when I was younger. Sometimes, I do regret the missed opportunities.

But I'm fortunate to have an amazing editorial team full of fantastic people. These Monkeys, I can often send to tastings. They are happy, I am happy: win-win.

Let me just savor one or two glasses of whisky at a time. It's unfortunate that I often have to pass up on exceptional whiskies (like the very old ones).

My entire life revolves around whisky, and how wonderful is that?! I breathe in whisky every day, now more than ever, literally and metaphorically.

I wake up thinking about whisky.

What's the whisky news today? What whisky announcements are out there? What events are coming up? What engaging content can we curate for our community?

My mind is always engaged, with whisky in the forefront – even while I'm watching a movie or just hanging out. These thoughts often lead to articles about whisky featured in films and TV series.

Just the other day, I paused an episode I was watching and by pure coincidence, the frame that was frozen showed a bottle of The Glenlivet whisky and Campari. I wasn't even aware they were drinking in the scene.

Coincidence? Or is there no such thing?

The fact is that I am immersed in whisky non-stop, and thus, I think about whisky more than I actually drink it. This engagement amounts to about 18 hours a day, excluding the 6 hours of sleep.

When I realize I think 18 hours a day about whisky, it's probably best that I think more about whisky than actually drink it...

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