Column: Whisky as a Tribute and a Memory to Fallen Heroes

Whisky is more than just a drink to lean back with to enjoy. It can also serve as a tribute and memory to those no longer able to partake.

It's been three years since my best friend passed away. Accounted to cancer at the youthful age of 31, in the blossom of his life. Well, that surely sets the tone for the morning, afternoon or evening you're reading this article.

In one of the last conversations I had with him before his passing, he shared that he wasn't afraid of death. He was afraid to be forgotten. That we would carry on with our lives and he would remain as a vague memory in the past. Not that it would ever happen, but to ensure we would truly never forget him, we instantly started a new tradition within our circle of friends.

On the day of his death and on the day he would have become a year older, we all - except for those who genuinely can't stomach whisky - share a glass in his honor. To reminisce on the beautiful moments we spent together, and his distinctive and unique quirks.

The toasts we raise twice a year aren't just with any whiskey. The tradition was born at his funeral, when his favorite whiskey was poured for the toast: the Powers Irish Whiskey Gold Label.

No special variant of the brand. No fancy, outrageously expensive whiskey, but 'just' an Irish triple distilled whiskey he always loved. That, in essence, also described my friend. No special drama. He was a true Dutchman when it came to saving money.

Thus, in the period before his demise, he refused to buy a new television (though the LED lights were falling), because it was almost Black Friday, and he could save a lot of money. The idea that he might not even make it to Black Friday didn't bother him.

Same was the case with his whiskey. Along with his wife, he had a collection of much pricier bottles, but his favorite was a relatively simple whiskey. In fact, he and his wife even visited the Powers distillery in Ireland and bought a bottle, thinking it would be his favourite.

But it wasn't, it was a special and much luxurious version. A huge disappointment, as it couldn't surpass the Gold Label.

Even though the tradition is 'only' three years old, it's well established among our group of friends. It's not something we would stop, unless Powers decides to cease production. Also, it's not a sorrowful event, as one might assume. We don't commemorate his death; we rather celebrate the years we had together!

It's indeed a tradition that I can recommend, if a whisky lover has been abruptly taken from your life (or if this happens in the future). It's a beautiful opportunity to reflect on that person and ensure they never fade from your memory and heart.

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