🧨 The Biggest Whiskey Lie Ever Told (And Why It’s Time to Let It Go)

"If it ain’t Scotch, it ain’t worth drinking" — Let’s set that record straight 🥃

We’ve all heard it. Usually from a guy who just got back from a trip to Edinburgh and now refuses to drink anything that doesn’t have a bagpipe on the label.
But here’s the truth, plain and simple: That idea? Total hogwash.

This week, we’re busting the biggest whiskey myth of them all. But first, let’s give a little love to the others we’ve already tackled.

👊 The Whiskey Myths We’ve Crushed So Far:

• Myth #2: “Older Whiskey Is Always Better”
  Time can help, but it’s not a flavor guarantee.

• Myth #3: “Darker Whiskey Is Always Better”
  Color is not character—plenty of light pours pack a punch.

• Myth #4: “Single Malt Means It’s Always Better”
  That’s branding, not gospel.

• Myth #5: “Ice Ruins Whiskey”
  Ice isn’t evil. It’s just misunderstood.

• Myth #6: “Whiskey Should Always Be Neat”
  Neat’s nice. But if you like a splash of soda, pour proud.

🥇 Myth #1: “If it ain’t Scotch, it ain’t real whiskey”

Let’s be clear:

But some folks take that fact and twist it into:

That’s the lie. That’s the snobbery. And it’s just plain wrong.

📖 Story Time: The Scotch-Only Snob Gets Schooled

A few years back, I was hosting a tasting in Dublin. Across from me sat a gentleman—perfectly tailored tweed, charmingly smug, and armed with a strong Scottish accent. The kind of guy who thinks peat smoke can fix a broken heart.

I offered him a pour of Redbreast 12 Year.
He waved it off like I’d offered him tap water.

“Ah, no thanks. I only drink real whiskey—Scotch.”

Now, I don’t argue. I just pour.

Fifteen minutes later, he was Googling prices and whispering, “This is... actually quite good.”
Scotch didn’t leave the building, but his blinders did.

🥃 This Week’s Featured Bottle: Redbreast 12 Year Old – Ireland’s Finest

• Type: Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

• ABV: 40%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Sherry-soaked dried fruits, toasted oak

  • Palate: Creamy, spicy, a hit of orchard apples

  • Finish: Lingering warmth, nutty and bold

This isn’t “beginner Irish.” This is what happens when tradition meets mastery. A perfect bottle to serve your most stubborn Scotch-lover.

👉 Buy Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey

🍸 The Weekly Pour: The Emerald Orchard

A cocktail to convert the unconvertible.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Redbreast 12

• 1 oz green apple liqueur

• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice

• 0.25 oz honey syrup

• Dash of Angostura bitters

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients over ice.

2. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

3. Garnish with an apple slice or lemon twist.

Light, tart, and dangerously smooth. This drink is your mic drop 🍏🎤

🧀 Flavor Pairing Picks

Match Redbreast 12 with these tasty companions:

• Sharp cheddar – Brings out the nutty notes

• Apple pie – Yes. It’s like dessert and dram got married

• Mild cigar – Try a Montecristo White to keep the smoke in balance

📚 Big Lesson of the Week

Whiskey is like music—different styles, different regions, all valid. Sticking to just Scotch is like only listening to bagpipes and calling it music.

Great whiskey comes from Ireland, USA, Japan, Canada, Taiwan—even Sweden’s getting in on the act. So keep your glass (and your mind) wide open.

🥂 Final Toast

To the pours that surprise us,
To the bottles that humble us,
And to the stories that remind us—there’s more than one way to raise a glass 🥃

Repeatable Proverb:
🌍 “A good pour knows no passport.” 🥃

💬 What’s Your Take?

Got a bottle that changed your mind? Drop it in the comments. Or share this article with that Scotch snob friend—we all have one.

⭐ Save this article for later
📌 Star it to your whiskey favorites
📤 Share it with someone who needs a broader pour perspective

🎁 Win a Copy of My Newest Book

In June, I’m giving away 2 copies of “50 States, 50 Whiskeys Crowning The Top Whiskey State By State” (retail $59.99) — and all you have to do is share the newsletter.

Here’s how to enter:

1. 👉 Click the link below to access your unique referral code

2. 📤 Share it with friends who love whiskey

3. 🎯 Get 3 people to subscribe — and you’re in!

📬 Winners announced at the end of June

👉 Start Referring & Win

Let’s grow the pour crew.

Let’s grow the pour crew.

🥃 Stay bold, stay curious, and always respect the barrel.
—Ethan “Neat” Whitmore

P.S. June is our month to shine, fellas. Next week, I’m breaking down the weirdest whiskey laws still on the books—and yes, one of ‘em involves a goat 🐐🔥. Plus, I’ll be dropping a Father’s Day gift guide with bottles that’ll make you the favorite son, daughter, or spouse faster than you can say, “Neat, please.” Stay tuned!