Whisky Is My Recreational Drink of Choice
Written on Mar 31, 2026
There's been some debate over the years about the proper spelling of whisky (with or without the "e"). I have no thoughts at all on the matter, so I'll leave out the "e" from here on out, unless it's in the name of a brand.
While distilled liquor has existed for thousands of years, whisky only dates back to the 13th century. Well, that's as far as existing evidence indicates. The Wikipedia page on whisky can tell you more.
My Drink of Choice
Whisky is the form of liquor I prefer these days. Just like any alcoholic beverage, there are some excellent as well as some not-so-excellent choices. I prefer it at 40 percent ABV but I can enjoy it at 30 percent or above.
Anything below that is a waste when consumed with ice. The White Castle brand in the Philippines has a light option at 27.5 percent. I drink whisky over ice, and it has to have a little bite to it. I stopped drinking mixed drinks years ago.
Although I like to drink, I don't like to get drunk. The amount I drink, on most occasions, is only enough to make me relax. Once I feel relaxed, I know I've had enough and not too much.
I break my own rules whenever there's a party at my place, especially when karaoke singing is involved. It's usually for some special occasion that also includes a substantial amount of food.
Whisky and Everything Else
I have a lot of experience with alcoholic beverages of all kinds. Most of it occurred during my 20-year stint in the military. Any type of alcoholic beverage can put me in my comfort zone, so I can be as picky as I like.
I don't like drinking beer, wine, and liqueurs. They tend to make me urinate far too many times before doing anything else for me. I can barely stand brandy, distilled from wine, because of the lingering fruit taste. In fact, I don't like most hard liquors, other than whisky or rum.
I try to avoid anything that isn't a proper liquor. I now only buy White Castle Calibre 69 when I'm in the Philippines. All whisky in the Philippines is less expensive than in the United States, even the imported brands, because it isn't as heavily taxed.
Health Considerations
I'm well aware that alcohol is a known carcinogen and can cause cancer. That's a risk I'm willing to take since I've already lived longer than I ever expected. Besides, it seems like many of the things we enjoy eating or drinking can cause some form of cancer.
My father died of cancer at the age of 85, and he didn't drink or smoke. I'll take my chances and enjoy life while I can.
Image by Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc.