From Hillary Clinton who always makes time for a stiff glass of whiskey, to Ava Gardner whose wish was to die with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other, we wish to mark International Women’s Day with 4 lovely ladies and their love for whisky.
Mary Anne Mumbi
President Women Who Whiskey – Nairobi
- When did you discover you prefer whiskey over other drinks?
Almost immediately I tried my first whisky which was Johnnie Walker – the rich history behind the brand intrigued me and ever since this introduction, it’s been a fascinating whisky journey, as I try new whiskies.
- What is it you like about whiskey?
The taste – I can find a whisky for whatever mood I am in. I love how diverse whisky is and also – as a foodie, the fact that I can pair it with different meals is a huge plus. The experimental process is fun!
- How do you take your whiskey?
Usually, you’ll find me enjoying my whisky with a dash of water, but I do enjoy classic cocktails with a whisky sour being a frequent pick. I also have to say, the beauty about whisky is you can have it however you like – on ice, with water, as a cocktail or topped up with soda. The most important thing is that you enjoy it.
- How many whiskies have you tasted so far?
I have lost count, but I can say it’s in the hundreds. I love exploring and experimenting with whiskies; on nights out, I order drams I have never tasted and through this, I have discovered fantastic drams. I then proceed to purchase the bottles and add them to the Women Who Whiskey vault.
- What is the most interesting whiskey that you have tasted?
Athru Annacoona is the most unique Irish whiskey I have ever tasted.
- Which is your favourite go-to whiskey bottle and why do you enjoy this bottle?
This question always comes up and I always have a different answer every time because it depends on my mood at the time. At the moment I am exploring Japanese whiskies with Nikka, Yamazaki and Hibiki being recent favourites. I also recently sampled Aultmore 18 and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
- What whiskies are on your must-try list?
There are many whiskies on my to-try list so I will give the top 3 which I am planning to try out soon;
- Glenfiddich Grand Cru
- Octomore 10.1
- Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique
Maureen Kanyi
- When did you first become a whiskey lover?
8 years ago. My friend and I were at a bar trying to decide on what to drink when she suggested Jack Daniels and Coke. That’s when I realized there’s a whole world of whiskey that I didn’t know about.
- What was it about whiskey that drew you into that world?
I find each whiskey has such definitive characteristic, none taste like another. And this is a world you can be drawn into, a world that you can get deliciously lost in.
- How do you take your whiskey?
It depends. If I am sipping on Jack Daniels, then I will add some coke and ice cubes to my glass. For most of the single malts, I will only add 1 ice cube to my glass and when it comes to something like a Dalwhinnie or Monkey Shoulder, I like to enjoy it neat.
- How many whiskies have you tasted so far?
Wow, hard to tell, maybe over 20 or 30 different types……not sure
- What is the most interesting whiskey that you have tasted?
I think so far it’s The Glenmorangie Lasanta.
- Which is your favourite go-to whiskey and why do you enjoy this bottle?
I like the Dalwhinnie Scotch Whiskey. It’s really smooth and easy to drink. This blend is not too strong and is definitely a good choice to sit back and relax with.
- Why do you think some ladies shy away from whiskey?
I think some ladies believe that whiskey is too strong. They probably tried a certain whiskey that they did not enjoy and unfortunately, that stuck with them. The key here is to experiment, and see what you like.
- What whiskies are on your must-try list?
The Suntory Whisky Toki. It came up in a conversation and I was like mmmh whiskey from Japan…That will be interesting..
- It’s no secret that ladies who like to enjoy whiskey may have to deal with some misogynistic comments and remarks. Can you share a time when you were in such a situation and what’s the best way to deal with this?
Fortunately, I have never dealt with any misogynistic remarks with regard to my choice of drink, and a lot of ladies today are trying and experimenting with different types of whiskeys. It’s no longer a man’s world.
- If you could enjoy a glass of whiskey with a lady past or present, who would it be?
Faith Njeri and Viola Davis
Faith Njeri
Beautician
- When did you become a whiskey lover?
Around 2013
- What was it about whiskey that drew you into that world?
I enjoy the taste of whiskey and another advantage is that I don’t have to deal with a hangover, even after binging all night.
- How do you take your whiskey? (Neat, with ice cubes, water or on a cocktail)
I add a couple of ice cubes to my glass, and sometimes I like to enjoy a delicious whiskey cocktail
- Why do you think some women shy away from whiskey?
Because it is often considered a man’s drink, at least from where I’m from.
- What is your favourite go-to whiskey and why do you like this specific whisky?
Singleton 12 years. I love the fruity scent and the spices. sweetness and woody warm feeling.
- What advice would you give to a whisky newbie?
Not really a word of advice, I’d simply ask them, where have you been all this time?
- If you could enjoy a glass of whiskey with a lady, past or present, who would it be?
Definitely Maureen Kanyi – Founder of Oaks and Corks.
Tiffany Adisa
Sales Representative – Oaks & Corks
- When did you discover you prefer whiskey over other drinks?
Around 5 years ago.
- What is it you like about whiskey?
When you take it neat, you’re unlikely to suffer from a hangover
- How do you take your whiskey (Neat, with ice cubes, water, on a cocktail, soda?)
I add just a few ice cubes to my glass
- How many whiskies have you tasted so far?
8 different varieties
- What is the most interesting whiskey that you have tasted?
- Which is your favourite go-to whiskey and why do you enjoy this bottle?
I love Jack Daniels. It is very sweet for whiskey and it’s on the lower end of the alcohol content
- What whiskies are on your must-try list?
All varieties of the Fiddich.
