We're Becoming Scotland

[cowdery]

Whenever I do anything involving numbers, the margin of error is something like +/- 100%, but with that caveat, here goes.

Scotland is a small country. It does its best, but with a population of about 5 million, the Scots are doing pretty well to consume about 1 million cases of their own whiskey. The rest--about 80 million cases--they export.

The United States is a big country, almost 300 million of us. We drink about 14 million cases of our own whiskey and export about 13 million.

So that's the shocker here. With exports growing much faster than domestic consumption, it won't be long before the United States of America exports more of its own whiskey than it consumes.

Just like Scotland.

But, believe me, I know no one here is to blame. We're all drinking as much as we can.

[ratcheer]

And I suppose we're like the traditionalists in Scotland, trying our best to keep our own traditions alive while 95% of those around us don't give a rip. :smiley_acbt:

Tim

[ILLfarmboy]

... With exports growing much faster than domestic consumption, it won't be long before the United States of America exports more of its own whiskey than it consumes....

A sad state of affairs. I blame the Canadians:grin: and vodka and the popularity of kiddie coolers.

All joking aside, I think the "drinking culture" is changing. The masses are moving away from traditional beverages to-wards artificially flavored recreational ethanol.

Maybe I'm nostalgic for something I was born 50 years to late to have experienced but it is too bad modern "drinking culture" isn't like it is in a Bogart/Bacall movie.

[NeoTexan]

And I suppose we're like the traditionalists in Scotland, trying our best to keep our own traditions alive while 95% of those around us don't give a rip. :smiley_acbt:

Tim

HEY!!! .....:hot: (:cool: )

To paraphrase a Texas ice cream manufacturer …We drink all we can and sell the rest.

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

But, believe me, I know no one here is to blame. We're all drinking as much as we can.

I was going to say, "Hey, I know I am doing my part!" But then I remembered that I am in the export market....

Ed:grin:

[GoodDram]

Nothing wrong with that. Scotland should be proud that the rest of the world thinks so much of their national spirit. I, myself, have an assortment of Scothes. But, I've been trying some bourbons and I now have two bottles.

GD

[nor02lei]

I was going to say, "Hey, I know I am doing my part!" But then I remembered that I am in the export market....

Ed:grin:

I guess I’m helping you to become “Scotland†as well even though I did a little domestic USA drinking in September.

Leif

[ratcheer]

HEY!!! .....:hot: [ATTACH]3735[/ATTACH](:cool: )

To paraphrase a Texas ice cream manufacturer …We drink all we can and sell the rest.

Sorry. But, I certainly left room for anyone to be a part of the other 5% who do care.

Tim

[NeoTexan]

Sorry. But, I certainly left room for anyone to be a part of the other 5% who do care.

Tim

Really no offense taken .... just funnin' ya. :slappin:

Us Scotsman need to have to be thick skinned, wearing a "skirt" and all. :bigeyes:

[Joeluka]

And I suppose we're like the traditionalists in Scotland, trying our best to keep our own traditions alive while 95% of those around us don't give a rip. :smiley_acbt:

Tim

Capitalism isn't American??? When did the tradition of keeping products only to ourselves start??? I know there are quite a few people here who refuse and complain about spending more than $40 on a bottle of any American whisky. Should we then start the tradition of telling the Whisky industry what price they can sell at and to who??? Does anyone really believe that exporting bourbon and rye is really going to destroy the USA!!!!!

[ratcheer]

Really no offense taken .... just funnin' ya. :slappin:

Us Scotsman need to have to be thick skinned, wearing a "skirt" and all. :bigeyes:

I think my family (my father's father's family) background is Scottish, too. I can't really come up with a strong clan identification, though, except a hint that we are "associated" with Clan Cunningham. I am interested, I just can't find a lot of solid information.

Tim

[NeoTexan]

I think my family (my father's father's family) background is Scottish, too. I can't really come up with a strong clan identification, though, except a hint that we are "associated" with Clan Cunningham. I am interested, I just can't find a lot of solid information.

Tim

Clans are from the Highlands, those from the Lowlands (my family included) "associated" themselves with stong clans for protection.

Get your kilt ready, Bourbon Festival is coming fast.:slappin:

[arsbadmojo]

Any percentages on the import/export of vodka for the Russians?

I guess there's worse things we could become. I find that in my circle of friends (I'm 37) that there is a ton of misconception about bourbon, and that Scotch is believed to be somehow classier. They're usually surprised to learn all of the regulatory rules for bourbon, think JD is bourbon, and haven't ventured much beyond JB White, if they drink whiskey at all.

I think the timing is right for a move away from the candy ethanol, and I could be incorrect, but aren't the sales of premium bourbon pretty strong?

[ILLfarmboy]

Any percentages on the import/export of vodka for the Russians?

I guess there's worse things we could become. I find that in my circle of friends (I'm 37) that there is a ton of misconception about bourbon, and that Scotch is believed to be somehow classier. They're usually surprised to learn all of the regulatory rules for bourbon, think JD is bourbon, and haven't ventured much beyond JB White, if they drink whiskey at all.

I think the timing is right for a move away from the candy ethanol, and I could be incorrect, but aren't the sales of premium bourbon pretty strong?

From what I understand the sales of premium bourbon are indeed up but I see no end in sight with regard to candy ethanol. I'm also 37 or rather I will be later this spring. In my 16+ years of going to bars the trend of candy flavored alcohol has gotten considerably worse. In my pre-legal and barely legal days more people drank traditional type beverages (even during the hight of the wine cooler craze) Schnapps were somewhat limited. The old standbys: Peppermint and a few others. Also, I suppose jaggermister (sp?) was probably available. Blackberry flavored brandy etc.

When I was a pup schnapps was considered a girlie drink. Nowadays most of the bottles on the bar back are schnapps of some sort. I see both men and women drinking apple-tines, and chocola-tines. Our grandfathers are rolling over in their graves!

Many people think bourbon is for shooting and scotch is for sipping. A widespread misconception we need to work to change. This puts bourbon at a disadvantage in what might be an unexpected way. More people would enjoy the flavors of bourbon if they would slow down and taste it. (small sips) I'm of the opinion that bourbon and rye are a more natural taste whereas scotch is far more of an acquired taste.

[Dramiel McHinson]

I really like this thread. There is great potential for a little international understanding made easier by copious toasts to the great and diverse choices we all have. I have a small collection of about 280 bottles, half are scotch and the other half American whisk(e)y and a mix of "others".

I must say that I usually drink my whisk(e)y straight with no water or ice because I like it that way. There isn't a single scotch that can be substituted for a good American bourbon or whiskey. In the same voice the opposite is true. American whiskey is no substitute for a good scotch. I don't try to compare the two to discern the best but rather drink them all and decide which individual bottle meets my need or not. That said, my palate knows no bounds. I like it or not and some are better than others.

I applaud our exports and imports and give great thanks for the opportunity to try a new single malt, small batch whiskey, or a brand whose label has existed for a couple hundred years and changed owners a dozen times. So please, for my sake, keep it all coming and try dearly to keep it affordable. I try not to curse and I don't smoke, so I must drink.

Prost Doch mal!

Daniel