Why Whiskey was the Drink of Choice for one of the Most Famous Literary Personalities?
The world has witnessed several famous literary personalities who left their indelible mark on the world with their brilliant works. But have you ever wondered what was their drink of choice? Amongst the several literature giants, one personality that stood out and adored whiskey was the famous American writer Mark Twain. He described whiskey as “liquid sunshine,” and it became an essential part of his daily routine. This blog post delves deeper into Twain’s love for whiskey and why it remained his drink of choice throughout his life.
Who was Mark Twain?
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, popularly known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, and journalist. He was born in Florida, Missouri, on November 30, 1835, and rose to prominence with his masterpiece “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” in 1876. His literary career spanned six decades, and he became one of the most significant literary figures of his time. Twain’s unique writing style incorporated a mix of humor, satire, and social criticism that resonated deeply with the masses.
Mark Twain’s Love for Whiskey
Mark Twain was a firm believer in the saying, “too much of anything is bad, but too much whiskey is barely enough.” He considered whiskey a “friend” that lifted his spirits and gave him the inspiration he needed to write his works. He was known to mix water with his whiskey, which he considered essential to tame the fiery nature of the drink. He would often take down several shots of whiskey during the day while working on his writings.
Twain had a large collection of whiskeys and was always eager to add to his collection. He would often gift whiskey bottles to his friends, which were personally signed by him. He took whiskey very seriously and once remarked, “I may not have a good moral character, but I know whiskey.” Twain’s love for whiskey was evident in his writings as well. He described whiskey as “liquid sunshine” and referred to it as a “medicine” that cured him of his tiredness and ailments.
Twain’s Daily Routine with Whiskey
Mark Twain had a strict daily routine when it came to his whiskey intake. He would wake up early in the morning, have breakfast with his family, and then retreat to his study to work on his writings. He would often take a break for lunch, after which he would dedicate the rest of his day to his work. Throughout the day, he would take several shots of whiskey, often mixed with water, to keep his spirits up.
Twain would often invite his friends over for a drink or two, and whiskey was always on the menu. He believed that whiskey was an excellent ice-breaker and helped him connect with people at a deeper level. Twain’s love for whiskey wasn’t just restricted to his personal life. He would often mention whiskey in his works, and it became a recurring theme throughout his writings.
Twain’s Favorite Whiskey Brands
Mark Twain loved his whiskey and had a keen interest in trying out different brands. He had a vast collection of whiskeys, which he often shared with his friends. Some of the brands that Twain favored were Old Crow, Jack Daniel’s, and George Dickel. He believed that whiskey should be enjoyed as it is and that adding flavors and spices to it was sacrilege. Twain’s love for whiskey transcended the drink and became a part of his personality. He was known to crack jokes and make witty remarks while sipping on his whiskey.
Mark Twain’s Legacy and Love for Whiskey
Mark Twain remains one of the most significant literary figures of his time. His unique writing style and approach to social criticism continue to inspire writers to this day. Twain’s love for whiskey was an essential part of his character, and it became a recurring theme throughout his writings. He believed that whiskey was meant to be enjoyed, and that’s precisely what he did throughout his life.
Conclusion
Mark Twain’s love for whiskey was a defining characteristic of his personality. He described whiskey as “liquid sunshine” and believed that it was an essential ingredient to his writing process. Twain’s daily routine revolved around whiskey, and he would often take several shots of the drink throughout the day. His love for whiskey was evident in his writings, and it became a recurring theme throughout his works. Twain’s legacy continues to inspire writers to this day, and his love for whiskey remains an integral part of his personality that is celebrated by whiskey lovers around the world.
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