The Type Of Whisky Winston Churchill Loved To Drink

Sir Winston Churchill, the indomitable British prime minister who led his country through World War II, was known for strategic brilliance — and his profound appreciation of alcoholic spirits. Among the drinks Winnie was notably fond of, Scotch whisky held a special place. His love of Scotch, a type of whisky from Scotland, aged in oak casks for three or more years, was woven into the fabric of his personal and political life.

From the earliest hours of his day, Churchill sipped on Scotch — even at breakfast. He regularly added a splash of Scotch to tepid water and occasionally mixed it with soda. Despite his copious intake of booze, he maintained that he never drank enough to dull his sharp mind. After all, some studies have shown that drinking Scotch every day may have a few potential health benefits such as a lowered risk of dementia and a strengthened immune system.

Churchill's unwavering loyalty to Scotch is punctuated by an alleged incident involving President Harry Truman. According to legend, during a train ride, Truman, a bourbon enthusiast, offered Churchill a glass. Churchill, unimpressed with the American whiskey, had the train halted until one of his staff could procure a bottle of Scotch from the nearest town. The real difference between bourbon and Scotch lies in their origins: Bourbon is exclusively distilled in the U.S., and Scotch is made in Scotland.

Winston Churchill's choice of Scotch is often said to have been Johnnie Walker. Whether in the Cabinet War Rooms in London, a French villa, or the Highlands, Scotch was a mainstay, and it eventually became a hallmark of The British Bulldog's larger-than-life image. However, he didn't solely have a taste for Scotch.

Churchill also had an overt penchant for Champagne, famously expressing, "I could not live without Champagne. In victory, I deserve it. In defeat, I need it." His favorite bubbly brand was Pol Roger, and he imbibed the effervescent wine daily. In fact, it's estimated that he knocked back around 42,000 bottles of Pol Roger. Yet, the world's finest Champagne could not outshine his preference for Scotch.

Churchill's ability to balance a political career of immense responsibility with his hearty approach to drinking continues to puzzle many. Modern perspectives might see his habits as excessive, but for Churchill, his tipples served as a small comfort in times of global instability.