You’ve probably been part of an online whisky forum or a Facebook whisky group when the conversation suddenly turned south and things got ugly. Whisky people are generally all a great and friendly bunch but, occasionally, it doesn’t take much to trigger some keyboard warriors and to bring out their dark side. Accordingly, here’s a list of rules, tips, and pointers on how to get along and play nicely in an online whisky group…
- Accept that some people will love a whisky that you think is terrible.
- Conversely, accept that not everyone will like a whisky that you thought was awesome.
- Accept that some people have a lower spending threshold than you. For some folks, whiskies costing more than $100 will be too expensive.
- Similarly, accept that some people have a higher spending threshold than you. Accept that people who spend $500, $750, $1,000 or more on a bottle of whisky are not automatically snobs or up themselves.
- Accept that a sense of humour is like a bottle of Port Ellen. Not everybody has one.
- Don’t try and swap/trade/sell something direct to other group members – particularly in a Facebook whisky group.
- Accept that whisky changes over time. The 2020 release of Glen Bagpipe 10yo does not and will not taste the same as the Glen Bagpipe 10yo released back in 1999.
- Accept that those who were drinking Glen Bagpipe 10yo back in 1999 will have a fairly firm opinion on this matter. Unless you were ALSO drinking Glen Bagpipe 10yo back in 1999, it is best not to buy in to such discussions.
- Understand that it is humanly possible to have a different opinion to someone else, yet not abuse that person for having a different opinion.
- Accept that posting comments or photos that include watches, cars, Japanese whisky, or unicorn bottlings will trigger some people.
- Accept that single malts are better than blends. This statement may not always be correct, but you’d do well just to accept it nonetheless.
- Our church has many different denominations. Accept that some people really like Japanese whisky. Accept that some people really like Irish whiskey. Accept that some people really like Australian whisky. Accept that some people are traditional and only like Scotch. Don’t worry; it’s all the same church – some of us are ecumenical and like ALL whisky.
- Posting your honest comments, observations, and experiences about whiskies, bars, products, glassware, and tasting events is encouraged and should invoke positive conversations and responses. Accept that some dickheads will struggle with this concept and will attack you personally for daring to voice your honest comments, observations, and experiences about whiskies, bars, products, glassware, and tasting events.
- Do your homework first and check/search archives and previous posts for answers to frequently-asked questions like, “What taxes will I pay if I buy a bottle from overseas?”, or “Why is our local whisky so expensive?”, or “Why does Proper Twelve taste so unbelievably bad?” Chances are, these questions have been asked many times previously, and the answers will already be in the threads.
- Accept that “whisky” and “whiskey” are two different things that denote different products. The terms are not interchangeable.
- Accept that some people will not accept Rule 15. That’s okay…not everyone can be correct in this world.
- Similarly, accept that spelling is really important in whisk(e)y circles. Understand that palate, pallet, and palette mean three completely different things. And brace for impact if you spell it Ardberg.
- If it’s a malt whisky appreciation or discussion group, don’t post about bourbon, rum, or vodka. Posts about sherry may be acceptable.
- Accept that opinions are like a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Label. Everybody’s got one.
And if you’re wondering where the inspiration for this post came from, you might like to read our article, Facebook whisky groups – the good, the bad, and the petty
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Did you like this? Could you relate to a few items in the list? You may also enjoy:
Eight ways whisky tells you you’re getting older
Ten fun whisky facts that are often misunderstood
The 1980’s Heavy Metal Guide to Single Malt Whisky
You might also be part of a whisky group or whisky forum which has its own unique and quirky rules. Share them in the comments section further below.
Finally, whilst the above piece was written slightly tongue in cheek, a more serious but extremely informative and helpful piece on forum netiquette can be found here.
