Cyprus-Forum.com

[Raymanoff]

JD only tastes good on a steak in TGI Fridays

The best whiskey for me right now (pricewise) is Chivas

[Oracle]

Can I borrow $3,300? I want a nip so I can spit it at the barman!

Never drink on an empty stomach. Get your teeth into this:

World's most expensive ham sells for £1,800

The world’s most expensive ham went on sale today – complete with its own DNA certificate of authenticity. The 7kg (15lb) leg of Iberico ham costs £1,800 ....
(Metro)

[Talisker]

Dunno about whisky but........

Scots 'drink 46 bottles of vodka'

Adults in Scotland are drinking the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka each in a year, a study has suggested.

The research was based on industry sales data analysed by NHS Health Scotland.

It said sales for the year to September 2009 averaged 12.2 litres of pure alcohol per person over the age of 18.

The Scottish government said the figure, which had remained static since 2005, was the equivalent of 537 pints or 130 bottles of wine per person.

The new figures come as the Scottish government pushes for a minimum price for alcohol to tackle the country's drink-related problems.

Minimum pricing
In total, 50.5 million litres of pure alcohol were sold in Scotland last year, enough for every drinker over the age of 18 to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines.

People in Scotland drank 25% more alcohol per head of population than individuals in England and Wales, the figures suggested.

In England and Wales, the total for the same period was 9.7 litres per person.

Average weekly sales for Scottish drinkers were 26.5 units per person over the age of 18, equivalent to about 11 pints of beer or three bottles of wine.

In England and Wales, the figure was 21.8, slightly higher than the recommended weekly maximum for a man.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for critics of minimum pricing to "wake up" to the scale of Scotland's drink problem.

She added: "All the evidence tells us that the big rise in Scottish alcohol consumption in recent decades is closely linked with the 70% drop in alcohol's relative cost.

"As a consequence, our country now faces an unprecedented burden from alcohol-related health problems, crime and lost economic productivity, which runs into billions and which we are all paying for.

"Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol more cheaply than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly drinking guidelines for a man for less than £3.50."

Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie MSP said: "I believe that alcohol abuse is the most important public health issue we face in Scotland today.

"We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer.

"The truth is that Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon are promoting a scheme that will increase the profits of the supermarkets, but won't provide a single penny for more police officers or alcohol treatment.

"The challenge now is for us to come up with something better. That is why we have created a commission under the chairmanship of Professor Sally Brown to consider ways of restricting cheap booze and tackling alcohol abuse."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8463333.stm

Proud or ashamed to be Scottish?

[EricSeans]

Dunno about whisky but........

Scots 'drink 46 bottles of vodka'

Adults in Scotland are drinking the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka each in a year, a study has suggested.

The research was based on industry sales data analysed by NHS Health Scotland.

It said sales for the year to September 2009 averaged 12.2 litres of pure alcohol per person over the age of 18.

The Scottish government said the figure, which had remained static since 2005, was the equivalent of 537 pints or 130 bottles of wine per person.

The new figures come as the Scottish government pushes for a minimum price for alcohol to tackle the country's drink-related problems.

Minimum pricing
In total, 50.5 million litres of pure alcohol were sold in Scotland last year, enough for every drinker over the age of 18 to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines.

People in Scotland drank 25% more alcohol per head of population than individuals in England and Wales, the figures suggested.

In England and Wales, the total for the same period was 9.7 litres per person.

Average weekly sales for Scottish drinkers were 26.5 units per person over the age of 18, equivalent to about 11 pints of beer or three bottles of wine.

In England and Wales, the figure was 21.8, slightly higher than the recommended weekly maximum for a man.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for critics of minimum pricing to "wake up" to the scale of Scotland's drink problem.

She added: "All the evidence tells us that the big rise in Scottish alcohol consumption in recent decades is closely linked with the 70% drop in alcohol's relative cost.

"As a consequence, our country now faces an unprecedented burden from alcohol-related health problems, crime and lost economic productivity, which runs into billions and which we are all paying for.

"Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol more cheaply than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly drinking guidelines for a man for less than £3.50."

Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie MSP said: "I believe that alcohol abuse is the most important public health issue we face in Scotland today.

"We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer.

"The truth is that Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon are promoting a scheme that will increase the profits of the supermarkets, but won't provide a single penny for more police officers or alcohol treatment.

"The challenge now is for us to come up with something better. That is why we have created a commission under the chairmanship of Professor Sally Brown to consider ways of restricting cheap booze and tackling alcohol abuse."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8463333.stm

Proud or ashamed to be Scottish?

It's a stereotype that's sadly all too true. I'm a fan of Wee Nicola's minimum pricing strategy which of course the red rozette monkeys will reject simply because it's Scottish Government policy.

Our relationship with drink would surely change if a price hike was imposed (I can say this selfishly cos I've got a vineyard ) It's not as if we're looking at Scandinavian levels. Mind you, with that kind of tax we could start treating our elderly and vulnerable a bit better than worst in Europe. Ah, I forgot, that can't happen until the 90-minute patriots can be pursuaded to vote for a party that puts Scotland first and independence from the United Kingdom.

[Talisker]

Dunno about whisky but........

Scots 'drink 46 bottles of vodka'

Adults in Scotland are drinking the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka each in a year, a study has suggested.

The research was based on industry sales data analysed by NHS Health Scotland.

It said sales for the year to September 2009 averaged 12.2 litres of pure alcohol per person over the age of 18.

The Scottish government said the figure, which had remained static since 2005, was the equivalent of 537 pints or 130 bottles of wine per person.

The new figures come as the Scottish government pushes for a minimum price for alcohol to tackle the country's drink-related problems.

Minimum pricing
In total, 50.5 million litres of pure alcohol were sold in Scotland last year, enough for every drinker over the age of 18 to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines.

People in Scotland drank 25% more alcohol per head of population than individuals in England and Wales, the figures suggested.

In England and Wales, the total for the same period was 9.7 litres per person.

Average weekly sales for Scottish drinkers were 26.5 units per person over the age of 18, equivalent to about 11 pints of beer or three bottles of wine.

In England and Wales, the figure was 21.8, slightly higher than the recommended weekly maximum for a man.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for critics of minimum pricing to "wake up" to the scale of Scotland's drink problem.

She added: "All the evidence tells us that the big rise in Scottish alcohol consumption in recent decades is closely linked with the 70% drop in alcohol's relative cost.

"As a consequence, our country now faces an unprecedented burden from alcohol-related health problems, crime and lost economic productivity, which runs into billions and which we are all paying for.

"Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol more cheaply than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly drinking guidelines for a man for less than £3.50."

Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie MSP said: "I believe that alcohol abuse is the most important public health issue we face in Scotland today.

"We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer.

"The truth is that Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon are promoting a scheme that will increase the profits of the supermarkets, but won't provide a single penny for more police officers or alcohol treatment.

"The challenge now is for us to come up with something better. That is why we have created a commission under the chairmanship of Professor Sally Brown to consider ways of restricting cheap booze and tackling alcohol abuse."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8463333.stm

Proud or ashamed to be Scottish?

It's a stereotype that's sadly all too true. I'm a fan of Wee Nicola's minimum pricing strategy which of course the red rozette monkeys will reject simply because it's Scottish Government policy.

Our relationship with drink would surely change if a price hike was imposed (I can say this selfishly cos I've got a vineyard :) ) It's not as if we're looking at Scandinavian levels. Mind you, with that kind of tax we could start treating our elderly and vulnerable a bit better than worst in Europe. Ah, I forgot, that can't happen until the 90-minute patriots can be pursuaded to vote for a party that puts Scotland first and independence from the United Kingdom.

Vineyard - cool - where, surely not Scotland (yet!)?

[cyprusgrump]

Dunno about whisky but........

Scots 'drink 46 bottles of vodka'

Adults in Scotland are drinking the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka each in a year, a study has suggested.

The research was based on industry sales data analysed by NHS Health Scotland.

It said sales for the year to September 2009 averaged 12.2 litres of pure alcohol per person over the age of 18.

The Scottish government said the figure, which had remained static since 2005, was the equivalent of 537 pints or 130 bottles of wine per person.

The new figures come as the Scottish government pushes for a minimum price for alcohol to tackle the country's drink-related problems.

Minimum pricing
In total, 50.5 million litres of pure alcohol were sold in Scotland last year, enough for every drinker over the age of 18 to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines.

People in Scotland drank 25% more alcohol per head of population than individuals in England and Wales, the figures suggested.

In England and Wales, the total for the same period was 9.7 litres per person.

Average weekly sales for Scottish drinkers were 26.5 units per person over the age of 18, equivalent to about 11 pints of beer or three bottles of wine.

In England and Wales, the figure was 21.8, slightly higher than the recommended weekly maximum for a man.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for critics of minimum pricing to "wake up" to the scale of Scotland's drink problem.

She added: "All the evidence tells us that the big rise in Scottish alcohol consumption in recent decades is closely linked with the 70% drop in alcohol's relative cost.

"As a consequence, our country now faces an unprecedented burden from alcohol-related health problems, crime and lost economic productivity, which runs into billions and which we are all paying for.

"Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol more cheaply than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly drinking guidelines for a man for less than £3.50."

Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie MSP said: "I believe that alcohol abuse is the most important public health issue we face in Scotland today.

"We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer.

"The truth is that Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon are promoting a scheme that will increase the profits of the supermarkets, but won't provide a single penny for more police officers or alcohol treatment.

"The challenge now is for us to come up with something better. That is why we have created a commission under the chairmanship of Professor Sally Brown to consider ways of restricting cheap booze and tackling alcohol abuse."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8463333.stm

Proud or ashamed to be Scottish?

Ah... the BBC...

Ipso facto it is utter lies and government spin.

Alcohol consumption has actually fallen...

Like for like (i.e. not comparing premium brands to cheapest) alcohol is not cheaper than water...

'Units' are an arbitrarily chosen figure based on no scientific evidence...

Those that welcomed the smoking ban will surely recognise the same tactics being deployed to 'denormalise' alcohol...?

[EricSeans]

Dunno about whisky but........

Scots 'drink 46 bottles of vodka'

Adults in Scotland are drinking the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka each in a year, a study has suggested.

The research was based on industry sales data analysed by NHS Health Scotland.

It said sales for the year to September 2009 averaged 12.2 litres of pure alcohol per person over the age of 18.

The Scottish government said the figure, which had remained static since 2005, was the equivalent of 537 pints or 130 bottles of wine per person.

The new figures come as the Scottish government pushes for a minimum price for alcohol to tackle the country's drink-related problems.

Minimum pricing
In total, 50.5 million litres of pure alcohol were sold in Scotland last year, enough for every drinker over the age of 18 to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines.

People in Scotland drank 25% more alcohol per head of population than individuals in England and Wales, the figures suggested.

In England and Wales, the total for the same period was 9.7 litres per person.

Average weekly sales for Scottish drinkers were 26.5 units per person over the age of 18, equivalent to about 11 pints of beer or three bottles of wine.

In England and Wales, the figure was 21.8, slightly higher than the recommended weekly maximum for a man.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for critics of minimum pricing to "wake up" to the scale of Scotland's drink problem.

She added: "All the evidence tells us that the big rise in Scottish alcohol consumption in recent decades is closely linked with the 70% drop in alcohol's relative cost.

"As a consequence, our country now faces an unprecedented burden from alcohol-related health problems, crime and lost economic productivity, which runs into billions and which we are all paying for.

"Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol more cheaply than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly drinking guidelines for a man for less than £3.50."

Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie MSP said: "I believe that alcohol abuse is the most important public health issue we face in Scotland today.

"We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer.

"The truth is that Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon are promoting a scheme that will increase the profits of the supermarkets, but won't provide a single penny for more police officers or alcohol treatment.

"The challenge now is for us to come up with something better. That is why we have created a commission under the chairmanship of Professor Sally Brown to consider ways of restricting cheap booze and tackling alcohol abuse."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8463333.stm

Proud or ashamed to be Scottish?

It's a stereotype that's sadly all too true. I'm a fan of Wee Nicola's minimum pricing strategy which of course the red rozette monkeys will reject simply because it's Scottish Government policy.

Our relationship with drink would surely change if a price hike was imposed (I can say this selfishly cos I've got a vineyard :) ) It's not as if we're looking at Scandinavian levels. Mind you, with that kind of tax we could start treating our elderly and vulnerable a bit better than worst in Europe. Ah, I forgot, that can't happen until the 90-minute patriots can be pursuaded to vote for a party that puts Scotland first and independence from the United Kingdom.

Vineyard - cool - where, surely not Scotland (yet!)?

Not Scotland yet, but that kind of climate's probably not far off. It's in Slovenia - great wee country that managed to see off a bullying invader.

[Talisker]

Dunno about whisky but........

Scots 'drink 46 bottles of vodka'

Adults in Scotland are drinking the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka each in a year, a study has suggested.

The research was based on industry sales data analysed by NHS Health Scotland.

It said sales for the year to September 2009 averaged 12.2 litres of pure alcohol per person over the age of 18.

The Scottish government said the figure, which had remained static since 2005, was the equivalent of 537 pints or 130 bottles of wine per person.

The new figures come as the Scottish government pushes for a minimum price for alcohol to tackle the country's drink-related problems.

Minimum pricing
In total, 50.5 million litres of pure alcohol were sold in Scotland last year, enough for every drinker over the age of 18 to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines.

People in Scotland drank 25% more alcohol per head of population than individuals in England and Wales, the figures suggested.

In England and Wales, the total for the same period was 9.7 litres per person.

Average weekly sales for Scottish drinkers were 26.5 units per person over the age of 18, equivalent to about 11 pints of beer or three bottles of wine.

In England and Wales, the figure was 21.8, slightly higher than the recommended weekly maximum for a man.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for critics of minimum pricing to "wake up" to the scale of Scotland's drink problem.

She added: "All the evidence tells us that the big rise in Scottish alcohol consumption in recent decades is closely linked with the 70% drop in alcohol's relative cost.

"As a consequence, our country now faces an unprecedented burden from alcohol-related health problems, crime and lost economic productivity, which runs into billions and which we are all paying for.

"Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol more cheaply than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly drinking guidelines for a man for less than £3.50."

Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie MSP said: "I believe that alcohol abuse is the most important public health issue we face in Scotland today.

"We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer.

"The truth is that Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon are promoting a scheme that will increase the profits of the supermarkets, but won't provide a single penny for more police officers or alcohol treatment.

"The challenge now is for us to come up with something better. That is why we have created a commission under the chairmanship of Professor Sally Brown to consider ways of restricting cheap booze and tackling alcohol abuse."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8463333.stm

Proud or ashamed to be Scottish?

It's a stereotype that's sadly all too true. I'm a fan of Wee Nicola's minimum pricing strategy which of course the red rozette monkeys will reject simply because it's Scottish Government policy.

Our relationship with drink would surely change if a price hike was imposed (I can say this selfishly cos I've got a vineyard :) ) It's not as if we're looking at Scandinavian levels. Mind you, with that kind of tax we could start treating our elderly and vulnerable a bit better than worst in Europe. Ah, I forgot, that can't happen until the 90-minute patriots can be pursuaded to vote for a party that puts Scotland first and independence from the United Kingdom.

Vineyard - cool - where, surely not Scotland (yet!)?

Not Scotland yet, but that kind of climate's probably not far off. It's in Slovenia - great wee country that managed to see off a bullying invader.

Sounds fantastic, never been, but everything I've read, heard and seen of Slovenia is spectacular. Haven't had the pleasure of drinking wine from Slovenia before though. Do you export to UK?

[EricSeans]

Back to the whisky - I'm getting on to Speysides after a few years on the Islay stuff. It's a rotation thing. As for blends (or "cooking whisky" for the uncompromising ) Asda's own label came up tops among the tasters a few years back and it is a very decent alternative to single malt.

BTW, when shopping at LIDL beware the "pure malt" con - it's still a blend albeit a malt blend. I think the industry is trying to outlaw this labelling.

In other news, Sasunnach found dead outside Glasgow pub after putting ice in his whisky.

[Z4]

Back to the whisky - I'm getting on to Speysides after a few years on the Islay stuff. It's a rotation thing. As for blends (or "cooking whisky" for the uncompromising ) Asda's own label came up tops among the tasters a few years back and it is a very decent alternative to single malt.

BTW, when shopping at LIDL beware the "pure malt" con - it's still a blend albeit a malt blend. I think the industry is trying to outlaw this labelling.

In other news, Sasunnach found dead outside Glasgow pub after putting ice in his whisky.

What does the LIDL malt taste like??