Often associated with men (think back to all the Western films full of whiskey-swilling Cowboys), this week’s AnOther Lover, commissioning editor of AnOther Website Laura Bradley, is breaking the stereotype with her choice of Automatic Whisky – a
Whisky (Scottish English) or whiskey (Hiberno-English) is the tipple of choice for as disparate figures as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and American musician Kid Rock (who references the beverage in many of his songs). A type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash, whisky is derived from an Anglicisation of a Goidelic name literally meaning “water of life.” Prolific author Mark Twain once famously said, "Too much of anything is bad, but too much of good whiskey is barely enough."
Often associated with men (think back to all the Western films full of whisky-swilling Cowboys), this week’s AnOther Lover, commissioning editor of AnOther Website Laura Bradley, is breaking the stereotype with her choice of Automatic Whisky – a whisky and soda vending machine from the 1960s. Whilst this may seem a novelty item – for many vending machines today conjure up uninspiring cans of coke, cups of coffee, snacks, cigarettes and condoms – only some 50 years ago they were regularly used to dispense perfumes, bikinis, flowers, hot meals and even farm eggs.
At the other end of the scale and notably in 2009, the Mondrian Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida installed the Semi-Automatic, intended for the use of the über rich. With items reaching an impressive $1.2 million, the machine installed in the hotel lobby offered up everything from a 2000 Bentley Azure Convertible to a Jean Paul Gaultier dress. Products too large for one of the machine's glossy shopping bags were assigned cards that could be exchanged at the front desk for the purchase. (Top-sellers included a set of 24 carat gold handcuffs, a gold rabbit's foot and recession-themed T-shirts.)
Here, we speak to Bradley about what her ideal vending machine would be and how she drinks her whisky.
Why did you choose to Love this Automatic whisky?
I came across this brilliant feature on the history of vending machines. They're relatively dull these days (except for the Comme des Garçons T-shirt machines in Dover Street Market) but the historic examples were standout.
Are you a big whisky fan and what is your whisky of choice?
Yes, it's my drink of choice – it tastes good in summer and in winter. I used to be a G&T girl (always Hendrick's) but now its mainly whisky and coke. Aside from the taste and smell, I love its connotations. So many of my favourite films feature whisky – Paul Newman knocks back plenty in The Hustler and it's a regular feature in the new Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. I quite like that it's traditionally thought of as a "man drink" – one of my closest female friends and I are doing are best to make it our own.
How do you drink yours?
With full fat coke, in a short tumbler, with ice. Without coke if I'm feeling especially brave/in shock. It's nice to have in a good American diner with a burger and fries.
Do you have another favourite alcoholic beverage?
I love a margarita, on the rocks, with salt, in a short tumbler. Sweet & Vicious in New York do amazing frozen margaritas, served in a jar with a glace cherry.
What is your favourite drinking hole and why?
It's hard to pick one – depends what mood I'm in. Generally anywhere with sun, a nice outdoor area and my closest friends.
This whisky and soda vending machine is from 1960 – are there any other retro items you wish you could revive?
Stockings and suspenders for all women.
What’s the last thing you bought from a vending machine?
I wish I had a good, interesting answer but sadly the only vending machines I see these days stock tampons, condoms, cigarettes and snacks...
What do you wish you could buy from a vending machine?
Quality magazines.
Text by Lucia Davies
