We often forget that prominent people are “just like us” ordinary folks. They have mundane concerns, hopes and dreams, fall in love and they love good booze too. Some of our most recognisable celebrities are genuine malt lovers. Read on to learn more about 3 of their favourite tipple and some of their memorable quotes - whisky or otherwise.

1. Nick Offerman (aka Ron Swanson of Parks and Recreation) 

"All my life I’ve avoided Europe, and its multitudes of terribleness, but it turns out, much to my surprise, there is actually one place in Europe worth seeing. 

This tiny island off the coast of Scotland, where God's elixirs are distilled, barrelled and prepared for consumption."

— Ron Swanson, Director of Pawnee City Dept. of Parks and Recreation, on his love for Islay whisky and Lagavulin.

This one is for fans of mockumentary sitcom Parks and Recreation!

A running theme in the series was Ron Swanson’s love of Scotch. But did you know that the script was actually based on the real life actor, Nick Offerman's love for Lagavulin single malt?

The scriptwriters took every opportunity to work Offerman’s love for Lagavulin into the script. Ron was sent on a train to Scotland to visit Lagavulin Distillery in one episode. In another, Ron diversifies his investment portfolio by buying a 51% stake in the distillery.

In real life, Nick Offerman found himself appointed the spokesman for Lagavulin Distillery in 2014, after the Scots realised the actor’s genuine love for their single malt.

Their friendship was taken further in 2019 when the distillery released the limited edition Lagavulin 11 Years old Offerman Edition which was finished in a Guinness beer cask. This bottle went on to be crowned the Whisky Advocate Magazine’s Top Whisky of 2021. Not something we would typically expect from a big celebrity endorsed whisky! 

2. Harrison Ford

(Image Source: Elle Magazine)

“I know how to pronounce it... It’s called ‘Bhrook-laddickh’!”

– Harrison Ford, when offered a bottle of Bruichladdich Single Malt by Jimmy Fallon

It's universally acknowledged that Harrison Ford is sort of a lumpy, grumpy Hollywood A-lister. He has been hilariously curt during interviews and would barely smile patronisingly. But when talkshow host Jimmy Fallon popped open a Bruichladdich single malt for Ford during an interview, Ford broke his usual stern demeanour and announced that he really liked Bruichladdich’s single malts.

On another occasion, while filming for Blade Runner 2049, Ford accidentally punched Ryan Gosling in the face while shooting a scene. But the characteristically gruff Ford was unwilling to give Gosling a real apology. 

Instead, he poured Gosling a glass of Scotch whisky and said to Gosling: “I forgive you.”

3. Mila Kunis

"It's OK for women to order a whiskey and be just as empowered as if she ordered a Cosmopolitan.

Women promote wine and ultra-feminine drinks, but I think whiskey is not any less feminine."

– Mila Kunis, Ukrainian-American actor on her preference for whiskey

Award-winning actress Mila Kunis wants to change women’s perception of whisk(e)y as a man-only drink. She began drinking the amber liquid with her husband, Ashton Kutcher, and reportedly fell in love after trying some “very smoky Scotch”. This led her down the rabbit hole to American whiskey, rye and bourbon. 

At a time when Jim Beam Bourbon realised that the female market for whiskey was underserved, the brand partnered with Mila Kunis in 2014 and appointed her as their spokesperson. Kunis’ appointment was very effective in revamping Jim Beam’s image. Soon after the campaign, Jim Beam experienced 40+% growth in sales, and a shift in its consumer base to more young females and millennials. 

Jim Beam was evidently pleased with their choice. The brand said that it chose Kunis because young women admire her confidence, while young men see her as being candid, approachable and fun.