On those very, very rare weekends where I find myself with a spare few hours to kill, one of my favourite ways to relax and unwind that doesn’t involve building Lego whisky bottles, is to pour myself a dram, stick Spotify on, and listen to some music. 

Much like whisky, music is universally adored. It’s a language everybody understands and is a fantastic way to relax, unwind, and forget your troubles. It’s the ultimate form of escapism and for me, also much like whisky, it’s something I could never be without. 

Whisky/whiskey and music, it turns out, have more in common with one another than a lot of people realise. For centuries, this golden amber nectar has served as the inspiration for all manner of musicians, across a wide range of genres. So much so in fact, that there are countless songs out there featuring, or even explicitly about, whisky. 

As you might have guessed, for today’s blog, I’m going to be looking at some of the most famous songs about whisky. I’ll also share a few Spotify links so you can have a listen for yourselves. 

Whiskey Ballad – Seasick Steve

Ever since I saw Seasick Steve on an episode of Top Gear, many years ago, I’ve been a fan of his music. There’s just something about his style of blues singing that helps soothe the soul. His style of music and singing also lends itself perfectly to whiskey.

Whiskey Ballad perfectly sums up the emotional rollercoaster that whiskey can take you on. It’s a song about finding solace in a dram of whiskey, and while I don’t recommend or condone drinking to drown your sorrows, it’s a message most of us can relate to in some form or another. 

The theme of the song may sound bleak on paper, but the song itself is actually heartwarming, uplifting, and very catchy. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/4pSr9EC7ibyU5YCO3aFWsp 

Whiskey Rock-A-Roller – Lynyrd Skynyrd

‘Sometimes I wonder where we will go… 

Lord, don’t take my whiskey, rock and roll’

If you’re in the mood for a bit of classic rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd will most certainly take some beating. 

This classic tune, as the title implies, heavily features whiskey and is all about living that rockstar lifestyle we all dreamed about living when we were growing up. 

It’s full of energy, it’s catchy, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a 1970s rock band. It highlights life on the road, touring, partying, and of course, enjoying a fine whiskey (in moderation, of course).

I like to stick this tune on when I’m busy around the house, in the garden, or out on the road for work. It really helps get me motivated and highlights the fun memories that can be made with a delicious dram in hand. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/1QoKN0d8DqFvPLp8FaBp0I 

The Gambler – Kenny Rogers

If you enjoy poker, good whisky, and of course, a not-so-subtle metaphor for life itself, you’re going to love this classic track by the fantastic Kenny Rogers. 

Unlike the other songs on my list today, The Gambler doesn’t focus exclusively on whisky/whiskey. No, the theme of this particular song is poker, or rather, a game of poker being used as a metaphor for life itself. 

It may not primarily focus on whisky, but it still features heavily. In fact, that final gulp in the song helps signify the end of the ‘game’. That last swallow of whisky brings the gambler’s “game” to a close as he passes away peacefully in his sleep, effectively breaking even. 

Hey, when I finish a particularly tasty dram of whisky, it’s always a bitter-sweet moment, but I don’t personally find it that extreme. I do, however, understand exactly what the whiskey represented, and I find it particularly moving, and very clever.

A proper classic, and one of my favs, it’s one of my ultimate whisky-themed songs. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/5KqldkCunQ2rWxruMEtGh0 

Campbeltown Loch – Andy Stewart

‘Oh! Campbeltown Loch. Ah wish ye were whisky! / Campbeltown Loch, Och Aye! / Ah wid drink ye dry’.

So far, the drams featured on my list today have largely been associated with America, usually in the form of rye and bourbon. As fantastic as these are, you all know it’s Scotch that holds a very special place in my heart, so here’s a song about precisely that. 

Campbeltown Loch is a traditional Scottish folk song that was made famous by Andy Stewart during the early 1990s. The basic premise behind the song is that the singer wishes that the gorgeous Campbeltown Loch could be drained and filled with delicious Campbeltown whisky, largely because the price of whisky was so high, and was therefore unaffordable for a lot of the locals. 

Campbeltown, which was once home to more than 30 working distilleries, very nearly lost its status as a whisky region. Thankfully, when the Glengyle Distillery was reopened in 2004, this took the number of working distilleries in the region to 3, allowing it to retain its status as an official whisky region. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/7h1I3Pp6197UD8Me64g3Ot 

Whiskey in the Jar – Metallica

Finally, you didn’t think I would honesty leave this off the list, did you? Come on, you surely know me better than that! 

Yes, it is of course the ultimate whiskey ballad, covered multiple times over the years by some of the greatest musicians of generations, including the legendary Thin Lizzy. For me however, it is Metallica’s rendition that is the ultimate version of this absolute banger of a song. 

Whiskey in the Jar is actually a traditional Irish ballad which dates all the way back to the 17th century. It’s about an Irish highwayman who steals from a government official, and gives it to his lover, who subsequently betrays him and dobs him in to the law. Talk about ungrateful.

Now, the song isn’t really about whiskey, but it does get a mention in the lyrics, and makes for a very catchy title. Metallica won the Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy in 2000 for their version of this song, and rightly so. It’s an absolute belter and is, for me, the most famous whiskey song of all time, even though, you know, it’s not really about whiskey all that much. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/2R6UrJ8uWbSIiHWmvRQvN8 

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whiskies, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.