A whisky tradition

By Maltmannie

In the North-East of Scotland lies a small town called Oldmeldrum. The following story is told of two elderly gents who were once residents there:

Jock and Jim had been friends all their lives. They had drank a bottle of whisky together for New Year, every year for 60 years. There is no evidence for it, but being local lads it may well have been a bottle of Glen Garioch.

Glengarioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum

Tragedy struck in the late 1980s when doctors told Jock he would not be around for the next New Year. Jim visited Jack in hospital religiously throughout his illness, always hoping for the best. Sometimes Jim would smuggle a little whisky into the hospital for his pal Jock such was his dedication.

Slowly but surely Jock’s health deteriorated. Sensing he may not get another chance he summoned his lifelong friend to give him his last wishes:

Jock: “Jim, we’ve been pals all our lives”

Jim: “Aye Jock, we have.”

Jock: “And every year we’ve drank a bottle of whisky together for New Year”

Jim: “Aye Jock, we have indeed.”

Jock: “Well Jim, I’d like you to do something for me after I’m gone.”

Jim: “Of course Jim, what is it”

Jock: “Jim, I’d like you to pour my half of the bottle over my grave every New Year in memory of all the New Years we have spent together.”

Jim thought about his friend’s request before replying:

Jim: “Jock, I cannae refuse your last wish. I was wondering though, would you mind awfully if I filtered it through my kidneys first?”