Drinking spirits on TV vs real life

[Justajot]

I'm currently watching my way through Spooks and there is a lot of drinking of neat whiskey. I've noticed the same in lots of dramas. I don't think I know anyone who regularly drinks neat spirits like that. I just want to check is my life just unrepresentative of wider society or TV is making it up?

If I watched Spooks I might drink neat whiskey. In reality I usually have spirit's with mixers. On a very few occasions I have had a neat whiskey, but this has been when something truly dreadful has happened.

I know loads of people who drink neat whisky 🥃 but I work in the drinks industry so I’m probably not the best person to answer !
In Scotland it’s sacrilege to add a mixer to whisky unless it’s a cheap blend !!

I have known people who drink whisky and other spirits neat but they never do it in that way they do it on TV where they down it in one then stare into space. I mustn't have been around enough people who've received bad news.

I just watched Damages and the lead (female lawyer in her 50s) and her protege (in her 20s) drank bourbon neat constantly. In Suits they drink whisky (I think it's whiskey) neat every evening. I don't know a single person who drinks spirits regularly, let alone on it's own. And certainly not in the office!

Rarely drink but do love a Whiskey, often neat sometimes with ice

No one I know drinks neat spirits, with the possible exception of a Christmas tipple or after a special meal.
I used to work in a bar and very rarely did anyone want just whisky and ice.
I think it’s an American idea that’s come over, Their drinks industry is quite different as they don’t have European wines in their doorstep or a tradition of ale. Whereas bourbon, whiskey and even tequila are their fortes.

I used to be fond of a drop with just a small splash of water. Can't imagine knocking it back though.

A guy I knew drank a lot of neat whisky and ended up with cancer of the tongue and cheek when he was in his mid 30s. It's really bad for your stomach, too.

I drink neat whiskey, Irish is my particular poison, preferably Bushmills or Paddy. I sip it slowly throughout the evening, could never just down it like on the telly I'd probably vomit it straight back up again. I've never known anyone who drinks like that.

I'm Scottish. We don't drink whisky with mixers. One block of ice or a tiny dash of water to release the favours is OK, whap anything else in there and you'll be shown the door.