Stop Using Labels to Judge Whiskey or the Way I Make It
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Recently, I’ve seen a lot of comments on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and even on my website. It’s not that people dislike my whiskey, but because I use fruitwood smoke in my cocktails, some have called it “gay” or “feminine,” and some even attack me personally, saying things like “you’re a bearded woman.”
Honestly, I’m not angry 😅, just confused. How can making a drink become a reason to attack someone?
1️⃣ I See Every Comment, But I Can't Reply to Them All
Every day, I’m testing different fruitwood smoke techniques, experimenting with new cocktail recipes, fulfilling international orders, filming, and editing videos. I can’t reply to every comment, but I remember every unfair one 💭 and every supportive one.
Some friends messaged me: “Don’t mind them, they’re just jealous you can enjoy life your way.” I laughed — exactly, some people just can’t understand the peace and joy that comes from doing something you truly love.
2️⃣ Whiskey Making Has No Fixed Rules
Some enjoy it neat 🥃, some add soda for a refreshing taste, some use egg white to create silky foam in a whiskey sour. And I? I love using applewood and cherrywood smoke 🍒, combining it with a dash of orange juice and bitters, and sometimes serving it with skull-shaped ice cubes just for fun.
All these approaches deserve respect. Smoking cocktails is just one of many ways — it’s not “weird,” and certainly shouldn’t carry any negative labels.
3️⃣ The Problem Isn’t the Drink — It’s the Prejudice
When people use words like “gay” or “feminine” to criticize a cocktail technique, it reflects narrow thinking:
“Only my way is correct.”
“Only people who meet my standard can make cocktails.”
Life isn’t black and white. Your way of enjoying whiskey, your hobbies, your lifestyle — it’s yours. 🌎 My friends get it, and they often tell me in the comments: “As long as you’re happy, nothing else matters.” And that’s true — my happiness matters most.
4️⃣ Making Cocktails Is a Life Philosophy
I use fruitwood smoke in whiskey not to please anyone, but because I love the way the smoky aroma blends with the whiskey 🥃. I add orange juice and bitters not to be fancy, but to give each glass its own character. I use skull-shaped ice cubes simply because it’s fun 💀.
These choices have nothing to do with gender or labels. They’re about passion and genuine exploration. You can like it or not, you can say “I prefer it neat” — I’ll listen. But please, don’t use biased words to attack someone or dismiss a style.
5️⃣ Friends’ Voices: Responses to Unfriendly Comments
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Comment: “Your style is too feminine.”
Response: “No, this is enjoying life and trying new things.” -
Comment: “You look like a woman, and you make cocktails?”
Response: “True passion doesn’t care about appearance or gender. Whiskey is about taste and feeling.” -
Comment: “Smoky cocktails are gay.”
Response: “Smoking cocktails is just a technique. It has nothing to do with anyone’s identity.”
These small responses aren’t for arguing but for setting a boundary: respecting different choices creates a real community. 🤝
6️⃣ We’re Here for the Love of Whiskey, Not for Hurting Each Other
Whether on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or my website, what connects us is our passion for whiskey:
- Classic or innovative
- Neat or mixed
- Simple or playful
Every approach deserves respect ❤️.
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to enjoy my cocktails and share their thoughts. If you have your own creative whiskey style — smoky, fruity, or any other idea — feel free to share it in the comments. Let’s leave labels behind, leave prejudice behind, and just enjoy whiskey. That’s the community I want to build.
J, BarrelVibes Founder
© 2025 BarrelVibes—Celebrating whiskey, creativity, and bold choices