When it first came to prominence, whisky was thought to be the water of life. It's been a while since then, but it's still proving to be transformative.

It can be arty, if you're willing to face a little price rise and a bit of criticism. It can be misspelt and as easily misunderstood. According to some Australians, it can even be hangover-free.
In binge drinking news, new research suggests that it's a coping mechanism adopted back in Viking times and officially not our fault. Other research estimates 1,500 Scots will gain no comfort from the news, having died from alcohol abuse.
Time for a success story in tough times: Britain's microbreweries get some love from the Guardian. They're not the only sector in growth, either - there's Hong Kong's roaring wine trade, too.
If you're anything like me, you'd have spent the Oscars asleep. If you're not, you could have tried Gourmet's themed cocktails, or maybe spent a little more than you'd planned.