Mrs. Warren’s Commentary
As I was reading the Denbighshire Free Press Newspaper, my eyes gazed upon this advertisement. The Lorne Highland Whisky is something I need to try. My preferred drink is whisky and soda. Frequently, I review the newspaper to see advertisements of the latest products to see if any spark my acquired taste. I was so pleased this was in the newspaper since I had a desire recently to try a new brand of whisky. A drink is always necessary especially in times of distress. I crave an excellent quality whisky. Therefore, once I sip this one I have high expectations for the taste – nothing less than of the utmost quality. I sure hope Vivie is not coming across these advertisements. She is too young to drink. Why would she even thirst this? She is nonsense if she does! The other evening at the cottage I was surprised by who came through the door so late. Vivie acted very suspicious once in the door. Why did she not tell me where she was going? I have a growing suspicious that she was out enjoying a drink with Praed. Although I appreciate a drink frequently, I still do not believe she should be doing the same. Again, she is too young and has a future of marriage ahead. Sloppy from going out is not what Vivie needs when in the hunt for who will provide for her future. Is her life in Surrey at the cottage actually what she speaks to me? Or is she spending her time drinking?
Editorial Commentary
The Denbighshire Free Press Newspaper was an English newspaper that was released weekly in the surrounding areas of North Wales and owned by Cotton & Co. From 1881-1887, the title of the Newspaper was Denbigh, Ruthin and Vale of Clwyd Free Press, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Merionethshire News. Then, in 1957, it became Denbighshire Free Press and North Wales Times (The National Library of Wales). After reviewing the newspaper, the front cover reveals that it only costs one penny to purchase. This newspaper gives information on local and general news, such as advertisements from local companies. From Mrs. Warren’s comments in her Commonplace book, she found this advertisement in the newspaper, and it sparked her interests. It can be concluded that she loves to drink whisky and soda. She loves to drink and that it is always needed, but Mrs. Warren does not want her daughter, Vivie, to drink because she is too young. During the 18th century, Scotch whisky experienced a huge expansion internationally with London being one of the countries (Bathgate, 2003). Businessmen would choose good quality malts to blend with whisky, the sell the product locally (Bathgate, 2003). After a plague hit the vineyards of France in 1863, principal alcoholic drinks were short for the middle and upper classes, so this was a good opportunity for whisky brands to enter the market (Bathgate, 2003). This could explain why Mrs. Warren enjoys whisky so much since it became a popular drink during her time due to the shortage of other alcohols.
Bathgate, G. N. (2003). History of the development of whisky. Whisky: technology, Production and Marketing, Elsevier, London, 1-24.
Denbigh, R. (1883, November 24), ‘Sole Agent for The Lorne Highland Whisky.’ Denbigh, Ruthin and Vale of Clwyd Free Press Denbighshire, Flintshire and Merionethshire News. An Independent Journal For All Classes And Parties. https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3766943
Denbighshire Free Press - Welsh Newspapers. The National Library of Wales. https://newspapers.library.wales/browse/360951