🥃 The Surprising Benefits of Drinking Whisky — And Why I Don’t Feel Guilty Writing This with AI

By Stuart (Former notebook scribbler, current AI wrangler)

I was rummaging through one of my old notebooks the other day — a battered relic from my days as a journalist, where stories were researched in dusty libraries, and “cut and paste” meant scissors and wax. Yes we used wax to stick the images to the layout boards. Between ideas for feature pieces and a doodle of a very questionable-looking sheep, I found it:
“The Surprising Benefits of Drinking Whisky” — written in longhand, with scribbles, footnotes, and underlined facts. It had taken me ages to pull together.

And here I am now, years later, typing that same headline into ChatGPT and getting a polished version in seconds.

Do I feel like I’m cheating? Oddly… no.
Because here’s what that whisky article — both then and now — reminds me:

🧠 1. Whisky May Help Your Brain Stay Sharp

Some studies suggest that moderate whisky consumption may reduce your risk of dementia. It’s all to do with antioxidants — particularly ellagic acid, which helps combat oxidative stress in the brain. Of course, moderation is key. That third dram won’t make you cleverer — it’ll just make you dance worse.

❤️ 2. It Can Be Good for the Heart

In small quantities, whisky may raise good cholesterol (HDL) and help lower your risk of heart disease. The Scottish call it “the water of life” for a reason — though ironically, too much of it and you may find your heart racing for entirely different reasons (like when trying to remember where you left your trousers).

🧪 3. It Contains No Sugar or Carbs

Unlike sugary cocktails or some beers, a good single malt is low-calorie, sugar-free, and gluten-free. It’s not a health drink (let’s not get carried away), but it’s better than downing cola-based mixers or fizzy pints. That said, whisky isn’t an excuse to skip the broccoli.

🛌 4. It May Help You Sleep

Whisky is a sedative — and while not recommended as a regular sleep aid, a small dram can help you unwind and fall asleep faster. Again, moderation is the magic word. A nightcap is fine. A bottle is not a bedtime story.

🧘 5. It Reduces Stress (In the Right Amounts)

That warm sensation as you sip is partly ethanol dilating your blood vessels, partly the calming ritual of the pour, the swirl, the sip. Many whisky lovers say it helps them slow down and reflect — not numb, but pause.

🔬 6. It’s Rich in Antioxidants

Whisky contains polyphenols that fight harmful free radicals in your body — those nasty little buggers that contribute to ageing and illness. While not a miracle cure, it’s one of the few drinks that boasts both a bold taste and a chemical nudge in your favour.

🤧 7. It Was Once Used as Medicine

During Prohibition, you could still legally get whisky with a doctor’s prescription in the U.S. It was considered treatment for everything from high blood pressure to tuberculosis. Not that we recommend trying that excuse at your next GP visit.

So... Is It Cheating to Let AI Help with This?

Honestly? No more than using a calculator is cheating at maths.
I did the research years ago. I know the voice I want. I’ve lived the article, in both pen and pixel.

AI is just a faster pen.

The value isn’t just in how fast you get the facts. It’s in how you tell the story — with flair, humour, timing, and a wink to the reader that says: “This is me. This is how I see the world.”

So here’s to notebooks, whisky, and using every tool you’ve got to share stories worth telling.