Whisky & Movies: Instant Family + Glenlivet The Master Distiller's Reserve & MADLUG
Instant Family + Glenlivet The Master Distiller's Reserve & MADLUG
This movie came highly recommended to view, so I selected one of my favorite bottles of Scotch to drink as I laughed and cried while watching Instant Family.
Watched on Apple TV purchased through iTunes
This movie is a must see! Heartwarming and heart wrenching. Instant Family was inspired by the real life experiences of the fostering and adoption process by the writer/director Sean Anders and his wife Beth. The film brings awareness to a topic that is often overlooked and is so important to recognize. Did you know that on any given day there are 438,000 children in the US in the foster care system?
iTunes description: When Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie (Rose Byrne) decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small child but when they meet three siblings, including a rebellious 15 year old girl, they find themselves speeding from zero to three kids overnight. Now, Pete and Ellie must hilariously try to learn the ropes of instant parenthood in the hopes of becoming a family.
One of my favorite scenes happens after the “honeymoon” phase is over with the family. They are at Big Lots when the youngest child wants a barbie and proceeds to have a meltdown running around the store screech-screaming to get the doll! As Ellie is chasing her around the little girl jumps on the check-out counter and yells at the cashier “Scan it! Hurry!! Scan it!”. I was laughing so hard, tears were coming. That scene maybe kinda sorta reminds me of a similar story from my toddler days.
Warning, the seen that you’ll need a box of tissues, of course has to be the ending (spoiler). Everyone in the courtroom, including one of the guards, all gather together to take the celebration photo of their new family - and yes I am tearing up right now as I think of it.
It is a beautiful representation that biology is not the end all be all to have a family. There is something extra special about choosing a child who for no fault of their own was abandoned. Now let’s talk about the the whisky I drank and watered down with my tears!
Drank Neat (with no ice)
Isn’t she a beaut?!? Glenlivet The Master Distiller's Reserve I received as a gift from a dear friend who purchased it in an airport. Unfortunately this bottle is only available via travel retail. Which is why I have been drinking this bottle slowly!
The story behind the bottle: Spending time in the Solera Vat is what gives this expression in the signature The Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Reserve range its truly exceptional character. Alan Winchester, Master Distiller, first triple cask matures the spirit in traditional oak, American first-fill and ex-sherry casks. He then selects the best of these casks to transfer to the Solera Vat. The vat, which is never emptied, creates a rich whisky that develops in intensity and complexity every year. The high concentration of first-fill American oak adds creaminess, soft fudge and vanilla to the spirit. But it’s the nose that grabs you – it bursts with the smell of ripe orchard fruits alongside gentle caramel notes. It’s luxurious to taste, with a honeyed sweetness and the distinct presence of juicy pears. It’s a whisky that’s packed with flavor.
An important reality to note: in the movie the oldest child mentions that a way to spot a foster is that they carry all their belongings in trash bags. Not long ago I was looking for a day backpack and thanks to the creepy ways Instagram listens to our conversations, Madlug was pushed to my feed. It was not long after seeing and following their company that The New Activist podcast had an episode with founder Dave Linton. He would not accept that kids in the foster care system had to transport their belongings in a trash bag. In response, in 2015 he started Madlug as a luggage and accessory business that allows us to buy stylish bags and, in return, give a very practical and dignity preserving bag to a child in foster care. When you purchase one of their bags, a child in the foster care system is given a bag.
I quickly order a backpack and I love it - Link to their instagram and the specific style I bought. His company currently helps kids in Ireland, but their goal is to expand as they grow. I might not be in a place where I can foster but there are many ways we can help. Buy a bag, get involved locally and learn how you can support families who are fostering. The Instant Family website has information helpful for those who are looking for other ways to get involved.
A huge part of the Silver Coins philosophy is being a place where we can bring to the table conversations and awareness to topics like these. Thanks for joining in on this experience! Cheers
Instant Family: 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃/5
Glenlivet The Master Distiller’s Reserve: 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃/5