In the US, a 1.75-liter bottle of whiskey is commonly known as a “handle,” a name that comes from the grip built into many bottles of this size. It contains the equivalent of two and a third standard 750ml bottles, which makes it a fairly intimidating amount of whiskey to bring home at once.
Over in the UK, the most common bottle size is 70cl, or 700ml. Nearly every brand uses it, and it is the size our eyes are accustomed to seeing. Occasionally, you will find a liter bottle in a supermarket, normally from a more affordable brand such as The Famous Grouse or Jameson. Liter bottles are also common in airports.
Never, ever have I felt the need to buy a handle of whisky. In what space, time, or place would I need 1.75 liters, or 59.2 fluid ounces, of whisky?
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There are a lot of bottles in my house, so this is a little hypocritical of me to say, but the idea of buying something approaching two liters of whisky blows my mind.
When Does A Handle Make Sense?
If you are throwing a house party, running a bar, or preparing for a big family event, I can understand the need for nearly two liters of whisky, depending on how many guests drink it.
A handle can also make some sense if there is a brand you love and you do not want to keep returning to the store to repurchase the same 750ml bottle, as long as it is consumed responsibly. They can, too, offer good value for money.
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The brands occupying this hefty corner of the market include some of the biggest names in American whiskey: Jim Beam, Jack Daniel’s, Evan Williams, and others.
These whiskeys are not expensive or particularly rare. From a personal finance perspective, and provided you are measured with your consumption, I can see why buying a larger bottle might seem like a good idea.
Why I Still Would Not Buy One
Personally, I do not think it is a particularly good idea.
We all have to remember that whisky is a luxury product in the sense that we do not need it to live. Alcohol can also be toxic and dangerous when consumed irresponsibly. I have always felt that even a liter of alcohol is slightly excessive, so almost doubling that amount feels like a negative idea to me.
As stated above, I can understand buying a handle because it offers good value, provided you are responsible with your consumption. I can also understand it if you run a bar or restaurant.
However, public health is an incredibly important subject, and it always has been. Being able to purchase nearly two liters of alcohol for very little money feels ethically challenging. Then again, the same could be said of a standard bottle of whisky, which can also cause harm when consumed irresponsibly.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, what I am saying is this: look after yourself and be careful.
The availability of bottles this large feels completely alien to me, but for many people in the US, it is perfectly normal. Alcohol is social and historic, and it has played a significant role throughout human history. Just remember to treat it with care.
