…when you’re in a country where a dram costs more than a bottle?

 

I have the pleasure of spending several months a year in Norway, one of the more expensive countries in the world. Although luxurious most of the time, my whisky loving heart cries every time I see the price of a dram in a bar in Oslo. So here is my advice to the whisky lover who finds the urge to travel to one of the worlds most expensive cities:

 

1. Abstain from whisky for the duration of the trip.

 

Now that we have that out of the way as an infeasible option. Let’s get to the real advice.

1. As a drambuster, I find it useful to bring at least one (usually three) bottles with me. That’s usually not an option if you’re only staying a short time, but trust me; if you’ve got the space, bring one you like.

2. If you have drank yourself into the idea of going out for a dram (or pint) in Oslo; banish the thought.

No? Well, here’s the few places I’ve found and frequented at one point or another (though I like some more than others):

• My number one pub (for beer and whisky) is the Dubliner. I went to a open music night there once and found out it’s basically full of ex-pats from Ireland and the UK. Also, they have an entire bar devoted to whisky. By far one of the best selections I’ve found in a bar in Oslo so far. To add to that, the staff are helpful, and the prices are reasonable [insert sample prices here]. 
• The second pub I’ve found where I actually oggled the collection of bottles behind the bar was “Den Gamle Major”, aka. The Old Major’s lab. Despite being devoted to preserving the weird memorabilia and paraphernalia of an old major, you’ll find no illegal stills here (although if it had kept the price low, you might wish for it).  Unfortunately, as per usual in Norway the prices are high. But if you’re dying for a decent dram, the old major would probably satisfy your urges.
• Third, and so far last, pub on my list. Dr. Jekylls. They have a cask deal with Highland Park (I’m pretty sure it was at least), so need I say more? Although the prices here were by far extortionate, it’s worth to just walk in and look at the collection before taking a piss in a gargoyles mouth (yes, that’s the urinal at this place).

3. Last piece of advice; in all seriousness, spend your money on whisky elsewhere. 

 

On a final note; I have a challenge to my swedish counterpart. Let us know what a drambuster in Sweden would do.