The Smooth Scotch Audrey Hepburn Was Known To Sip On

The daughter of a Dutch baroness and an Englishman, actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn continues to be remembered for her beloved film roles including Princess Ann in "Roman Holiday," Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady." Despite her enduring fame, Hepburn maintained a lifestyle uncomplicated by Hollywood glitz and glam. She preferred simple and fresh ingredients in what she ate every day. When it came to enjoying a drink, Hepburn also kept things simple, reportedly enjoying a finger or two of J&B Rare scotch — neat — in the evening. For those who don't know, a finger of whiskey is an old term from the days before standard measurements. And it was just what you might expect: the width of the pourer's finger against the glass, which today equates to 1 to 1.5 ounces. 

J&B began as Justerini & Brooks all the way back in 1749, but it wasn't until the 1930s that the company's managing director, Eddie Tatham, developed its signature whisky J&B Rare. One of the qualities that sets it apart from the competition is the required 42 different whiskies that create its blend. And part of how it rose so quickly in popularity was because Tatham was an avid partier who frequently socialized with stars of stage and screen like Fred Astaire, Hepburn's costar in "Funny Face," and Gary Cooper, her costar from "Love in the Afternoon." J&B remains popular today, especially in Southern Europe, where it is a favorite party whisky. 

When Audrey Hepburn was a young girl, her mother moved them to the Netherlands, believing they would be safer there than in England at the outbreak of World War II. Unfortunately, Germany ignored the Netherlands' neutrality and invaded in 1940. A childhood spent under Nazi occupation left Hepburn malnourished and near starvation for many of her formative years. At times she even had to survive by eating nettles and tulip bulbs.

As an adult, Hepburn enjoyed making easy dishes for her family that were full of color and variety. She served a brown roast with greens and brightly colored vegetables like carrots from the farmers market, along with various fruits. And she loved pasta, sometimes topping penne with ketchup. Her partner Robert Wolders told People in 2017, "We had brown bread with jam for breakfast, lunch would be chicken or veal or pasta, often with vegetables from the garden, and for dinner we often had soup with chicken and vegetables." After dinner, Hepburn enjoyed some dark chocolate and a finger or two of scotch, most likely J&B Rare.