Eugenia Kuzmina Talks Scotch

By Richard Thomas

“Women Who Whiskey” is all the rage in the media nowadays, so much so that there is even a thriving club going by that name. Yet most of the spotlight is on women who write about or work in the whiskey industry, and with the notable exception of Christina Hendricks, not on women who are otherwise already well-known and simply enjoy drinking the stuff, women like Eugenia Kuzmina.

Starting out as a model, the Russian-born Kuzmina has since moved over into joint careers in acting and stand-up comedy, but it was the whiskey seed, and taste for Scotch in particular, that got planted early on.

RT: Now, I know your modeling career started in your teens, but you are a Russian, and Russia is more associated with vodka than whiskey. How did you discover whiskey?

EK: My dad was a Russian scientist. He used to go to conferences in the US and one time he brought home a beautiful bottle of whiskey to share with our Russian friends . It was a rarity to have something other than vodka. I didn’t drink at that time but my dad enjoyed gathering a good group of people (artists , poets , scientists) and sharing a glass of that whiskey. I always remember that occasion.  Call it Freudian, but since then I enjoy  guys who have a sip of a good whiskey.

RT: Good whiskey is to be shared, and you’ve covered a lot of performing ground between modeling, acting and stand-up comedy. Have you met any other whiskey fans in your different working circles?

EK: Yes ! I love gathering people at our house.  We live in a very rock n’ roll house. John Lennon used to live in my house and he wrote ” Imagine ” there. We have a bit of whiskey and dance to rock music. Actually it’s funny, because one of my favorite songs is by Doors, “Show Me The Way to The Next Whiskey Bar” It’s so sexy .

RT: You named Chivas Regal as your go-to whisky. Most Scotch enthusiasts are really into their single malts, so going for even a 12 year old blend like Chivas is an interesting choice. What is it about Chivas that makes it your staple Scotch?

EK: I always go for the most unexpected choice . I love multi-layered blends in a sherry cask because it speaks to my senses.

RT: Speaking of single malts, is the Chivas all alone on your liquor shelf, or do you have any other whisky up there?

EK: Of course I have Johnnie Walker, and a nice present I received, The Macallan.  We save this for special occasions.

RT: So you go to your favorite watering hole, go straight up to the bartender and say “Pour me a double of Scotch.” Is that a good day you are celebrating, one that you are blowing off steam and unwinding, or could be either?

EK: I love life too much, so I’m definetely celebrating every moment of it.

RT: I noticed you once said caviar is your favorite food. Any advice on pairing caviar with whisky?

EK: Yes, when pairing caviar and whiskey…Eat a lot and don’t spill the whiskey!