Bottega Café in Parkhurst is host to a whiskey club for the people

RESTAURATEUR SAVERIO CARDILLO HAS A THING FOR WHISKY, AND HE WANTS IT TO BE SAVOURED, CELEBRATED, AND SHARED

It’s no secret: whisky is for everyone. Or, more accurately, we’ve been told it’s for everyone. As the category explodes and competition becomes ever fiercer, brands are shrugging off their leather-chaired image in favour of more seats at the table. But as egalitarian as this may sound and as inclusive as it looks on Instagram, whisky is still rather pricey.

So, much like the odious aspects of neoliberal ideology, this “all are invited” attitude is somewhat out of sync with the “not all can afford it” reality. There’s a gap between what’s promised and what’s possible. But, thankfully, the Robin-Hood spirit is alive and well, and there are those determined to bridge this divide.

Saverio Cardillo is that kind of guy. No, he doesn’t steal from the rich and give to the poor, but, with a burning desire to democratise whisky, he’s developed a few fairly smart ways of getting liquid onto lips and love into hearts. “Gooseflesh”. It’s the word he uses most when discussing the dram. He has a way of exclaiming it. There’s a slight inhalation of breath, his eyes scrunch up and then… voilà! He shows you the small bumps on his arm. This man really does feel for whisky, and he wishes the same for all of us.

My Italian’s not great, but I’m happy to believe that Saverio, or Sav, means “savvy”. Sure, I’m probably way off the mark, but his ability to attract both newbies and fanatics to his whisky tastings suggests there’s a very considered, practical mind behind the gregarious personality. These events take place at Bottega Café in Parkhurst, the restaurant he opened on 4th Avenue some two decades ago. In this warm, friendly, familial space, whiskies are shared informally, paired with his sumptuous menu. Novices ask questions, die-hards offer advice, and the ambience is not unlike an extended family gathering.