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Commotion Lotion
A Scotsman drives his carry-out home
The Independent profiles Buckfast Tonic Wine, the UK sweet wine which has become the tipple of choice among Scotland's anti-social classes.
Buckie - also known as "Commotion Lotion" or, simply, "The Wine" has been made in England by monks for over a century, but there is little monk-like about its reputation north of the border. Scottish ministers and health experts have called for the drink to be banned, while some pubs and shops refuse to sell it, thanks to the reputation Buckfast attracts. One minister was followed by a mob of youths chanting "Don't ban Buckie" after she launched a campaign to ban Buckie.
On the other hand, some places thrive on the stuff: Your correspondent remembers a Glasgow shop which sold nothing else but Buckie and Embassy Regal. It did a roaring trade, and not just among Jakies and Neds. The company that makes Buckfast plans to expand production, to meet spiralling demand. Sixty percent of the world's Buckfast is consumed in Scotland, with Ireland (North and Eire) gulping down much of the rest.
But where else is Buckfast popular? It is based on a French recipe, though we have yet to come across a bottle on our travels in France. Some of the large numbers of charming Scotsmen who people the streets of London may seek out bottles to remind them of their home country: Perhaps Alistair Darling or Gordon Brown are working their way through a bottle or two (each) as you read this.
Have any EURSOC readers spotted Buckie further afield?
