Rebecca Armstrong: Why I'm turning my nose up at vin de Barrymore
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.For a reason that escapes me now, I follow, along with almost five million others, Sean Combs AKA P Diddy, on Twitter. While this week he's been alternating between sad Whitney tweets and shout-outs to his kids, his usual output is inspirational quotes interspersed with fulsome praises of Ciroc, the vodka brand he is ambassador for (sample tweet: "Peach Ciroc is Finally EVERYWHERE !!!! The wait is over!!!!" phew, huh?). While I'm not mad keen to try flavoured, luxury French vodka (from the world-famous vodka houses of France we hear so much about), Combs is a high-rolling playboy who knows his way round a party. His association with the booze brand holds (fire) water.
Not every celebrity shill is quite so comfortable a fit. I've just heard that the Hollywood actress and producer Drew Barrymore is launching her own wine. Barrymore 2011 Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie IGT, a 12% abv, is, I'm led to believe from the information available on the interwebs, a crisp, dry and fruity white, which is made from grapes grown in the Veneto, Friuli and Alto Adige in northern Italy.
I'm a big fan of Drew. She has metaphorically and literally (see the Charlie's Angels movies for evidence) kicked ass throughout her career and she also has very nice hair. I'm also a big fan of wine, Pinot Grigio in particular. But I'm not a fan of buying wine from people who went to rehab for alcoholism at the age of nine. She has apparently said of the wine: "I'm excited about sharing this Pinot Grigio with my friends and family and other wine lovers." It may be an idea not to get a few bottles in for the next family do though, pet. Barrymore's family also has a history of problem drinking. I can't help thinking this isn't the best product Drew could have put out there. Conditioner, yes. Or ass-kicking lessons.
Likewise, I've never got my head around buying perfume that makes you smell like Britney Spears. Her output's impressive, with seven scents in her range (if I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be Circus Fantasy. It conjures up such attractive images, doesn't it? Like sexy clowns. And sexy underfed performing animals. Mmmm!) but I just don't associate Britters with nice-smelling things. Junk food, hair-extension glue, and energy drinks, yes, roses and vanilla, not so much.
Having said that, in the place I read about Drew's wine, there's a throwaway line about actor Dan Aykroyd launching his Crystal Head vodka in the UK. Now here's a nonsensical brand association that I find strangely appealing. Who're you gonna call (for an intoxicating, grain-based beverage)? Ghostbusters.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments