We were recently delighted to see Cut Classics included on the new drinks menu at Swan London; the celebrated pub and restaurant affiliated to Shakespeare's Globe theatre on London's South Bank. It got us thinking about some of The Bard's most celebrated words, and after a little pondering and digging, we were stunned to find that not only had Shakespeare anticipated the advent of our moderation-strength spirits more than four centuries ago, he had also left a trail of clues for future generations to find! 

Take Sonnet 18, for example. The very words "Thou art more lovely and more temperate" perfectly articulate the comparison between a Cut Classic spirit and its full-strength counterpart. Our drinks are indeed more lovely - with flavours previously masked by the taste of alcohol being revealed - and more temperate (a moderate 20% ABV as opposed to the usual 40%+) than full strength spirits. Spot on, Shakespeare!

What really piques the interest, however, is Shakespeare's persistent references to the characteristics and benefits of Cut Classics in different plays. Quite astoundingly these references are consistently found in Act 3, Scene 1 of his plays. Don't believe us? Here's some examples of the trail of clues that he laid throughout his works:

First there is the celebrated war cry of Henry V (Act 3, Scene 1) which, with a very minor tweak, becomes the rallying call of the Cut Classic drinker who knows that they can indeed enjoy a further beverage due to their wise decision to choose our moderation-strength spirits: "Once more unto the bar, dear friends, once more..."

Then there is Act 3 Scene 1 of Hamlet, in which the oft-misquoted Prince of Denmark was originally to be found asking himself "Two G&T, or not Two G&T, that is the question..." A frequent dilemma for consumers of strong spirits, but never an issue for the Cut Classic drinker, who knows that at 20% ABV the Cut Classic London Dry enables them to have the second drink that their heart truly desires. 

On to Julius Caesar (you've guessed it - Act 3, Scene 1) and we find ourselves wondering how differently it might all have turned out had Brutus not misheard the Dictator of Rome when he simply asked him to "Get two, Brutus" - a common enough request from a Cut Classic loving ruler, who knows that their moderate strength and low calorie content makes it possible to enjoy a couple over lunch before heading to the Senate to commence the afternoon's business. Sadly Brutus' catastrophic over-reaction to what he assumed was Caesar over-indulging before considering the important issues of the day ended in tragedy. 

In Macbeth (Act 3, Scene 1 of course), we find The Bard on fine form; getting to the heart of the problem with non-alcoholic spirits: "Nought's had, all's spent, where our desire is got without content". In other words, spending your hard earned money on a zero percent spirit / mocktail will always leave you with a sense of emptiness and loss! Wise words, indeed. 

Last, but by no means least, in A Midsummer Night's Dream (yup, Act 3, Scene 1) we find Titania telling Bottom that "I am a spirit of no common rate". It is clear from this quote that she had engaged him in a game of charades and was trying to make him guess "Cut Classic". We are, after all, the only range of spirits with half the alcohol and half the calories of full strength spirits; the only range of 20% ABV spirits. So, very much spirits of no common rate! 

We could go on, and perhaps we will in future! We are thrilled to be available at Swan London for everyone to enjoy before heading into Shakespeare's Globe to enjoy a play. We are amazed and delighted to have alighted upon the trail of clues laid so carefully by Shakespeare in Act 3, Scene 1 of so many of his most celebrated works. Once again, Shakespeare's ability to anticipate the future can only leave us in stupefied awe!