40K Pulp

The Emperor’s Happy Hour is a series that looks at the drinking habits of Warhammer 40k’s most hardcore drinkers. Now, some human smugglers and thieves are definitely partial to knocking back a few…but what about Space Marine Chapters?

Look no further than the Space Wolves of Fenris. Rowdier and rougher than other Chapters, the Space Wolves are known for celebrating their victories with mass quantities of home-grown hooch called mjod. 

Ragnar Blackmane, The Young King, a great Wolf Lord of his Chapter, knows all about fighting hard and drinking harder. Here’s what he’d be likely to get his paws on from Terra if he were living in today’s era.

Horns Of Odin Mead 

In honour of the All-Father, Ragnar would definitely reach for an entire barrel of Horns Of Odin mead. While it probably wouldn’t pack the same kick as mjod, it would be a worthy alternative as a representation of the ancient clans of Terra in which the Space Wolves and people of Fenris have much in common with.

Somerset Viking Rum 

Another collection of drinks on the Young King’s radar might be Somerset Viking’s stock of rum. Coming in three variations of spiced, tiki and black, I suspect Blackmane would gravitate towards the Black Rum the most.

866 Viking Vodka

866 AD was an important year for marking when Vikings invaded and settled in Jorvik, now known as York. The York distillery has created a vodka to honour the occasion.

Toasting victories of old and great warriors forms the core of the Space Wolf philosophy. Ragnar would see the appeal of such a feat and weave it into the sagas of his own company. Perhaps the flavours of sea buckthorn, vanilla and hedgerow berries might remind him of ingredients from Fenris and simpler times when he wasn’t living a life of constant battle.

English Spirit’s No.2 Cornish Absinthe 

Blackmane’s penchant for strong drinks might eventually lead him to the absinthe category. A good choice would be No.2 Absinthe from English Spirit at a powerful 72% ABV.  The potent mix of herbs, spices, anise, star anise and fennel is something he’d remember.

If the Young King happened to meet a green fairy along the way, there’s no telling how he’d take it though. Space Wolves are a superstitious lot and the trickery of the Warp and the forces of Chaos are never to be trusted.

Highland Park’s Between You And I 16-year-old Scotch 

Highland Park whisky is known for its Viking heritage and motifs. This is a natural connection for Ragnar and this special edition 16-year-old Scotch made in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Bjorn Frantzen would probably appeal because of its age and potency.

However, this venerable whisky which I suspect is meant to be savoured would be gone within a few seconds as soon as it got into Ragnar’s hands. Space Wolves aren’t known for savouring anything other than the glory of battle and the shrieks of their enemies.

Bivrost Yggdrasil Arctic Single Malt Whisky 

The planet of Fenris is a cold and harsh place of competing extremes. If there was ever a spirit that reminded Ragnar of home it might just be this whisky made with Nordic malted barley, glacial meltwater and aged in a Viking longhouse at Arctic temperatures.

There is also the deeper meaning of Yggdrasil the World Tree and the runes that adorn the bottle. These runes are complimentary to the runes Blackmane and his fellow Sky Warriors etch into their ceramite plate.

Roknar Bottled In Bond Straight Rye Whisky 

Produced by Far North Spirits, this rye whisky tells a story of hardiness and endurance. The rye used to make the product endures the harshest Minnesota weather year round which gives the final spirit a deep sense of character and smoothness.

Blackmane would approve and for him, drinking has never been about refinement or quiet contemplation. Among the Space Wolves, a cup raised is a saga beginning, another chance to remember the fallen, boast of the slain and laugh in the face of a universe that would rather see them dead. 

Whether it’s mjod in the great halls of Asaheim or some Terran spirit discovered during a rare moment away from the battlefield, the ritual remains the same: victory, brotherhood and the promise that tomorrow will bring another fight worth toasting. 

Ragnar himself embodied that spirit. Young by the standards of a Wolf Lord, reckless by the standards of almost everyone else, but fiercely loyal to the warriors who share his company and his table. If the Young King ever did wander into Terra’s drinking dens, the bottles might change or more likely be smashed into pieces, though the intent wouldn’t. The drink is never the point. The story that follows is. 

– Michael Deguisa, filing this dispatch from a bar that swears its rotgut is “Fenrisian style” which I’m fairly certain just means it could strip paint off a Thunderhawk. A small word of advice…drink like a Space Wolf if you must, but remember most of us don’t have a second heart or a saga waiting to explain the consequences.