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Scotland
A taste of the Scottish Highlands
Like the flavour profiles of a great Scotch Whisky, the history of whisky distillation in Scotland is fascinating and complex. Scottish whisky history stretches back as far as the 11th Century and is an important part of Scottish identity. The art of whisky-making is believed to have originated in Ireland and was an alternative form of winemaking distillation brought to the country by Christian missionary monks who, finding they had limited access to grapes, used grain mash to produce the early forms of the tantalising spirit. In fact, early whisky production in Scotland was initially a small cottage industry, with most distillers being located on farms.
The Water of Life
The term ‘whisky’ derives from the translated Gaelic ‘uisge beatha’, or ‘usquebaugh’ a branch of Celtic spoken in the Highlands of Scotland and loosely translated as ‘The Water of Life’. Although the oldest reference to this term was first recorded in 1494 in the Scottish Exchequer Rolls by Friar John Cor of Lindores Abbey in Fife that granted King James IV's commission to make Acqua Vitae, Latin for 'water of life'. Friar was in luck, and 1,5000 bottles of a very potent spirit from malted barley were produced, which was then refined in the many years ahead.
From Shoguns & Emperors to the Masses
Five years later, Yamakazi distillery released Shirofuda. The whisky failed to catch on and this expression was widely rejected by the Japanese population. Shirofuda had the flavour profiles of Scotch whisky having been created from Taketsuru’s knowledge of the art of whisky making from Scotland. Essentially it was a Scotch whisky made in Japan. Much to the distaste of unaccustomed Japanese palates. Due to creative differences, after a decade of founding Yamazaki, Taketsuru decided to leave the distillery in 1934 and established his own distillery, Yoichi in Hokkaido (known today as Nikka) which started as an apple juice production. In 1940, Taketsuru released his first commercial whisky, named ‘rare old Nikka’. He later rebranded his company to Nikka Whisky. Following suit, in 1936, Kotobukiya changed its name to Suntory. A year later, the second whisky released from Suntory was Kakubin in 1937 which became an instant hit. Its easily unique tortoise shell bottle design and light, creamy, mildly fruity and gentle spiced taste continue to this day to be a winner.
Illicit Stills and A Game of Cat and Mouse
All this popularity did not go unnoticed, attracting the attention of the Scottish Parliament who, looking to profit from the fledgling industry, passed an Excise Act and introduced the first Scotch taxes in 1644. The whisky tax act led to an increase in illicit whisky distilling, with smugglers refusing to pay for the privilege of making their beloved drink. Illicit distilling flourished across Scotland, and the game of cat and mouse with the tax man journeyed on for the next 150 years. Scots found ingenious ways of transporting the spirit, including Clergy hiding it under the pulpit and even getting moved via a coffin! By 1820, as many as 14,000 illicit stills were confiscated annually, and half the whisky enjoyed by merrymakers in Scotland was not taxed. The introduction of the Excise Act in 1823 led to the growth of the Scottish whisky industry, making it easier for distillers to obtain licenses. Smuggling died out almost completely, although many of the distilleries of today stand on sites used by some of the world’s famous whisky smugglers over two centuries ago.
The French Phylloxera Epidemic and the Prohibition
Interesting Scottish Whisky facts: The France phylloxera helped boost the popularity of Scottish whisky. When the epidemic hit France in the late 19th century, people looked for an alternative to French wine. Enter Scottish whisky. You know what they say when life gives you plagued grapes, make Scottish whisky instead! When the prohibition was introduced in the United States in 1920, Scottish whisky was one of the few spirits that could still legally be imported and exempt if prescribed by a doctor, which helped to increase its popularity in America.
Whisky Loved from Around the World
Using their entrepreneurial spirit, Scotch was released to the rest of the world by whisky titans James Buchanan, Tommy Dewar, Johnnie Walker & James Chivas during the 19th century. The export markets they built created a foundational stone, enduring admiration and everlasting love for scotch whisky from the British empire to Mumbai, Montreal, the Americas and the exotic islands far beyond.
Five centuries from whence it first came, the Scotch whisky industry celebrated its 500th anniversary in style, with the global exports of Scotch whisky breaking the £2 billion mark. Today Scotch Whisky is enjoyed throughout the world, with Scotch Whisky exports surpassing an £6bn annual turnover. A global and thriving industry more than 500 years in the making, with many more years of innovation, tasting sensations and enjoyment to come.
Scottish Whisky Experts
World of Whisky- A world of knowledge, a world of experience, a world of whisky history.
We are Australia’s first and only specialist concept whisky store. We are passionate whisky enthusiasts, we live, drink and breathe whisky, So whether you are looking to unwind after a hard day’s work, celebrate or make a memory, browse the expertly-selected Scotch Whisky available, or looking for that perfect gift for that special occasion, you’ve come to the right place. Start your journey here.
Ivan Myers Whisky Buyer, Matcher & Seller.
Types of Scottish Whisky
- Single Malt Scottish WhiskyOne distillery Pot still Only malted barley
- Single Grain Scottish WhiskyOne distillery All grain types Column or Coffey still
- Blended Scottish WhiskyMultiple distilleries Blend of single malts & single grain whiskies
- Blended Malt Scotch WhiskyMultiple distilleries Blend of only single malts
- Blended Grain Scotch WhiskyMultiple distilleries Blend of only single grains
What Makes a Real Scottish Whisky?
Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: single malt Scotch whisky, single grain Scotch whisky, blended malt Scotch whisky (formerly called "vatted malt" or "pure malt"), blended grain Scotch whisky, and blended Scotch whisky. Blended whisky is made by combining whiskies from different distilleries, while single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley from a single distillery.
All Scotch whisky was originally made from malted barley. However, commercial distilleries began introducing whisky made from wheat and rye in the late 18th century. The first definition of Scotch in UK law was secured by 1933, with a dedicated Scotch Whisky Act in 1988 and the new Scotch Whisky Regulations in 2009. Scotch Whisky must be made as specified by the Scotch Whisky Industry to safeguard the spirit globally renowned for its quality. All Scotch whisky must be produced and distilled in Scotland and matured in oak casks for at least at least three years and one day. The minimum alcohol by volume or strength must be 40%.
Aged Statement: Scottish whisky is labelled with an aged statement that must be expressed in numerical form and must reflect the age of the youngest whisky used to produce it and the length of time it has been aged. This can range from as little as three years to as much as several decades.
The art of the process: The process of producing Scotch whisky is nothing less than a precise art form of creation, with each step subtly but tangibly impacting the overall taste. The four ingredients- malt, water, peat and yeast - are refined through fermentation, distillation, and then maturation.
The smoky flavour: Scottish whisky is often associated with smoky and peaty flavours resulting from the malted barley being dried over peat fires.
Rich, complex flavours: Scottish whisky is aged in oak barrels, which impart a range of flavours, including vanilla, caramel, and spice.
Regional Variations: Interestingly, each of Scotland's five distinct regions produces Scotch whiskies with key differences and unique characteristics. Whisky from Islay, for instance, is known for its intense peaty and smoky flavours, while whiskies from the Lowlands are often lighter and more delicate.
Our Favourite Scotch Whisky Brands
Our Scottish Whisky reign from top names within the industry and are distilled at some of Worlds legendary Whisky Distilleries including; The Macallan Distillery, The Glen Moray Distillery, The Johnnie Walker Distillery, The Bunnahabhain Distillery, The Tobermory Distillery, The Laphroaig Distillery and The Balvenie Distillery.
