Loved by great writers, actors and actresses, and most importantly me on a Tuesday afternoon, whisky is synonymous with Scotland. First recorded in Ireland and quickly thereafter in Scotland, whisky was first distilled by monasteries for medicinal purposes. After the act of union, most Scottish distilleries were forced underground by high taxes until 1823, when the UK passed the Excise Act bringing distilleries out into the open again. Since it’s legalization, Scotch has experienced a boom in popularity, and is now Scotland’s biggest export.
So what is Whisky? Whisky in Scotland consists of barley, yeast, and water that has been through the processes of malting, fermentation, and double distillation, The product of which is aged for three years and a day. For those curious about the process, I highly recommend taking a distillery tour!
So how do you incorporate whisky into your vacation in Scotland? Don’t worry, there are tons of ways
Grocer Blends vs Single Malts
Understanding the difference between Grocer Blends (now commonly known as blended whisky) and Single Malt Whisky is key to understanding what you’re buying. After 1823 Scottish grocers started using their knowledge of tea blending to blend whiskies and sell them under their own label. In doing so, they could create a specific flavour that might be more palatable to their clients.
Single Malts, on the other hand, must be produced entirely within a single distillery. That is not to say they must be produced in a single cask, indeed most distilleries ‘marry’ their whiskies to create a certain flavour profile. Single malts often have their age on the bottle, and all whisky in the marriage must be over that age.
Whisky snobs tend to prefer single malts to blends, but neither one is necessarily better than the other and indeed those searching for consistant and smooth flavour should embrace the blend!
The Johnnie Walker Experience
Perhaps the most famous of the grocer blenders is Johnnie Walker, who started his grocery store in the town of Kilmarnock in 1820. Tired of the inconsistency of the
single malts he carried, he began to blend them to create a consistant flavour and so Johnnie Walker Black Label was born. Today, Johnnie Walker is the biggest whisky brand in the world.
The Johnnie Walker Experience on Prince’s Street in Edinburgh is an incredible experience for those with a desire to learn a bit more about the brand and its history. They have a whisky shop, several bars, and offer a tour to learn more! A definite must do for whisky lovers in Edinburgh.
If you’re looking to continue learning about the drinking history of Edinburgh after you’ve left Prince’s Street, consider heading over to the Sheep Heid Inn on Church Street at the base of Arthur’s Seat. The pub is one of Scotland’s oldest, proudly proclaiming to have been founded in 1360. The Pub is beautifully furnished with a great atmosphere in a quaint neighbour hood, and if you ask the bartender really nicely (or book ahead online) you can bring your drink down the back hall and play a round of bowling in their 150 year old skittles alley.
Distillery Tours
For those looking to get a better understanding of how whisky is made or to try a new distillery, most distilleries in Scotland offer distillery tours in conjunction with tastings. I did five different distillery tours while in Scotland and I enjoyed them all however even if you just fit one into your trip, certainly do!
Scotland has six whisky regions so if you’re feeling particularly adventurous you could try to hit one distillery in each. Of the tours I did, Glengoyne was my favourite. Sitting conveniently just outside Glasgow, easily accessible by car or by bus in stunning surroundings, Glengoyne captures the imagination of visitors and clearly communicates the time and care they take in making their whiskies. I found that the tasting experience there was also one of the most engaging, and I learned more there than anywhere else.
Whisky Bars
Scotland’s bars and pubs are also a wealth of whisky knowledge. If you find yourself in a whisky bar like the Black Cat in Edinburgh or Oran Mor in Glasgow, you are sure to find knowledgeable staff who can recommend you a dram or pour you a flight. For those uninterested in doing a distillery tour or those still wishing you expand their knowledge, whisky bars can be great places to try different regions, different brands, or simply look for a new perspective.
Whisky Events
For the true, die hard, whisky lover there are a variety of whisky festivals that take place all over Scotland every year. If you happen or “happen” to be in the county for one of these events, then I recommend jumping on the opportunity to go.
The Spirit of Speyside: Held annually in the Speyside region this six day event includes classes, tastings, tours, etc.
The Campbeltown Malt Festival: For something a little more quaint but no less renowned, the Campbelltown festival is a beloved festival for whisky fanatics all over the world!
Glasgow Whisky Festival: A statement of the city. How better to experience the essence of Scotland’s most Scottish city than slightly drunk on her national drink (my apologies to iron bru).
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