History of Scotch Whisky (D.M) Over the years, the art of distilling in Scotland has been perfected. Uisge beatha has evolved into Scotch Whisky - a drink made only in Scotland, but enjoyed around the world. Early distilling appears in tax records The earliest documented record of distilling in Scotland occurred as long ago as 1494, in the tax records of the day, the Exchequer Rolls. An entry lists Eight bolls of malt to Friar John Cor wherewith to make aqua vitae (water of life). This was sufficient to produce almost 1,500 bottles, suggesting that distilling was already well-established. A potent spirit The primitive equipment used and the lack of scientific expertise means the spirit produced in those days was probably potent, and occasionally even harmful. However, distillation methods soon improved, and in the 16th and 17th centuries considerable advances were made. Monks spread distilling skills The dissolution of the monasteries contributed to this since many of the monks, driven from their sanctuaries, had no choice but to put their skills to use. The knowledge of distilling then quickly spread to others. Initially whisky, the name of which evolved from uisge beatha, was taken for its medicinal qualities, being prescribed for the preservation of health, the prolongation of life, and for the relief of colic, palsy and even smallpox. Taxes drive distilling underground Whisky became an intrinsic part of Scottish life - a reviver and stimulant during the long, cold winters, and a feature of social life, a welcome to be offered to guests upon their arrival. Increasing popularity attracted the attention of the Scottish Parliament, which introduced the first taxes on malt and the end product in the 17th century. Ever increasing rates of taxation were applied following The Act of Union with England in 1707, which led to moves to tame rebellious Scottish clans. The distillers were driven underground. Smugglers versus the tax man A long and often bloody battle arose between the excisemen, or gaugers as they were known, and the illicit distillers, for whom the excise laws were alien in both their language and their inhibiting intent. Smuggling became standard practice for some 150 years. Even Ministers of the Kirk made storage space available under the pulpit, and the illicit spirit was on occasion transported by coffin - any effective means was used to escape the watchful eyes of the excisemen. Stills hidden in the heather Clandestine stills were hidden in the heather-clad hills, and smugglers organised signalling systems from one hilltop to another whenever excise officers were seen to arrive in the vicinity. By the 1820s, despite the fact that as many as 14,000 illicit stills were being confiscated every year, more than half the whisky consumed in Scotland was being enjoyed without payment of duty. Change in the law This flouting of the law eventually prompted the Duke of Gordon, on whose extensive acres some of the finest illicit whisky in Scotland was being produced, to propose in the House of Lords that the Government should make it profitable to produce whisky legally. In 1823 the Excise Act was passed, which sanctioned the distilling of whisky in return for a licence fee of £10, and a set payment per gallon of proof spirit. Smuggling died out almost completely over the next decade and, in fact, a great many of the present day distilleries stand on sites used by smugglers of old. The Excise Act laid the foundations for the Scotch Whisky industry as we know it today. Grain Whisky invented Until now, we have been talking about Malt Whisky. But, in 1831 Aeneas Coffey invented the Coffey or Patent Still which enabled a continuous process of distillation to take place. This led to the production of Grain Whisky, a different, less intense spirit than Malt Whisky. The lighter flavoured Grain Whisky, when blended with the more fiery malts, extended the appeal of Scotch Whisky to a considerably wider market. Scotch becomes firm favourite The second major helping hand came unwittingly from France. In the 1880s, the phylloxera beetle devastated French vineyards, and within a few years, wine and brandy had virtually disappeared from cellars everywhere. The Scots were quick to take advantage, and by the time the French industry recovered, Scotch Whisky had replaced brandy as the preferred spirit of choice. Premier international spirit Since then Scotch Whisky has gone from strength to strength. It has survived USA prohibition, wars and revolutions, economic depressions and recessions, to maintain its position today as the premier international spirit of choice, enjoyed in more than 200 countries throughout the world, and generating more than £4 billion in exports each year. Scotch Whisky Categories The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 formally define five categories of Scotch Whisky. The relevant category description must appear clearly and prominently on every bottle of Scotch Whisky sold. Single Malt Scotch Whisky A Scotch Whisky distilled at a single distillery (i) from water and malted barley without the addition of any other cereals, and (ii) by batch distillation in pot stills. From 23 November 2012, Single Malt Scotch Whisky must be bottled in Scotland. Single Grain Scotch Whisky A Scotch Whisky distilled at a single distillery (i) from water and malted barley with or without whole grains of other malted or unmalted cereals, and (ii) which does not comply with the definition of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Blended Scotch Whisky A blend of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies. Blended Malt Scotch Whisky A blend of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, which have been distilled at more than one distillery. Blended Grain Scotch Whisky A blend of Single Grain Scotch Whiskies, which have been distilled at more than one distillery. Better Protection The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 provide added legal protection for the traditional regional names associated with Scotch Whisky production, ie Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown, and Islay. These names can only appear on whiskies wholly distilled in those regions. A distillery name must not be used as a brand name on any Scotch Whisky which has not been wholly distilled in the named distillery. Labelling must not by any other means mislead consumers as to where the Scotch Whisky has been distilled. Whisky Tourism From the source of the water to the shape of the still, a distillery tour will help to explain what makes every Scotch Whisky different. No two distilleries are the same. Each has a unique setting and story, as well as a distinctive way of doing things that has evolved over many years. Visiting a distillery allows you to indulge your passion for Scotch and, at the same time, discover the environment and meet the people that have done so much to shape that instantly recognisable taste. Many distilleries welcome visits by members of the public. It is often necessary to make arrangements in advance, but many distilleries have extensive visitor facilities and do not require prior warning of a visit. No matter which distillery you choose to visit - be it island, mainland, large or small - you can expect great Scotch Whisky, a warm Scottish welcome, and a fabulous day out. The SWAs Distilleries to Visit 2014 provides information on some 40 distilleries and visitor centres open to the public, including opening times and the availability of disabled facilities. ScotlandWhisky The ScotlandWhisky initiative was launched in 2003 to bring together distilleries and the wider Scottish tourism and hospitality sector to offer the highest quality experience when visitingScotland. Visiting a distillery is both unique and memorable. And there is also now a network of whisky Embassies - hotels acrossScotlandwhere staff have been specially trained in Scotch Whisky. The initiative is also expanding into restaurants, bars, and some of the great Scottish golf courses and resorts. When planning a whisky related visit to Scotland, visit scotlandwhisky to learn more about the network of Scotch Whisky Embassies, travel tips, whisky events and news, or even to book your own individually-tailored trip. So come toScotland and see the country, taste the spirit. The initiative is supported by the SWA, The Scotch Whisky Experience, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland. Scotch Whisky Trails The Malt Whisky Trail winds its way through the Scottish Highlands, visiting distilleries in some stunning settings, beautiful coastline and picturesque towns. More information can be found on maltwhiskytrail. The Whisky Coast From Islay to Campbeltown, and from Mull to the Isle of Skye, The Whisky Coast brings together 16 distilleries and a range of hotels, restaurants, golf courses and other attractions. Visitors will be introduced to world famous whisky and some of the most wild and beautiful coastal scenery to be found anywhere. Further details can be found on whiskycoast.co.uk.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 20:48:26 +0000
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