A Quick Guide To Scottish Whisky

When people think of Scotland, their minds typically go to one of two places - whisky or kilts. And there are countless numbers who flock to this beautiful part of the world to go on whisky holidays of Scotland… but what exactly is it about this particular tipple that proves to be so appealing time and time again?

Scottish whisky (or Scotch, which you may hear it referred to as) has a very rich and long history, dating as far back as the 11th century so it’s a huge part of the country’s heritage and something that, even if you’re not a whisky aficionado, you simply must try before heading home again.

It’s thought that whisky production began in Scotland because local monks in the region didn’t have access to grapes with which to make wine… so they used grain mash instead to make their own very early version of the whisky that we now know and love.

In order for the drink to be classified as Scotch Whisky, it has to be produced in the country itself and have matured in oak casks for at least three years, using only four ingredients - water, malt, peat and yeast. These ingredients are refined through fermentation, distillation and maturation, with each step of the process having an impact on the taste of the finished product.

Interestingly - and this is something you’re sure to find out more about on a whisky tour of Scotland - is that each of the five regions of Scotland produce drinks that have different flavours… so you’re sure to have a great time trying them all out. Whether you remember the different flavours in the morning is a different matter altogether!

Islay malts, for example, are characterised by a smoky or peaty flavour, thanks to the peating levels of the barley used. And Campbeltown whiskies are defined by a dryness and salinity, so something to look out for if you already know that’s what you like in a drink.

Did you know that 39 bottles of Scotch whisky are shipped overseas every single second? That fact and that fact alone should be reason enough to head off to Scotland to discover more about the region’s most famous export.

Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to come and see us here north of the border and if you’re not a fan of whisky, don’t worry - you’ll have an amazing time in Scotland regardless.

The countryside is incredible and there’s nothing like going for a good long walk to really get to know a place, so why not start looking into the different parts of the region you’d like to see on foot… and then give us a call to find out how you can turn this dream into a reality today.