Scotland has been responsible for a wide range of whiskeys since the 15th century. Distilleries offer tours explaining the process and tasting options. Whiskey has two main products: single malt whiskey and blended whiskey. The distinctive types of whiskey are classified by regional areas of Scotland.
The earliest record of distillation in Scotland dates back to the late 15th century. The production of whiskey was first taxed in 1644, leading to an increase in illegal whiskey distilling. By 1780, there were less than ten legal distilleries but hundreds of illegal ones.
Hundreds of illegal distilleries produced their whiskey under the cover of
night. This period of time is when whiskey was known as moonshine and smuggling whiskey was a
dangerous task. The scarcity of whiskey led it to be used as a form of currency.
Production was legalized in 1823 and there was a sharp rise in technical innovation. The continuous still, for example, enabled a much faster and efficient production that also increased quality.
Blended whiskey was perfected
in the second half of the 19th century. After being marketed to the world it exploded as one of the most successful alcoholic products. A factor contributing to its sudden rise in popularity was when wine production halted due to a pest infestation of grapevines.
There are five primary regions that describe a whiskey. The regions are: The Highlands, Lowland, Islay, Campbeltown, and Speyside.
The Clynelish Distillery Tour and Taste of the Highlands Tour includes tasting of various Clynelish whiskeys and must be booked in advance. The Speyside Glenfiddich Distillery includes several tour options, one of which allows visitors to bottle Glenfiddish whiskey straight from a cask.
The Glenturret Distillery is considered one of the most visited distilleries in Scotland and offers an exceptional experience with every visit. The Springbank Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Distillery offers
a taste of one of the most loved whiskeys, which undergoes a special two-and-ahalf-times distillation process.
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Summary Scotland’s history is deeply intertwined with whiskey’s legal and illegal production. Distillery tours explain the process of making whiskey and offer tastings of this popular alcoholic beverage. Whiskey is defined by the specific region of origin, with the predominant regions being the Highlands, Lowland, Islay, Campbeltown, and Speyside.