Uisge beatha: the water of life

Scots probably invented whisky, but they were certainly among its earliest distillers and soon became experts. Today, taking a distillery tour is pretty much a right-of-passage for visitors to Scotland and the Scottish Whisky Association has a good online guide and map detailing the possibilities.

A Quick History

Scottish distilling probably started in monasteries, and was first recorded in 1494. It remained a cottage industry until the mid-17th century which led to a 1644 British Parliament tax on the drink. This prompted many manufacturers to go underground: hiding equipment in remote Highland glens. Only in 1823 were taxes lowered and distillers licensed, effectively legalizing the trade. The first licence went to The Glenlivet; and today over a 100 distillers operate in Scotland.

Taste the Earth