It is generally accepted that whisky has been distilled in Scotland for hundreds of years, and different theories as to its origins have been suggested. Some state that is was brought into Scotland by missionaries from Ireland; others point out that, as the Arabs were among the first to learn distillation techniques , thus knights returning from Crusades could have brought the knowledge back with them. It may well be, however, that it evolved simply as a means of using up barley which would otherwise have been ruined after a wet harvest.

The name itself is derived from the Gaelic, uisge beatha, meaning 'water of life'. The Latin equilalent, aqua vitae, was a term which was commonly used thoughout Europe to describe the local spirit. Aqua vitae made its first appearance in official Scottish records in 1494, with the record of malt being sold to one Friar John Cor.

That first indisputable reference in Scotland is an entry of 1494 by Friar John Cor of Dunfermline (the former capital city) to make "acquavitae". In medieval times, much production of alcoholic drinks was in abbeys. They were the centres of communities, with their own inns, and were also centres of learning and science.

Aqcuavitae, "the water of life", indicated simply "spirits". This word, in various spellings, is found today in some Nordic countries, and the French "Eau-de-vie" translates in the same way. Rendered in Irish- and Scottish-Gaelic, the term becomes "uisge beatha" or " usquebaugh", among other spellings. These Gaelic names, sounding to the English-speaker like "uishgi", were corrupted to "whisky".

Like the original vodkas and today's gins, the first Scottish distillates were flavoured with herbs and spices. By the mid-1700s, a distinction was made in Scotland between these favoured spirits and "plain malt".

Whisky Trivia

Glenmorangie is the biggest selling malt in Scotland.

The Famous Grouse is the biggest selling whisky within Scotland.

Bruichladdich is Scotland's most westerly distillery.

Bladnoch is the most southerly of Scotland's distilleries.

Highland Park is the most Northern Scotch Whisky Distillery in the World.

Glenugie was the easternmost distillery in Scotland.

Pulteney is the most northern distillery in the Highlands.

Strathisla is the oldest malt whisky distillery in the Highlands of Scotland. Founded : Est. 1786 / OBAN is also one of the oldest stills in Scotland. Founded : 1794
Glenturret is one of Scotland's oldest malt whisky distillery.

Bowmore is reputed to be the oldest legal distillery on Islay.

Tomatin Distillery Compagny's is one of the highest in Scotland and it is also the largest capacity distillery in Scotland.

Edradour is the smallest distillery in Scotland - With three people to run the entire operation.

Glenfarclas is in Guinness Book of Records for the strongest malt whisky available in a distillery's official bottling.

Glenlivet is one of the most popular malts in the world.

Glenfiddich is the largest selling single malt in the world.

Johnnie Walker Red label is the world's largest selling Scotch Whisky.

Johnnie Walker Black label is the world's best selling
deluxe whisky.