Scottish Whisky

Water of Life

Uisge Beatha is the Gaelic term for 'water of life', which itself possibly stems from the Latin aqua vitae. Distilling began in monasteries, to produce medicine, now healing the soul more than any other wound.

Until the early nineteenth century the production of whisky was mainly a domestic activity based in the rural farming communities, especially the Highlands. The whisky production process helped to pay rents, use up surplus grain and providing cattle feed from spent grains.

Traditionally the season for whisky production ran from August to April, with the summer months' workload being dependent on demand. This off-peak time was known as the 'silent season'.

Robert Burns famously wrote that 'Whisky and freedom gang thegither', echoing the independent spirit of Scotland and the Scots.

In a social context whisky is to provide a warm welcome or a fond farewell to a friend or weary traveller; to usher in the birth of a new baby and mourn the passing of a loved one; and to treat ailments and close business dealings. In fact, there are countless excuses for having a dram.

Today whisky is one of the most important economic products in the UK. It is a top export product, racking up sales of over £2.2 billion and contributes around £1.8 billion to the trade balance for the food and drinks industry, making it the single most important sector in this industry.

Many have tried to imitate Scotch whisky with no success, including the Germans and the Japanese. The Welsh have recently produced their own whisky, which is good, and Ireland has a long tradition of whiskey production; but none of these is Scotch whisky.

With such a rich history and influential standing it's no wonder that there's a large amount of excellent writing on whisky, covering the tasting, making and effect of Scotland's national drink.

Whisky History

Scottish Whisky Labels

The history of whisky making is explained in Scotch Whisky: A Liquid History by Charles MacLean. MacLean is a world renowned expert on whisky and the founder of WhiskyMax.com, a site set up to encourage and get the most out of the whisky experience. He is also a member of the worldwide group of enthusiasts known as the Malt Maniacs.

John Hughes, a former marketeer with Famous Grouse has written two books about the business end of the trade. Scotland's Malt Whisky Distilleries is an illustrated account of the politics, taxation and social history associated with whisky production; and Still Going Strong: A History Of Whisky Advertising tells the tales of how some of the best known brands, like Johnnie Walker and Bells became world favourites.

The business of whisky is tied strongly to the branding and development of those brands. F. Paul Pacult's book A Double Scotch; How Chivas Regal And The Glenlivet Became Global Icons is as much a business book as a homage to two classic Scotches. Further explanation of the roles played by the characters behind Scotch whisky is found in The Whisky Barons by Allen Andrews and The Whisky Men by Gavin D. Smith.

The texts on the history of the drink and those involved in its production and promotion are complemented by the various 'guides' to the world of Scotch whisky. Gavin D. Smith's A to Z of Whisky provides definitions, sources and meanings of whisky related words. Charles MacLean offers his opinions for the enthusiastic amateur in his comprehensive Whiskypedia. Graham Nown also caters for the expert and beginner in Malt Whisky: A Comprehensive Guide For Both Novice And Connoisseur. Michael Jackson, the Beer Hunter, brings his expertise to bear on malt whisky the way he did with beer in Michael Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion.

Whisky Tour Guides

Pot Whisky Stills, Rosebank Distillery, 1979

Originally self-published under the imprint 'Distillery Cat Books' by Japanese whisky enthusiast and expert Misako Udo is a popular title amongst aficionados, The Complete And Ultimate Guide To Scottish Whisky Distilleries For The Whisky Enthusiast.

In addition to these guides is a directory by Phillip Hills, The Scotch Whisky Directory, which analyses the flavours in Scotch and presents the findings here in a digestible format.

A map is of course a useful item, especially when all areas of Scotland are represented with a distillery worth a trip. Angels' Share Malt Whisky Map of Scotland by Neil Wilson and Jim McEwan provides a full colour map with tasting notes.

Norman S. Newton explores the whisky island of Islay and tells the story of the island from Viking visits to the production of the water of life. The story of this magical isle is also continued in Andrew Jefford's book Peat Smoke and Spirit: A Portrait of Islay and its Whiskies.

The original capital of whisky is described in The Distilleries of Campbeltown: The Rise and Fall of the Whisky Capital of the World by David Stirk, which describes an a small area that at one time was home to 29 different distilleries.

Whisky Tales

Illegal Whisky

Whisky also provokes storytelling and stories surrounding it. Yet again Charles MacLean introduces us to some great tales celebrating the loosener of the tongue in Charles MacLean's Whisky Tales: Peaty Drams to Warm the Cockles of Your Heart. Edward Burns tells of the Victorian scandal of the adulteration of whisky in public houses throughout the country in Bad Whisky.

Compton Mackenzie's Whisky Galore could not possibly be left out of a list on whisky writing, but is tempered with the true tale of the fate of the SS Politician and the lucky islanders who salvaged the cargo in Polly: The True Story Behind Whisky Galore, by Roger Hutchinson. More information is also available in Scotch on the Rocks, the original true story by Arthur Swinson.

Writer, folklorist and performer Stuart McHardy tells us Tales of Whisky and Smuggling) that are both humorous and tragic; while poet Robin Laing has been inspired by The Whisky Muse.

Iain Banks, one of Scotland's most popular modern writers, takes us on his quest Raw Spirit: In Search of the Perfect Dram, where he visits some of the greatest distilleries in the world in search of the elusive nip. Neil Wilson also writes about the adventure of a group of sailing Scots as they attempted to visit all ten distilleries on Islay, Jura, Mull and Skye in The Island Whisky Trail.

For comic and bizarre writing on whisky try Gavin D. Smith's Whisky Wit and Wisdom: A Verbal Distillation, which offers a light hearted look at a very serious drink.

Although Scotch whisky is the focus of this list and a reason for living we must tip our hats to our Celtic cousins in Ireland and their tasty efforts in whiskey production. Scotch Missed by Brian Townsend, and The Malt Whisky File by John D. Lamond and Robin Tucek includes both Scotch and Irish malt whiskies, complete with tasting notes.

Happy reading, drinking, and Slainte Mhath!