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WHISKY JOURNAL
WHISKY JOURNAL
National Scotch Day – Celebrating the ‘Water of Life’
National Scotch Day – Celebrating the ‘Water of Life’
- July 27, 2023
National Scotch Day, celebrated annually on 27th July, is a chance for whisky enthusiasts, novices, and professionals alike to gather together and celebrate the rich history, craftsmanship and unique flavour of Scotch Whisky.
And this year it has even greater meaning as we begin to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern Scotch Whisky industry, brought about by the introduction of the Excise Act 1823.
So, in honour of our favourite spirit, we’ll be taking a look back to the origins of Scotch, how it evolved and what it looks like today – including its legally protected status and the five Scotch Whisky regions that produce it.
The Early Days
Scotch Whisky’s origins can be traced back to the 14th century, when it is believed that early distillation practices were introduced by travelling Irish monks.
The Scots adopted this art and named the spirit ‘Uisge beatha’, which can be roughly translated from Scottish Gaelic to mean ‘the Water of Life’. The region’s cold climate played a pivotal role in whisky production, offering ideal conditions for aging the spirit in oak casks.
Smugglers, Excisemen and King George
Over time, the craftsmanship of Scottish distillers evolved, and by the early 19th century, whisky had become a significant part of Scottish culture.
However, it was largely an unregulated business and illicit distilling and smuggling were rife.
The government attempted to bring the problem under control, but the duty applied to distillers was inconsistent and haphazard. Many distillers simply hid in the hills or remote locations to avoid the excisemen.
But in 1822 all that began to change.
King George IV made an official state visit to Scotland, the first of any monarch for nearly 200 years. The King requested a dram or two of the most sought-after Scotch of the day, Glenlivet (at the time, the generic name given to illicit whisky from southern Speyside). It of course was illegal, but never one to fret over formalities, the King sampled a dram or two and was utterly enamoured.
The Excise Act 1823
The ‘King George effect’ helped thaw English/Scottish relations and almost certainly helped bring about a positive turn for Scotch Whisky, as a year later in 1823, the Excise Act was passed by Parliament.
The Act reformed and simplified the country’s complex excise tax system. It lowered the rates on various goods, particularly distilled spirits, which resulted in a huge reduction of illicit distillation.
Reputable distilleries thrived, demand surged, and the production of duty-paid whisky rose from two million gallons to six million per year.
The First Scotch Whisky Boom
Over time distilleries expanded their operations and refined their production techniques; Scotch Whisky soon gained a reputation nationally for its quality and consistency.
A new golden age for Scotch Whisky had dawned.
However, the makers now had their sights set on international markets. So, during the late 19th century, what we now know today as the innovators of the modern Scotch industry – Johnnie Walker, James Chivas, and Tommy Dewar amongst others – spearheaded a campaign to promote whisky throughout the British empire and beyond. The export markets they built laid the foundation of the success of Scotch Whisky today.
Scotch Whisky Today
Today the Scotch Whisky industry is enjoying a second boom, with the export market estimated to be worth over £6bn. This equates to 53 bottles of Scotch Whisky shipped every second!
Scotch holds a distinctive and legally protected status in the U.K which helps to uphold its integrity and reputation. The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 defines and regulates the specific criteria that a whisky must meet to be labelled as ‘Scotch’. According to these regulations, Scotch Whisky must be produced in Scotland using water and malted barley and must be aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years and one day.
The Five Scotch Whisky Regions
Scotland has five distinct whisky-producing regions which also enjoy legal protection under UK legislation. Each region offers a diverse array of flavours, styles and characteristics which are due to the differences in distilling and malting techniques and variation in climate.
Speyside: The Whisky Heartland
Speyside, located in the north-eastern part of Scotland, is considered the heartland of Scotch Whisky production. This region boasts the highest concentration of distilleries in the country – around 50% – making it a true whisky enthusiasts paradise. The River Spey, which winds its way through the region, provides an abundance of fresh, slightly peaty water which gives the resulting whisky its delicate smokiness.
Many of the distilleries in this region age their whiskies in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, imparting a complex but elegant flavour of fruit, honey, and spice. Notable distilleries include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan.
Highland: Diversity in Elevation and Flavour
The Highland region encompasses a vast and diverse area, offering a wide range of whisky styles. Stretching from the coastlines to the mountains, the Highland region’s distilleries produce an eclectic mix of whiskies that reflect the diverse landscape.
Highland whiskies often exhibit a balance of fruity, floral, and smoky notes. The northern Highland whiskies, like those from Dalmore and Glenmorangie, are typically light and delicate with subtle hints of citrus and floral flavours. The southern Highland whiskies, such as Oban and GlenDronach, tend to be richer and more robust, often showcasing deeper fruit and spice notes.
Islay: The Peaty Powerhouse
Islay, a group of islands located off the west coast of Scotland, is renowned for its distinctive peaty and smoky whiskies. The island’s abundant peat bogs and maritime climate heavily influence the flavour profiles of its whiskies.
Islay whiskies are characterised by their bold and robust smoky flavours, often accompanied by briny undertones. Distilleries like Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin are famous for producing heavily peated expressions that can divide whisky enthusiasts due to their intense and acquired tastes. Islay’s whiskies are loved by those seeking a sensory adventure and a true representation of Scotland’s maritime heritage.
Lowland: Subtle and Approachable
The Lowland region, located south of the theoretical ‘Highland Line’, running across Scotland from the Firth of Clyde to the Firth of Tay, produces light and approachable whiskies that often exhibit delicate floral and grassy notes.
The vast majority of Lowland whiskies are triple-distilled making them smooth and refined – perfect for both novices and seasoned whisky drinkers alike. Notable Lowland distilleries include Auchentoshan, Annandale and Glenkinchie.
Campbeltown:The Original ‘Capital of Whisky’
Though Campbeltown’s whisky production has significantly declined from its peak, it remains an important region in Scotch Whisky history. Once known as the ‘whisky capital of the world,’ Campbeltown was home to over thirty distilleries during the 19th century but today only three remain: Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia.
Campbeltown whiskies often showcase a mix of coastal and peaty influences, with a unique character that reflects its heritage. The whiskies from this region offer a rare glimpse into the history of Scotch Whisky and continue to intrigue enthusiasts with their complexity.
Celebrating 200 Years
Scotch Whisky has been on an extraordinary journey over the last 200 years, from its humble beginnings in illicit stills under the nose of the excisemen, to its current position as a spirit of global economic importance and a symbol of Scottish heritage.
