If we didn’t already have a handful of excuses lined up to have a round of Scotch, here’s yet another reason to appreciate a well-aged dram of the brown stuff.
On Saturday 18 May, its World Whisky Day. And to celebrate, VisitScotland is inviting travellers to raise a dram and discover a bit more about Scotch whisky – Scotland’s national drink and biggest export.
The practice of distilling whisky has been lovingly perfected throughout Scotland for centuries, and began as a way of turning rain-soaked barley into a drinkable spirit, using the fresh water from Scotland’s crystal-clear springs and streams.
Looking towards 2020, as Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, it’s not surprising that whisky will play a starring role alongside Scotland’s fresh seafood, islands, and rugged coastlines.
Today, there are some 148 distilleries across Scotland, each producing wonderfully distinct whisky, dependent on everything from the source of the water to the wood of the cask.
According to the Scotch Whisky Association, in 2018 the export value of Scotch whisky grew 7.8 per cent by value, to a record $8.7 billion. The number of 70cl bottles exported also reached record levels growing to the equivalent of $2.3 billion.
An important part of Scotland’s heritage, whisky can be celebrated all year round with a host of events and openings across the country for whisky fans to enjoy.
Some of the best ways to experience the home of whisky are by taking one of the country’s Scotch trails. Here are three to whet your whistle:
Scotch Whisky Experience | Edinburgh
Take a sensational whisky barrel ride through a replica distillery before your expert guide imparts the secrets of the whisky regions. Finally, you’ll choose your perfect ‘dram’, and taste it in The World’s Largest Whisky Collection.
Speyside Malt Whisky Trail | Aberdeenshire
Speyside is home to more than half of Scotland’s distilleries, all situated amid beautiful coastline or amongst historical towns and villages. The likes of Benromach, Glenfiddich, and Glenlivet all reside within Speyside, making it the world’s premium whisky-making region.
Visitors can also see the award-winning Speyside Cooperage in Craigellachie, which provides the opportunity to view highly-skilled coopers practising their ancient craft.
Hebridean Whisky Trail | The Outer Hebrides
Explore the Spirit of the Isles with the brand new Hebridean Whisky Trail. Embark on a whisky tour by road and sea against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Hebrides along the Atlantic coast.
Visitors can discover the stories and the communities behind the whiskies, as well as the histories and the landscapes that have influenced their productions.
