Whisky Splendours and Smokehouse Tours
World-Famous Whisky
The Water of Life
Whisky comes from the Gaelic word “uisce” or “uisge”, which means “water”. The Scots usually drink it straight or with a dash of water and call it “The Water of Life”. Many of Scotland’s literary legends were influenced by the taste of whisky. Robert Burns penned entire poems in the drink’s honour.
Whisky has been used as a digestive aid, it prevents you from overeating and (in moderation) will not harm your blood sugar levels, has no fat, very little in the way of calories and carbohydrates in the form of alcohol. These are in the form of simple sugars which are broken down and used as energy. It practically watches your figure for you.
Although it has simple ingredients – barley, wheat or rye, yeast, and water – whisky is a complex drink with an abundance of different cask strengths and nuanced flavours. On one of our tours, you can learn about how it’s made and the difference between different whiskies.
Whisky Splendours and Smokehouses
Treacherous Tales
Whisky also has an intricate history in Scotland. In times past, distillers avoided tax by malting at night, Glaswegians rioted when Britain imposed a malt tax, and dragoons and highwayman patrolled the roads searching for whisky smugglers.
Whisky makers say distilleries are in remote locations because of fresh water sources. But this isn’t always true. In the 18th century, distillers relocated to avoid tax collector routes, this was bad for distillers, but it’s great if you want to enjoy a dram near a delightful view.
Today, there are more than 120 active distilleries in Scotland and extremely rare bottlings can be found in collectors’ cellars around the world. Whisky regions in Scotland include:
- Campbelltown
- Highlands
- Islay
- Lowlands