A Whisky History Subheading
Did you know Scotch Whisky’s roots trace back as far as the 12th century in Scotland?
Steeped in tradition and brimming with character, it’s a spirit that has stood the test of time and in our search for premium tipples, we couldn’t resist taking a deep dive into one of our all-time favourite drops, that’s also among the world’s oldest.
Scotch Whisky isn’t just a drink; it’s a vital part of Scotland’s story. From its early days, as a smuggled liquid gold, to its current status as a world-renowned spirit, Scotch has a rich past filled with hidden stills, innovative distillers, and enduring passion.
Discover the journey that shaped every drop of this iconic amber liquid, and see how the tradition is carried on in whiskies like The Macallan, a Speyside legend known for its sherry cask maturation; The Singleton, celebrated for its smooth and approachable single malts; and The Deacon, a blended Scotch that pays homage to the craft and artistry of whisky-making. Each of these whiskies, in its own way, tells a part of the ongoing story of Scotch, a tale of heritage, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the Scottish land.
The first record of Scotch Whisky being distilled was in 1494, with it then becoming more common across Scotland throughout the 1500’s. Usually, the spirit was produced in homesteads and farms rather than the dedicated distilleries we know today. Scotch Whisky became so prominent in Scotland that it became known as the preferred drink of Scottish royalty, notably being a favourite of King James IV of Scotland.
With the industry growing, this innovation eventually came across the desk of Scottish Parliament, who then instituted taxes on production and sales of any and all whisky. This led to a rapid increase in illegal whisky distilling for the next 150 years, driving the Scots to find new ways to distribute the spirit, in order to avoid taxation. Stills moved from homes and farms into caves and glens; even respected clergyman would aid underground distillers by hiding barrels of the spirit under their lecterns in the church!
Eventually, in 1823, the Duke of Gordon passed the Excise Act, allowing the sanctioned distilling of whisky in exchange for a license fee of £10 ($300 today) and a set amount per gallon. As a result, smuggling died out completely in a matter of years, and many present-day distilleries laid down their roots on sites that were originally used by smugglers centuries earlier.
Over the next two centuries, Scotch Whisky expanded worldwide. When an insect pest wiped out many French vineyards, innovators in the Scotch world swooped in, innovating their craft, and became the new spirit of choice over brandy. This rich heritage and evolution have paved the way for the diverse and celebrated whiskies we enjoy today. Among them, we find legendary names like Macallan, renowned for its sherry-seasoned oak, the intriguing, smoky character of The Deacon, and the consistently smooth profile of Singleton – with each unique bottle offering a distinct journey through the world of Scotch.
Founded in 1824 The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then, The Macallan has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland – and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship.
The Macallan distillery was founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher. Roderick Kemp, who purchased the Distillery in 1892 and is often regarded as the architect of The Macallan, revolutionised the whisky- making process by sourcing Sherry Seasoned, Exceptional Oak Casks from Jerez, Spain – a practice that defines The Macallan’s whisky’s distinctive flavour and Natural Colour to this day. His vision to position The Macallan as a symbol of extraordinary quality ensured every cask matured slowly, developing unparalleled complexity and excellence.
The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is the classic house style, matured exclusively in American and European Sherry seasoned oak casks delivering flavours of candied orange, sweet oak and fudge.
Learn more about The Macallan here.
The Singleton’s history is unique in that it’s not tied to a single distillery, but rather emerged as a brand encompassing whiskies from three distinct distilleries: Dufftown, Glendullan, and Glen Ord. While these distilleries each boast their own rich histories dating back to the late 19th century, the “Singleton” brand was brought together to offer approachable and balanced single malts.
Tasting notes: Hints of honey and vanilla, coupled with fresh pear on a faint base of wood ash.
Learn more about The Singleton here.
The Deacon is a premium blended Scotch that expertly combines smoky malts from Islay with the bonfire-like smoke character of mainland malts, such as Speyside. This meticulous selection and marriage of distinct whiskies creates a complex and rich flavour profile, designed to offer a unique and unconventional Scotch experience.
Tasting notes: Sweet and smoky, with a long and smooth finish.
Learn more about The Deacon here.