Evidence exists that the first distilled whiskey was made by the Babylonians in Mesopotamia around 2000 BC. It was used as an aromatic or a perfume. Latin records indicate that the distillation process was in use in Europe in the 12th century.

The art of distilling spirits made its way to Scotland and Ireland in the early 15th century. The first record of distilled whiskey in Ireland harkens the death of a chieftain. The Irish Annals of Clonmacnoise in 1405 blame the death of this chieftain to “taking a Read more »

Scotland is famous for its kilts, bagpipes, and whisky, and no visit to Scotland would be complete without following at least one of the Scottish Whisky Trails. The first reference to whisky appeared in a document from 1494, but it was probably being made for hundreds of years before that. Learn how the different distilleries use the primary ingredients that make up whisky, like barley and peat, to create the distinctive taste of the different regional whiskies available.

Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail, started in the eighties, doesn’t include every distillery in the area, Read more »

The term Whisky derived from the Gaelic of uisge (pronounced we-is-kay) and means water. During this same period it was aqua vitae in medieval Latin with a literal translation of “lively water” or aqua fortis meaning “strong water.” Of course the Scottish Gaelic in their region called it uisge breatha or “water of life.”

Keeping all of this in mind, It was King James I that licensed the first whiskey distillery in 1608 by declaring Sir Thomas Read more »

The time honored tradition of making whisky at home had fallen way to government regulations and taxation, but the process itself is still useful to master. It would be great to serve some homemade “reserve” to guests and friends. The recipe is relatively simple, but it takes time in the mastery of flavor and fermentation.

The easiest way to start the process would be to buy bulk corn that is in a burlap sack, as it is breathable and easier to Read more »

There are many types of whiskey. Jack Daniels is a well-known American brand. The Scottish have their own type known as Scotch. People who drink liquor on occasion know that different grains are used to produce the product. The only difference in the process used to produce the different types of whiskey is which grain is used.

Every whiskey manufactured spends several months in a barrel before it makes it to a consumer. The aging process helps Read more »

There are three great types of distilled alcoholic beverages. They are rum, whiskey, and sake. Rum can be made with any type of a sugarcane product like molasses or sugarcane juice. It is a clear liquid that is usually aged in old barrels. People will put the light rums in their cocktails and they drink the dark rums on their own. There are seven types of grades of rum. They are light rum, gold rum, spiced rum, dark rum, flavored rum, over-proof rum, and premium rum. All of these grades depend on the Read more »

Whisky has been around as long as we can remember, and some of its earliest beginnings can be seen in Scotland. In particular, Scotland’s Whisky Trail takes you on a tour of some of the most famous whisky distilleries on the Speyside trail.

If you’re interested in planning a trip to the Whisky Trail, check it out online first with satellite internet access from http://get.wildblue.com. Each distillery has its own particular brand, and you’ll no doubt like some more than others. Whatever brand of whisky you decide on simply comes down to the different tastes each and everyone prefers. But everyone can agree that whisky is a historic and distinctive beverage, and the Whisky Trail will teach you more about how it’s made.

When you are touring through each one of the distilleries you will learn about the age old process of making whisky. From the fragrant barley comes this timeless recipe that has been a favorite for drinkers of every country. Not only do each of the wonderful whisky distilleries follow old world recipes, they also uphold a complete heritage of whisky making.

This particular brand of alcohol is distilled after the fermentation of a mash of grain, many different choices will come about from the multitude of grains used in the process. The whisky is generally aged in wooden barrels almost everywhere in the world–except for here in the United States, where the common belief is that whisky does not need aging.

While delicious anytime, whisky is always better when celebrating with friends. Next spring, “friends” from all over the world will gather together in Speyside, many of whom are meeting each other for the first time. No, they’re not pen palsthey’re whisky-lovers coming together for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, April 28 May 2 2011.The Festival is now in its 11^th year, and the 6^th year since an official company was introduced specifically to manage and plan the event. While the Whisky Trail is a gorgeous and educational tourist spot any time of the year, you might want to consider holding off until the Festival. In addition to the regularly-open distilleries, several that are closed to visitors during the year open their doors for these five days. Regular events like tastings and classes are also enhanced with special dining events. If you’re lucky, you may even experience a traditional Scottish ceilidh: a social gathering where people of all ages dance the night away. Read more »

Johnnie Walker is almost synonymous with Scotch for many people, and there’s a good reason for that. Today the brand sells over 130 million bottles a year, coming a long way from the brand’s humble beginnings in an Ayrshire grocery shop in 1820. The original John Walker’s sons started the rise to an international brand in the 1860s, when the ban against selling blended whiskies was overturned. Read more »

Throughout the years, scotch has been immortalized in song. Happy and sad, fast and slow, these songs make the perfect iPod playlist to your Whisky Trail excursion.

• Ron Burgundy “I Love Scotch”: Featured in the film Anchorman, Ron Burgundy’s 9-second ode to the glories of scotch going “down, down into my belly” is short but sweet. Put it on repeat a few times for maximum effect.
• Frank Sinatra “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)”: “We’re drinking, my friend,/to the end, of a brief episode,” Sinatra mourns near the beginning of this classic pop standard. If Sinatra’s not your thing, it’s been covered by everyone from Billie Holiday to Iggy Pop. Read more »