Scotch Whisky
When England invaded Ireland in the twelfth century their armies came across a barley spirit, which had been much
heard of, although not seen or tasted. The cliché is that the art of distilling came to Scotland from Ireland via
Islay in the mists of pre-history. Logical thought says probably it entered into Scotland simultaneously via Islay
and Campbeltown, a known route of holy men including St Columba.
It is difficult to ascertain the precise moment at which Scotch Whisky was first distilled. In 1494 Friar John Cor
applied for 14,500 pounds of malt with the intention of turning it into aqua vitae, what was later known as uisge
beatha and today is called whisky.
This transaction was recorded in The Scottish Exchequer Rolls of 1494 as "Eight bolls of malt to Friar John Cor,
wherewith to make aqua vitae". This was sufficient to produce almost 1,500 bottles, so obviously distilling was
already a well-established practice.
|
Whisky Guide | 
