Whisky, or uisge beatha, water of life in Gaelic, is the national drink of Scotland. Whisky has been produced in Scotland since the fifteenth century. For a long period of time, the distilling of whisky was illegal, the law achieving nothing but driving stills underground where illicit distilling went on. In 1823, the production and selling of whisky was legalized and today the drink is Scotland’s chief export. Many of today’s huge distilleries are built on the same spot as the original illegal stills, using the same source of water as before. The quality of the water is considered the crucial element in the making of a good whisky. Many distilleries are therefore situated in the Highlands, taking advantage of the clear mountain springs.

Two types of whisky are produced in Scottish distilleries; single malt is made only with water, barley and yeast, whereas grain whisky, relatively cheap in production, mainly is made with maize and a small amount of barley. Blended whisky, which accounts for more than 90% of the total sales, is as the name suggests, a blend of the two types. A blended whisky is made up of around 70% grain whisky and 30% malt whisky. The higher proportion of malts, the more expensive the blend. Brands such as Johnny Walker, Bells and The Famous Grouse are all blended whiskies. Many distilleries produce malt whisky both for blending with others and for their own single malt brand. Grain whisky on the other hand is produced only for blending. Whisky is today Scotland’s chief export and one of the biggest tourist attractions. All over the country you can visit distilleries for a guided tour, a complimentary free dram, and - naturally - a visit to the souvenir and whisky shop. The prices are however not any cheaper than other outlets. Visits to distilleries come in all sizes - multimedia, seven-language mass tours or small, simple and low-profile tours.

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