Whisky is a type of distilled spirit which is created by fermenting grains. It is one of the most popular liquors in the world and has a history as rich as its deep dark colour.
The drink is thought to have originated in Scotland and Ireland during the Middle Ages, around the 15th-century Irish monks are believed to have brought distillation to Scotland.
Whisky comes from the Gaelic term ‘uisge beatha’ which translates to ‘water of life’.
When monks brought the process of distillation to Scotland, they decided to use barley to create a liquor due to the fact that Scotland was abundant with it because of the ideal climate for growing the grain.
Whisky was then produced in small batches by monks or farmers. Due to it being created by individuals on a very small scale, each batch would be slightly different. However, this didn’t stop it from fast becoming a popular drink across the country.
By the 16th century, whisky had become one of the most popular drinks in Scotland and distilleries were cropping up across the country meaning it was now being produced on a much larger scale.
Production became more refined as small-batch distillation was replaced by distilleries and whisky production went from slow and surprising to efficient and consistent.
This allowed distillers the room to begin experimenting, with different grains and ageing methods to distinct new flavours. This improved the quality of whiskey and helped to turn it into the quality liquor it is today.
Today, whisky is produced on massive sale all across the globe, but Scotland and Ireland remain the biggest producers. It is still popular and can be found in many cocktails, recipes or even being drunk on its own.
Recent years have seen a resurgence of love for whisky and many people now search for rare varieties and even invest in the whisky stock market!