All in, Whisky is the water of life, although Russians and Ukrainians alike (no political element to this, honest) also lay claim… Vodka. My maternal grandmother was Scotts, so I’ve been in Scotland many times. In Edinburgh there are pubs where you can test a thimble full of several single malts to help you zero in on the one for you… allow at least an afternoon to decide… I’ve been on the Speyside distillery tour, which takes a few days. My absolute favourite is Balvenie. Any of their 12 or 15 year double casked single malts are superb. In Scotland, in the local pubs, there’s always a jug of spring water on the bar. Almost every Scot I know puts a very small splash of water in their Whisky. No ice. No mixers. Just a splash of water, like a spoon full. It really does make a difference. Really smooths the taste. Think I’m going for a wee dram now. Slàinte Mhath! (Pronounced ‘Slauncher!’)
Both tours ( Tennessee and Louisville distilleries ) would be awesome. All we're known for up here in Canada is maple syrup distillation. And some good beers. Heck - slowly getting on the map for wine and whiskey as well.
All in, Whisky is the water of life, although Russians and Ukrainians alike (no political element to this, honest) also lay claim… Vodka. My maternal grandmother was Scotts, so I’ve been in Scotland many times. In Edinburgh there are pubs where you can test a thimble full of several single malts to help you zero in on the one for you… allow at least an afternoon to decide… I’ve been on the Speyside distillery tour, which takes a few days. My absolute favourite is Balvenie. Any of their 12 or 15 year double casked single malts are superb. In Scotland, in the local pubs, there’s always a jug of spring water on the bar. Almost every Scot I know puts a very small splash of water in their Whisky. No ice. No mixers. Just a splash of water, like a spoon full. It really does make a difference. Really smooths the taste. Think I’m going for a wee dram now. Slàinte Mhath! (Pronounced ‘Slauncher!’)
I suppose after a few snorts even the most benign Scotts accent becomes totally unintelligible.
I agree: Whisky is the water of life!
I live within a day's driving distance of the Tennessee "Distillery Tour," which I plan on taking this fall.
Cool! I've been to Louisville's Distillery Tour but not Tennessee's. If you find something good, let me know!
Both tours ( Tennessee and Louisville distilleries ) would be awesome. All we're known for up here in Canada is maple syrup distillation. And some good beers. Heck - slowly getting on the map for wine and whiskey as well.
Very informative article, thanks.