Scotch Whisky, Water of Life, as people addressed it 500 years ago, the legacy of Scotland’s national drink is unmatched. What better way to celebrate National Scotch Day than by reliving the historical tale of Scotch Whiskey and what makes it globally iconic? The word ‘whisky’ comes from the Gaelic ‘uisge beatha,’ meaning exactly that — water of life.
While the origins of Scotch remain extensively vivid, the art of distillation was brought to the country by Christian missionary monks as they moved from monasteries into the communities, putting their skills to use. The distillation process became a fantasy and was soon spread to the people from one village to another.
Although there was no evidence that these distilled spirits had any health benefits, people believed these spirits could do everything, from boosting health to treating smallpox and extending life.
From Scotland To Global Favourite
The earliest known record of distillation dates back to 1494, when Friar John Cor was given eight bolls (about 25 kg each) of malt to make aqua vitae. By 1506, King James IV received aqua vitae in Inverness, showing it was already being consumed as a drink.
The popularity of whisky in Scotland grew, and it was first taxed in 1644, leading to a boom in illegal distilling. The 1823 Excise Act made the legal production of whisky easier and marked the start of modern Scotch. The revolution in the Scotch story came about with grain whiskies, which first started being produced in the 1830s. Blending of lighter grain whiskies with intensely flavoured malt whiskies broadened Scotch’s appeal to a global audience. From prohibition to its reinvention in World War II, it evolved to become the world’s whisky of choice.
And while the history of Scotch fascinates us, its pairing with soda creates the Highball cocktail, a simple yet elegant way to make your evenings more happening. A lighter and more refreshing way to enjoy your whisky, the Highball cocktail was invented in England as a combination of Scotch and soda. Later in the years of prohibition, the Highball cocktail gained popularity in the United States as the sales of Scotch exploded, and people started consuming the cocktail in clandestine bars. Not just popular but an integral part of Japanese culture. Just ice, Scotch Whisky and sparkling water and there you had the drink that perfectly balances simplicity, elegance and flavour.
Here’s a recipe for Ginger Highball that brings back the authentic flavour of Scotch Whisky with the spice and zest of ginger and lemon, balancing the bold flavours with sweetness, and celebrating every moment
