Spirit of Speyside 2008 

Expertise in whisky making accumulated over generations has been vitally important to the success of Speyside malt whiskies. Whisky-making can trace its origins back to the period of illicit distilling when converting surplus barley into liquid gold during the long dark winters was regarded as every farmer's or crofter's right even if it was illegal at the time. Initially whisky, the name of which evolved from uisge beatha, was lauded for its medicinal qualities, being prescribed for the preservation of health, the prolongation of life, and for the relief of colic, palsy and even smallpox. It became an intrinsic part of Scottish life - a reviver and stimulant during the long, cold winters, and a feature of social life, a welcome to be offered to guests upon arrival at their destinations. Many illicit stills flourished in unlikely and inaccessible places and some distillers gained a reputation for the superior quality of their whisky.

Loading the Malt Whisky

To avoid paying the government duty, from the nineteenth century smuggling became standard practice and locally there was no moral stigma attached to it. Ministers of the Kirk made storage space available under the pulpit, and the illicit spirit was, on occasion, transported by coffin - any effective means was used to escape the watchful eyes of the excisemen.

The Excise Act of 1823 permitted legal distilling on purchase of a license and payment of duty or tax. A number of distilleries were soon established and gradually the illicit distillers abandoned their activities. Some of the great names of Speyside can trace their origins to this period, like The Glenlivet, founded in 1824. In the following decades more distilleries opened throughout Speyside, some on the sites of former illicit stills. Many selected sites close to sources of water but with more convenient access for supplies of barley and fuel and for exporting the barrels of mature whisky as demand increased. The second half of the nineteenth century and the arrival of the railways meant distilleries were often built close to the railway lines and many had private branch lines. Fluctuating demand over the last century or more has caused ups and downs in the fortunes of some individual distilleries but the most popular have continued production with few interruptions.

Nowadays a heavenly combination of whisky and water awaits you in whisky country, encapsulating the true spirit of Scotland. A unique trail of world famous malts, distinctive distilleries and a unique cooperage weaves among the woods and glens of the Spey Valley.