#Islay Island Whisky

[askwhatsforlunch]

Whisky Hot Chocolate

Coming in from the cold and a stroll in the snow, this decadently thick and creamy Whisky Hot Chocolate is an indulgent and slightly tipsy way to warm up! Happy Friday!

Ingredients (serves 1):

1 1/2 cup semi-skimmed milk

1 teaspoon Homemade Vanilla Extract (made with Whisky)

60 grams/2 ounces good quality dark chocolate (at least 62% cocoa)

1/2 tablespoon caster sugar

1 teaspoon Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons 10 Years Peated Bowmore Single Malt Whisky

In a small saucepan, combine milk and Vanilla Extract. Bring to a simmer over a medium flame.

Roughly chop dark chocolate, and spoon into a medium bowl. Add sugar and cocoa. Once the milk is simmering, pour it over the chocolate. Let stand, a minute or two; then whisk until well-blended and return to the saucepan over medium heat.

Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens slightly.

Once just thick and frothy, stir in Whisky and immediately remove from the heat.

Pour Whisky Hot Chocolate in your favourite mug, and enjoy immediately!

[bourbontrend]

Discover the magic behind Tale Of Two Islands Bourbon: A Masterpiece of Cask-Strength Spirits! Learn how Barrell Craft Spirits blends Jamaican rum and Islay whisky to create a complex, unforgettable taste experience. Cheers to the artistry in every bottle!

[julianworker]

Islay Distilleries

Recently, I visited Islay (pronounced I La) in the Inner Hebrides, a 25-minute plane journey from Glasgow. I was there to visit seven of the distilleries on the island. The basics of each of the distillery tours was the same in that the process for producing the whisky was described in great detail and visitors had the chance to inspect the various containers used at each stage of the process.…

[scotianostra]

On September 8th 1912, Alexander MacKendrick, the US born Scottish film director, screenwriter and teacher was born.

I’ve said it before, just because you weren’t actually born in Scotland it doesn’t make you any less Scottish than others. Many things can attribute to you being Scottish and Proud, people like Elsie Inglis or Eric Liddell, neither of whom were born, or indeed died here are both celebrated and championed as Scottish.

In my opinion Alexander MacKendrick falls into the same category, his parents had emigrated to the US and after the death of his father his mother reluctantly gave up custody of the seven year old Alexander to his Grandfather, who took him back to Glasgow, where he grew up. attended Hillhead High School from 1919 to 1926 and then went on to spend three years at the Glasgow School of Art.

MacKendrick’s first work was in animation, and got work in London working on ads for the cinema, he wrote his first film with fellow Scot, playwright, and his cousin, Roger MacDougall, Midnight Menace was released in 1937, it was a minor hit, but it got them noticed, although the war years saw him shooting numerous short documentaries and propaganda films.

After the war he found work with the famous Ealing studios and in 1948 made his directing debut with a film that would endear him to Scots the world over, Whisky Galore. Amongst the films that he wrote were The Maggie, about an American businessman in Scotland is conned into shipping a valuable load of cargo to a Scottish island on a Clyde Puffer, MacKendrick took inspiration for this story from Neil Munro’s stories about Para Handy and The Vital Spark, like Whisky Galore beforehand, Ealing studios filmed most of the film on location in Scotland, this time on Islay.

MacKendrick teamed up with his cousin, MacDougall and John Dighton for one of my favourite films of the post war, black & white era, The Man in the White Suit, which was also a big hit and one of the most popular films of its time.

Hollywood came calling and in 1957 he directed and co-wrote the screenplay for Sweet Smell of Success, a vehicle for the highly popular Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis. He was praised for his directing and the film is still popular nowadays, a film site I read often, Rotten Tomatoes, gives it a 98%, few films on the site get that high a rating.

After just three more films, he was offered an academic job as the Dean of the Film Department of the California Institute of the Arts, which he accepted and held from 1969, Alexander MacKendrick suffered from emphysema for many years and this stopped him returning home to Scotland, he died of pneumonia in 1993, aged 81.

Alexander Mackendrick may have been born and died in the USA, but I think he deserves his place as one of the many others not actually born here, who we would would use the term, Scottish & Proud.

Pics include Mackendrick on the set of The Sweet Smell of Success with Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis and on the set of The Maggie, set in Glasgow.

[whiskyblog]

We are delighted to announce that Ardnahoe Distillery whisky will soon be available in our shop!

Ardnahoe Distillery is a relatively new whisky distillery on the Scottish island of Islay. Officially opening in April 2019, the distillery has quickly made a name for itself in the whisky world.

Ardnahoe Distillery is owned by Hunter Laing & Co. Ltd, an independent bottling company run by Stewart Laing and his sons Scott and Andrew. The Laing family has a long history in the whisky industry dating back to 1949. With the establishment of Ardnahoe, the family have fulfilled their dream of running their own distillery.

There is great anticipation for Ardnahoe Whisky and we believe it will exceed all expectations.

[blackswaneuroparedux]

There is no wrong way to consume alcohol.

- Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman)

If you’ve ever watched an episode of  fantastic comedy series “Parks & Rec” then you probably know that Nick Offerman’s character, Ron Swanson, is a connoisseur of scotch whisky, particularly Lagavulin. It was the fictitious Mr. Swanson who put so many fresh eyes on the tiny island where Lagavulin lives. That love also extends to Nick Offerman himself, who teamed up with the distillery for some advertising spots back in 2014, and eventually his own bottle of whisky, Lagavulin Offerman Edition, back in 2019.

In 2021 Offerman and Lagavulin revealed another addition to the Offerman line: Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Guinness Cask Finish. I just had a few drams. It’s pretty good.

Normally I’m a Speyside whisky girl but I do have a soft spot for Islay whisky as I like to have a broad palate.

I always disregard the tasting notes provided on the back of boxes. Too often they run the range from yawn to snore: “Hints of chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and snore!” The marketing brains behind the labels need to pay more attention to what tasting notes guff are printed on these boxes.

The tasting notes given on the box are ‘chocolate, caramel, and coffee’. I personally didn’t taste any chocolate until I tried it again, a few nights after I opened the bottle and added a little water, but I would not call it a prominent note. So why is it boasted on the bottle? I did taste coffee and sure, a little caramel. The spirit is finished for four months in ex-Guinness casks, so they slap the word “chocolate” on the label, because people always compare Guinness to a chocolate shake. Is it creamy? Yes. Coffee? Sure. Chocolate? Eh.

It’s not even sweet but mostly bitter, more chocolate baking powder than chocolate. To the untrained palate, Lagavulin is many things, but chocolate is not the first, second, or ninth of them that anyone will notice. I have a tenacious palate and chocolate is, at best, a distant background. Chocolate is such a varying and cozy note, any brown spirit could get away with describing it as such. But my point is there are so many other notes that are much bigger stage hogs than chocolate.

The Offerman Guinness Finished needed time to open up and reveal itself. The last 3rd of any bottle will always taste different than the first few drams. For the Offerman Guinness Finished, coffee or espresso grounds would be more appropriate notes because this spirit is more bitter than sweet. As it should be. It’s an Islay scotch.

Overall, this is a fun slant on the classic Lagavulin 16. The smoke is not as pungent, but still strong and filthy. The marine influence is dry and dirty, like damp beach garbage that would attract a seagull. I love it. The bitterness is fun, you hold it in your mouth long enough, or dilute it a bit with water, and the richness and complexity begins. Citrus, coffee, even a tad of talcum (did you ever lick the powder as a kid, or are you normal?). In sum, all these notes have a bitterness that I appreciate. Things get sweeter the longer you get to know the spirit. The ginger, almond, spearmint, vanilla and carob baking powder jumped out after several drams seriously mulled over. I like it better than Laga 16.

My glencairn overfloweth!

[coulisses-onirisme]

Lady Whisky By Helen Arthur

Critique experte internationalement renommée dans le domaine du whisky, Helen Arthur meurt brutalement alors qu'elle était à la recherche, pour sa propre marque, d'un malt aux arômes inédits. Joël Alessandra est affecté par la disparition de son amie. Découvrant des notes laissées dans ses carnets, il décide d'honorer la mémoire d'Helen en partant à la recherche de ce nectar unique et parfait ! Commence alors un voyage initiatique en Ecosse, qui le conduit à enquêter auprès des plus grandes marques de whisky de l'île d'Islay...

An internationally renowned expert critic in the field of whisky, Helen Arthur died suddenly while searching for a malt with unique aromas for her own brand. Joël Alessandra is affected by the disappearance of his friend. Discovering notes left in his notebooks, he decides to honor Helen's memory by going in search of this unique and perfect nectar! Then begin an initiatory journey to Scotland, which leads him to investigate the biggest whiskey brands on the island of Islay...

[jimrichardsonng]

Scotland Fix of the Day: Getting around Scotland very often brings to mind winding roads meandering through Highland glens. But with 11,602 total miles of coastline and 93 inhabited islands — as well as countless loch and lochans — boats ought to come to mind just as easily. Casting about in my Scotland collection I was struck by how many times boats defined a place, setting the stage in so many ways for the nature of life there. This collection shares some favorites: 1. On the CalMac ferry as the Outer Hebrides come into view, always the beginning of interesting exploration. 2. A boat on the bank across the bay from Lagavulin distillery on Islay, the aroma of seaweed a hint at the flavor of the whisky. 3. Looking up mysterious Loch Ness in the evening, wishing I were out on that small boat in such calmness. 4. Hauling cattle off the Isle of Ensay from Summer grazing on a small barge. (Interesting job, loading cattle from the beach on a barge.) 5. Arriving on Iona on the ferry from Fionnphort to explore the abbey. 6. The Lord of the Glens cruising down the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 1800’s for commerce and to carry British Navy frigates across Scotland from the North Sea to the Atlantic. #scotland #highlands #outlander #epic_landscape #bestofscotland #hiddenscotland #thehighlandcollective #scotland_highlights #ig_scotland #visitscotland #scotlandgreatshots #scottishislands #scotland_greatshots #igersscotland #unlimitedscotland #thescottishcollective #simplyscotland #moodyscotland #hebrides #lovetheouterhebrides — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/WCkcPyH

[ruou-tot]

Ruou Johnnie Walker Island Green

Khám Phá Từng Ngọn Sóng Hương Vị Của Johnnie Walker Island Green

Trong thế giới rượu whisky, những tên tuổi lớn như Johnnie Walker luôn biết cách tạo ra những sản phẩm đỉnh cao để thu hút sự chú ý của người yêu thích rượu. Và trong số đó, Johnnie Walker Island Green là một phiên bản đặc biệt khiến bất kỳ ai từng thưởng thức đều không thể quên được. Là một sản phẩm pha trộn từ các loại mạch nha nổi tiếng của Scotland, dòng whisky này đã tạo nên một cuộc cách mạng nhỏ với sự pha trộn tuyệt vời của các hương vị đa dạng. Hãy cùng chúng tôi khám phá chi tiết về Johnnie Walker Island Green trong bài viết dưới đây.

Johnnie Walker Island Green: Sự Kết Hợp Hoàn Hảo Giữa Truyền Thống Và Sự Sáng Tạo

Johnnie Walker Island Green là sản phẩm được pha chế từ những mạch nha nổi tiếng của Scotland, bao gồm các loại whisky từ nhà máy chưng cất như Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, và Cardhu. Mỗi loại mạch nha này mang đến một hương vị riêng biệt, nhưng khi kết hợp lại, chúng tạo nên một tổng thể phong phú, thú vị và rất đặc biệt. Đây là sự kết hợp giữa truyền thống lâu đời của Scotland và sự sáng tạo trong việc pha chế rượu, mang đến cho người thưởng thức một trải nghiệm tuyệt vời.

Caol Ila từ đảo Islay nổi tiếng với hương vị khói đặc trưng, mang lại cảm giác mạnh mẽ và hoang sơ, nhưng đồng thời cũng rất mềm mại và tinh tế.

Clynelish có một sự ngọt ngào tuyệt vời, mang đến những nốt hương trái cây tươi mới kết hợp với gỗ sồi.

Glenkinchie lại là một đại diện cho sự nhẹ nhàng, với hương thảo mộc và hương ngọt ngào của vani, mật ong.

Cardhu mang đến sự êm ái, mềm mại với những nốt hương mật ong và trái cây khô, làm dịu đi sự mạnh mẽ của các loại mạch nha khác.

Cùng với nhau, những nguyên liệu này tạo ra một hương vị đầy đặn và phức tạp, mang đến một trải nghiệm whisky mà bạn không thể tìm thấy ở bất kỳ dòng sản phẩm nào khác.

Khám Phá Hương Vị Đặc Trưng Của Johnnie Walker Island Green

Khi thưởng thức Johnnie Walker Island Green, bạn sẽ cảm nhận được một hương vị phức tạp nhưng rất dễ chịu. Mỗi ngụm rượu mang đến một sự kết hợp giữa khói nhẹ nhàng, gỗ sồi ấm áp và sự ngọt ngào từ các loại mạch nha.

Hương đầu tiên mà bạn sẽ cảm nhận được chính là hương khói mềm mại, đặc trưng của Caol Ila, mang đến một cảm giác như đang đứng trước biển, nơi sóng vỗ rì rào và gió thổi mát lạnh. Sau đó, những nốt hương thảo mộc tươi mát, kết hợp với một chút vani ngọt ngào từ Glenkinchie, sẽ khiến bạn cảm thấy thư giãn và thoải mái hơn. Khi để whisky lan tỏa trong miệng, bạn sẽ cảm nhận được vị mạch nha, một chút cam quýt nhẹ nhàng và caramel ngọt ngào, tạo nên sự cân bằng tuyệt vời trong hương vị.

Hậu vị của Johnnie Walker Island Green kéo dài một cách mềm mại với những nốt hương khói nhẹ và gỗ sồi ấm áp. Cảm giác trong miệng là một sự kết hợp hài hòa giữa ngọt ngào và khô ráo, tạo ra một dư vị khó quên.

Johnnie Walker Island Green: Thưởng Thức Và Kết Hợp Món Ăn

Không chỉ có hương vị tuyệt vời, Johnnie Walker Island Green còn rất linh hoạt trong cách thưởng thức. Bạn có thể chọn uống nó nguyên chất để cảm nhận đầy đủ sự phức tạp của hương vị. Nếu bạn muốn một cảm giác nhẹ nhàng hơn, hãy thêm một viên đá lớn vào ly để làm giảm bớt phần nào độ mạnh mẽ của whisky.

Johnnie Walker Island Green cũng rất thích hợp khi thưởng thức cùng các món ăn. Những món hải sản nướng, đặc biệt là cá hồi, sò điệp hay tôm nướng, sẽ là sự kết hợp hoàn hảo với dòng whisky này. Đối với những món ăn mang hương vị mạnh như thịt nướng hoặc phô mai xanh, Johnnie Walker Island Green cũng sẽ giúp làm nổi bật các hương vị đó mà không bị át đi. Bạn cũng có thể thử kết hợp với các món tráng miệng nhẹ như bánh pudding vani, hoặc thậm chí là socola đen để tạo nên sự cân bằng hoàn hảo.

Giá Johnnie Walker Island Green Và Cách Mua

Mặc dù Johnnie Walker Island Green nằm trong phân khúc whisky cao cấp, nhưng giá của nó lại khá hợp lý khi so với chất lượng mà bạn nhận được. Một chai Johnnie Walker Island Green 700ml có giá khoảng từ 1.5 triệu đến 2 triệu đồng, tùy vào từng cửa hàng và chương trình khuyến mãi. Đây là mức giá không quá cao đối với một dòng sản phẩm whisky hảo hạng, thích hợp cho những dịp đặc biệt hoặc làm quà tặng.

Nếu bạn đang tìm mua Johnnie Walker Island Green, đừng quên ghé qua Johnnie Walker Island Green tại Rượu Tốt, nơi có giá cả hợp lý cùng dịch vụ chất lượng.

Kết Luận: Johnnie Walker Island Green - Chọn Lựa Tinh Tế Dành Cho Những Tín Đồ Whisky

Với hương vị phức tạp, tinh tế và một kết cấu mượt mà, Johnnie Walker Island Green là một trong những dòng whisky tuyệt vời mà mọi tín đồ whisky không thể bỏ qua. Dù bạn là người mới bắt đầu tìm hiểu về whisky hay một chuyên gia sành sỏi, Johnnie Walker Island Green đều có thể đem đến cho bạn một trải nghiệm không thể nào quên.

[naina10]

Discovering the World of Scotch: A Journey Through Flavor and Tradition

Scotch whisky, often simply known as Scotch, is a storied spirit with deep roots in Scottish culture and history. Known for its complex flavors and unique production methods, Scotch has become a symbol of sophistication and enjoyment worldwide. As interest in this classic beverage grows, effective Scotch promotion strategies are essential for connecting with enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The Origins of Scotch: A Storied Heritage

The history of Scotch whisky dates back to at least the 15th century when Scottish monks began distilling spirits from malted barley. Over time, the craft evolved, and by the 18th century, Scotch whisky had become a significant part of Scotland's economy and cultural identity. Its production is now governed by strict regulations, ensuring that every bottle labeled as Scotch adheres to specific standards.

The Regions of Scotch Whisky

Scotland is divided into several whisky-producing regions, each offering distinct characteristics and flavor profiles:

Highland: The largest region, known for its diverse flavors ranging from floral and sweet to robust and smoky.

Lowland: Offers lighter, more delicate whiskies often characterized by grassy and citrus notes.

Speyside: Renowned for rich, sweet, and complex whiskies, often featuring fruity and nutty flavors.

Islay: Famous for its heavily peated whiskies, known for bold, smoky, and maritime flavors.

Campbeltown: Produces full-bodied whiskies with a distinctive briny character.

Islands: Though not officially recognized as a region, it includes islands like Skye and Orkney, known for diverse and distinctive whiskies.

Types of Scotch Whisky

Scotch whisky comes in several varieties, each offering unique experiences:

Single Malt Scotch: Made from malted barley at a single distillery, often reflecting the characteristics of its region.

Blended Malt Scotch: A blend of single malts from different distilleries, offering a complex and balanced flavor profile.

Single Grain Scotch: Produced at a single distillery using grains other than malted barley, often used in blends but also enjoyed on its own.

Blended Grain Scotch: A mix of grain whiskies from various distilleries, known for its smoothness.

Blended Scotch: Combines malt and grain whiskies, creating a balanced and approachable flavor.

The Art of Scotch Promotion: Engaging the Modern Consumer

In today's competitive market, Scotch promotion requires creativity and innovation. Here are some strategies for effectively promoting Scotch whisky:

1. Celebrating Heritage and Craftsmanship

Emphasizing the rich history and craftsmanship behind Scotch whisky can resonate with consumers who value authenticity. Sharing stories about the distilleries, the artisans, and the traditional production methods can create an emotional connection with potential customers.

2. Creating Unique Experiences

Experiential marketing is a powerful tool for engaging consumers. Hosting tastings, masterclasses, and exclusive events allows people to experience Scotch firsthand, fostering a deeper appreciation for its flavors and complexities.

3. Leveraging Digital Platforms

Digital marketing plays a crucial role in reaching a broader audience. Engaging content such as virtual tastings, educational videos, and interactive social media campaigns can captivate consumers and encourage exploration of Scotch whisky.

4. Collaborations and Partnerships

Partnering with chefs, mixologists, and influencers can showcase Scotch's versatility and introduce it to new audiences. Collaborative efforts can demonstrate how Scotch can be enjoyed in various settings, from classic cocktails to gourmet pairings.

5. Innovative Packaging and Branding

Modern consumers are drawn to unique packaging and branding. Developing eye-catching bottle designs and limited edition releases can create excitement and exclusivity, attracting collectors and enthusiasts.

6. Educational Initiatives

Educating consumers about Scotch whisky can empower them to make informed choices. Offering workshops, tastings, and informative content can enhance consumer confidence and enjoyment.

Enjoying Scotch: Tips for New Enthusiasts

For those new to Scotch whisky, exploring this spirit can be a rewarding journey. Here are some tips to enhance your Scotch experience:

Start with a Variety: Sample whiskies from different regions to discover the flavors and styles you prefer.

Use the Right Glassware: A tulip-shaped glass, like a Glencairn, helps concentrate the aromas, enhancing the tasting experience.

Experiment with Water: Adding a few drops of water can open up the flavors of Scotch, revealing hidden complexities.

Pair with Food: Scotch can be paired with various foods to enhance its flavors. Try pairing it with cheese, chocolate, or smoked meats for a delightful experience.

Savor the Moment: Take your time to appreciate the aroma, taste, and finish of each sip. Enjoying Scotch is about savoring the experience.

Conclusion

Scotch whisky is more than just a beverage; it’s a journey through history, culture, and flavor. Effective Scotch promotion strategies celebrate this heritage while engaging modern consumers, ensuring that Scotch continues to captivate and inspire. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, exploring the world of Scotch promises a journey filled with discovery, appreciation, and enjoyment.

[askwhatsforlunch]

Whisky Ice Cream

When cooking or flambé-ing with alcohol, I would normally not bring out the best bottle. Whilst not using bas de gamme products either --we don't have bas de gamme bottles in our liqueur cabinet anyways!-- I'd use blended whisky, for instance, rather than single malt, if it's literally going to go up in flames! But when you're making Whisky Ice Cream, you want the best flavour you can get, don't you? And since it's only going to require a few tablespoonfuls of it, you might happily open the 10 Years Peated Bowmore Single Malt Whisky from Islay Island like I did (the smokiness is sheer bliss!), or whichever is your favourite whisky! It makes the most luscious ice cream, a much-needed treat in this 34°C heat! Happy Saturday!

Ingredients (makes about):

3/4 cup double cream

3/4 cup semi-skimmed milk

1 plump vanilla bean

3 large egg yolks

3 heaped tablespoons caster sugar

3 tablespoons 10 Years Peated Bowmore Single Malt Whisky

In a medium saucepan, combine double cream and milk.  Scrape the seeds off the vanilla bean and stir into the milk mixture, adding the empty pod as well. Bring to a simmer over a low flame.

Meanwhile, energetically whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale yellow and the mixture falls from the whisk like a ribbon. Gently pour a bit of the hot milk and cream mixture over the eggs yolks, whisking constantly. While still whisking, add the rest of the milk, until well-blended. Pour mixture back into the saucepan, and return over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until custard thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Remove from heat, and stir in Whisky.

Pour custard into a bowl. Cover with cling film directly on the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator, at least a couple of hours.

Pour mixture in the bowl of an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s instructions (it should take about 30 to 45 minutes). 

Spoon Whisky Ice Cream in an airtight container. Store in the freezer at least a couple of hours before eating. 

[pursuitist]

Ardbeg Whisky: Two-Hundred Years of Perfection

Ardbeg whiskies have been called “as close to perfection as makes no difference,” by whisky connoisseurs. Six different Ardbeg expressions have won prestigious titles including World Whisky of the Year, Scotch Whisky of the Year, and World’s Best Single Malt. The small, remote Scottish island of Islay (pronounced ‘eye-lah’) is an ancient land. It was a wild and untamed place, where Celtic monks…

[julianworker]

Islay Distilleries

Recently, I visited Islay (pronounced I La) in the Inner Hebrides, a 25-minute plane journey from Glasgow. I was there to visit seven of the distilleries on the island. The basics of each of the distillery tours was the same in that the process for producing the whisky was described in great detail and visitors had the chance to inspect the various containers used at each stage of the process.…

[scotianostra]

On January 29th 1852 smugglers caves and bothies on Arran, numbering about a dozen, were discovered and demolished by revenue men.

Whisky was outlawed in Scotland for around 40 years in the late 18th and early 19th centuries after its growing popularity drew the beady eyes of the government, who wanted to benefit from its manufacture. But it created a huge backlash of underground smuggling, with families, women and children all involved in exporting the drink.

Soon after the government became aware of whisky’s increasing popularity, they attempted to control production and of course benefit financially by introducing tax on spirits, this led to an incentive to illicitly sell the produce of small private stills. The government then responded to this by outlawing private distilling completely in 1781. Overnight, distilling went from ‘private,’ to ‘illicit.'

Illicit distilling and smuggling were prevalent throughout Scotland but the activities were mainly associated with the Highlands. Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay were also hot-beds of illicit production but Arran, one of the main players in whisky export at the time, had been completely overlooked, until now.

After whisky was again made legal in the 1823 Excise Act, Arran was unable to transition from illicit to legal production due to its lack of infrastructure, which may suggest why it has been overlooked. The illicit distilling and smuggling formed a critical part of the island’s economy, ensuring rent payments and guaranteeing employment on the island. It was noted by a Kilmory minister (a village in Arran’s south end) that there were ‘”Few, if any, in the parish, who, at some period of their lives, were not engaged in some department of smuggling.”

One notable incident that involved a number of these Arran smugglers includes three islanders murdered by authorities in the name of illegal whisky export.

William and Donald McKinnon (father and son) and Isobel Nicol, were shot and killed by a heavily armed Excise crew near Shannochie in Arran’s south end.

The commander of the Excise party, John Jeffrey, was tried for murder at the High Court in Edinburgh and found not guilty despite opening fire on a group of unarmed islanders. The incident had a considerable impact on the island community and a memorial service was held near the site of the killings as late as the 1950s

A contemporary of Sir Walter Scott described illicit Arran as ‘the burgundy of all the vintages.

After 1823, the majority of illicit producers were barred from the whisky industry, lacking the finance and infrastructure to compete with large landowners and tenant farmers.

On Arran, the acts virtually wiped out whisky manufacture, and for over 150 years, the island’s illicit stills lay silent. In 1995, Arran’s first legal distillery in over a century was opened, and now, the new establishment at Lagg brings production firmly back to the traditional heartland of distilling in the south end of the island.

Illicit distilling has died out from lack of profitability, but rumours still persist in remote places of homemade moonshine like "Melvaig Mist"

Of course the troubles with the excise-man started long before the 19th century, Rabbie Burns, himself an excise-man for a time, wrote a poem, the end few lines are........

Scotland, my auld, respected mither! Tho' whiles ye moistify your leather, Till whare ye sit on craps o' heather Ye tine your dam, Freedom and whisky gang thegither, Tak aff your dram!

The pics are of caves and remains of an Illicit Still on the Isla of Arran, and how an Illicit Still would have looked.

You can read or listen to the whole poem here https://www.bbc.co.uk/.../the_authors_earnest_cry_and.../

[whiskyblog]

Laphroaig Whisky Lore

Laphroaig is a Scotch whisky produced on the island of Islay. It is characterised by its intense and smoky taste. The distillery was founded in 1815 by the brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston. They used the clear spring water and the peat bog of the island of Islay to produce a unique whisky.

A long tradition that is still maintained today. The barley is turned by hand, the water is taken from nearby Kilbride Dam and the whisky is distilled in traditional copper stills.

Laphroaig is one of the most popular Islay whiskies and has a large following around the world. The whisky has won numerous awards and is considered by many to be one of the best whiskies in the world.