Scotch Whisky Traditions Defined – The Whiskey Wash

Scotch whisky has been an integral a part of Scottish tradition for hundreds of years. Whisky distilleries will be present in each nook of the nation, and the spirit produced there’s a level of nationwide satisfaction for Scots, enjoying an enormous half in lots of celebrations and traditions. 

If you’re planning a go to to Scotland, particularly to discover the wealthy whisky tradition, you could want to study a bit extra about Scottish whisky traditions. So, within the curiosity of serving to you’ve got an genuine Scottish expertise, listed here are 5 scotch whisky traditions defined. 

Slàinte Mhath

Sharing a dram of whisky is a core tenet of Scottish hospitality. Whether or not you’re at a neighborhood pub or tasting at a distillery, you’re prone to hear one particular phrase when toasting a dram. “Slàinte Mhath” (pronounced ‘slan-cha’-va’) means “good well being” in Scots Gaelic, and is used within the context of toasting earlier than consuming a dram. The utilization is just like saying ‘cheers’ in English when toasting. Generally, the phrase is shortened to easily “Slàinte”, that means “well being”. 

The phrase is used at celebrations similar to Burns Evening, birthdays, whisky tastings, and anniversaries, however can be used merely when having fun with a dram of whisky amongst buddies. 

So, when in Scotland, if anyone raises their glass you’ll know what to say! 

First-Footing

Scotch whisky is an integral a part of the Scottish custom of ‘first-footing’. First-footing is noticed on Hogmanay, the Scottish equal of New’s Years Eve celebrations (though, Hogmanay festivities will be celebrated within the lead as much as New 12 months’s Eve and into the primary few days of January. 

First-footing refers to folks, historically a tall, dark-haired man, visiting the house of a neighbor as the primary visitor of the brand new 12 months. The primary foot often brings with them presents of coal, shortbread, black buns, and whisky. The whisky is then shared amongst the householders and the visitors, toasting the beginning of a brand new 12 months. 

It’s thought that the desire for a dark-haired male is borne from the Viking invasion of Scotland on the finish of the eighth century when the looks of a blond-haired Viking at your door wouldn’t be very welcome. 

Burns Evening

Burns Evening is incomplete and not using a dram of whisky. One other conventional Scottish vacation, Burns Evening is a celebration of the life and work of Scotland’s nationwide bard, Robert Burns. 

Robert Burns (1759-1796) was a grasp of the Scots language and produced poems which can be nonetheless revered right this moment. He’s credited with writing the ballad Auld Lang Syne as we all know it right this moment (it was primarily based on an earlier Scottish people tune), which is historically sung on the stroke of midnight on New 12 months’s Day in lots of English-speaking international locations. As well as, lots of his most well-known poems together with John Barleycorn (1782) and Tam O’Shanter (1791) are odes to whisky. 

Following his untimely dying on the age of 37, a gaggle of Burns’ buddies gathered to drink whisky, recite poetry, and have fun his life. This primary assembly was reportedly held on twenty first July 1801, 5 years after Robert’s dying. This then developed right into a nationwide celebration held on January twenty fifth, Burns’ birthday. 

In the present day, Burns Evening celebrations are held in properties and Burns Golf equipment throughout Scotland. Friends will take pleasure in a standard Scottish meal of haggis, neeps, and tatties, adopted by a dram of scotch whisky. Burns’ poems will likely be recited, with the night rounded off by a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. 

Many see Burns Evening as a possibility to pattern whisky from historic distilleries similar to The Glenturret, Bowmore, and Strathisla. 

So, if you end up visiting Scotland in January, why not attend a Burns Evening celebration and benefit from the festivities surrounding the lifetime of Scotland’s most well-known poet? And, in fact, you may take pleasure in a standard dram of scotch whisky. 

Quaichs

One other Scottish whisky custom entails using a quaich. Relationship again to the seventeenth century, the quaich is a consuming vessel that has a shallow, bowl-like form and options two handles, symbolizing belief and unity, because it was typically handed round for communal consuming. Initially crafted from wooden, these vessels have been later constructed from pewter, brass, silver, and different metals, evolving into extra ornamental gadgets that typically featured intricate engravings or household crests.

The quaich is deeply rooted within the tradition of sharing, significantly throughout social gatherings and celebrations. It was typically used to welcome visitors or commemorate particular events like weddings, the place the bride and groom would possibly share a dram from the identical quaich to represent their bond.

This vessel additionally performs a task in trendy whisky tastings and is a well-liked memento or present, representing Scottish heritage. The custom of utilizing a quaich continues to be alive right this moment, particularly at Burns Evening suppers or different occasions celebrating Scottish customs. The ritual of passing the quaich encourages sharing not simply of whisky, but additionally of heat and friendship.

Glencairn Glass

There are quite a few totally different vessels that you need to use to drink scotch whisky. Nonetheless, the Glencairn Crystal glass is usually seen as the normal glass for whisky tasting. 

Formed like a tulip, the glass has a large base and a slim mouth. This helps to pay attention the whisky’s aromas on the prime of the glass in order that the drinker can scent the complete profile of the whisky. 

A bit of Glencairn glass tip that I discovered from Phil Dwyer: When nosing whisky in a Glencairn glass, place the highest of the mouth on the bridge of your nostril and scent the whisky from there. This enables the aromas from the whisky to stand up into the bowl while the alcoholic notes stay on the backside of your glass. This fashion, you may respect the aroma of the whisky with out the alcoholic aromas overpowering the profile. 

The broad bowl within the glass permits the whisky to breathe earlier than it’s tasted. This releases the complete vary of aromas and flavors for the drinker. Some whiskies actually do profit from being left to breathe within the glass for a couple of minutes previous to tasting. 

The Glencairn glass additionally has a heavy backside with a snug grip. By holding the bottom of the glass, you’ll stop your fingers from warming up the whisky. 

Ingesting Scotch Whisky

Many whisky drinkers have their very own most popular method of consuming scotch whisky and, honestly, you may drink it any method you want. Nonetheless, the Scots do have conventional methods of consuming whisky. 

Many Scots favor to drink their whiskey neat with none mixers or ice. Others favor including a number of drops of water to the glass, which releases flavors and aromas and might help to chop a cask-strength whisky all the way down to a palatable ABV (except you’re one of many fortunate few who can deal with 60% ABV on the palate!). 

Scotch whisky is just not historically drunk with ice, as it’s stated that scotch whisky will be totally appreciated at room temperature. 

Do You Have Any Scotch Whisky Traditions?

These deeply-rooted scotch whisky traditions all play a component within the eternal and ever-evolving world of scotch whisky, in addition to in Scotland’s nationwide and regional holidays. After all, stated traditions do range, and a few at the moment are extra prevalent than others. Nonetheless, the enduring respect for scotch whisky in its house nation implies that care and a spotlight are at all times paid to how it’s consumed. 

Do you’ve got your individual scotch whisky traditions? How do you favor to take pleasure in a dram? Tell us within the feedback beneath.