A Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the product of one distillery only and is never blended or mixed with the produce of any other distillery. It is produced only from malted barley without the use of the grain found in blended whiskies.
Distilleries are scattered throughout Scotland with a large number in the area of Speyside, Islay and the Lowlands.
Each area and each distillery produces distinctive products improved and enhanced by ageing, traditionally in large oak vats. In the now world-famous eco-community, The Findhorn Foundation - just off of the whisky trail in Morayshire - redundant barrels have been utilised as homes.
History
Whisky has been distilled in Scotland and Ireland for centuries. The first mention of whisky appears in Irish texts in the year 1405 and production of whisky from malted barley is first recorded in Scotland on the Exchequer Rolls in 1494. The entry reads: "Eight bolls of malt to Friar John Cor, by order of the King, wherewith to make agua vitae."
Whisky was heavily taxed in Scotland from the 15th century onwards and much of the production came from illegal stills. Parliment passed an act in 1823 allowing commercial licensees to make more profit and imposing heavy fines on illegal distillers and landowners, who allowed them on their land.
George Smith was the first person to take out a licence for a distillery under the new law, founding the Glenlivit Distillery in 1824.
