|
| |
1494 |
 |
The first documented
record of distilling in Scotland, when an entry in the
Exchequer Rolls listed "Eight bolls of malt to
Friar John Cor wherewith to make aqua vitae" (water
of life). |
| |
1644 |
 |
The first taxation
measures are introduced by the Scottish Parliament with
the introduction of a Malt Tax. The legislation was
very unpopular and the tax proved to be very difficult
to collect. This period saw the advent of the illicit
still in Scotland. |
| |
1707 |
 |
Scotland is joined with
England in the Act of Union. Ever increasing rates of
taxation on Scotch Whisky and the creation of the Excisemen
hardens the resolve of the illicit stillmen. |
| |
1784 |
|
The Wash Act establishes
a precise, geographical “Highland Line’
separating the Lowlands from the Highlands for purposes
of differential excise levels. Single malt whiskies
are still categorised using this ‘Highland Line’. |
| |
1823 |
 |
The Excise Act sanctions
the distilling of whisky in return for a license fee
of £10 and a set of payments per gallon of proof
spirit. This dramatically reduces the number of illicit
stills operating in Scotland. |
| |
1831 |
 |
Aeneas Coffey invents
the Coffey or Patent Still, enabling a continuous process
of distillation to take place and leading to the production
of grain whisky - a less intense spirit than malt whisky. |
| |
1853 |
 |
Andrew Usher initiates
the blending revolution by combining malt and grain
whisky together for the first time. It produces a lighter
flavoured and consistent whisky - Usher's Old Vatted
Glenlivet.
|
| |
1880s |
 |
The phylloxera beetle
devastates the vineyards of France. As a result, wine
and brandy virtually disappear from cellars across the
world. Scotch Whisky quickly replaces brandy as the preferred
spirit of choice. |
| |
1941 |
 |
The SS Politician bound
for America with a cargo of whisky founders off North
West Scotland. Her “liberation” provides the
natives of war rationed Eriskay with a welcome tonic. |
| |
2003 |
 |
Scotch Whisky is Scotland’s
biggest indigenous industry supporting many local communities.
It is the world’s leading international sprit and
is exported to over 200 countries worldwide. |
