Whisky

Whisky is a type of disilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Different grains are used for different varieties. Whisky is typically aged in wooden casks, made generally of charred white oak.

Whisky's exact origins are unknown, its existence was first documented in Ireland in 1405. Official start date of production of legal whisky in Scotland is the promulgation of the "Excise Act" by the Duke of Gordon in 1823. Actually the history of distillation begins in the ancient Egypt, but not many details are provided about that production. First traces of distilled barley go back to the XIIth century, when whisky was not considered as a pleasure like nowadays, but as a marvelous medicine, helping to heal all kinds of diseases. It was used as an ointment and as well as a drink. ** Whisky in the Victorian Age ** About what whisky tasted like a hundred or more years ago, compared to the present-day whiskies, we have detailed tasting notes. __Alfred Barnard__ toured the whisky distilleries of the United Kingdom (basically homed in Scotland) in the 1880s, he described almost every nut and bolt of every distillery he visited. Barnard widely described the variation of the quality, the flavours and the peculiarity of many sort of that liquor, but he was never precise about the real taste. On the other hand Barnard meticulously described the diverse technical details of the distilleries he visited. Victorian whiskies varied in taste geographically and three large whisky regions are recognized in Scotland:
 * Origins **



Lowland
In the area of the southern part, most of the distilleries belonging to this region were between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The whisky produced here is slightly sweet and you can get a taste of the fruits. There are many famous Scotch whiskies that have its origin here in the lowlands. The whiskies produced here in the lowlands are very mellow as compared to other whiskies.

Highland[[image:victorianliquors/pattisons_ad1.jpg width="105" height="162" align="right"]]
This region had one of the greatest diversities of styles. There were plenty of distilleries in the Highland. Each one is unique and special. Various kinds of whiskies were produced in this region. The west highlands offered a slightly dry drink with some peatness while the South and the East offer you the taste of fruits. The northern part of the highland had different geographical conditions which owes to a very different taste to the malts produced here. The spirit here was firm, gentle, crispy, dry and is a bit salty and has a slight floral taste as well.

Compbeltown
In the 19th century it was known as the most famous town for producing whiskies.Once it happened to Campbeltown itself to be Scotland’s most famous whisky town, being home to at least about twenty distilleries and one of the first centers to start distilling. Here whiskies are very different. They offer a full flavored and bodied whisky. They are traditional and offer great depth. They add a nice salty tang to its finish.