Uisge beatha. No, that is not an extremely bad typographical error. It is actually a pretty well known term among aficionados of Scotch whisky. Also no, the word whisky is not misspelled in this case, but more about the ‘e’ in a bit.
Uisge beatha is the Scottish-Gaelic translation of ‘water of life.’ Uisge means water and beatha means life. It is a literal translation from the Latin phrase ‘aqua vitae.’ Over the years, common usage transitioned the term to simply uisge and became known as ‘whisky.’ Now, back to the missing ‘e.’ If your dram is from the USA or Ireland, then the spelling is whiskey. For spirits from Japan, Scotland, and Canada, whisky is all you need.
And all you need, indeed. Celebrations of life have been traditionally marked with a toast and a few fingers of the finest Scotch whisky. While other countries are distilling fine entries into the market, it is the verdant Lowlands, hardy Highlands, and jagged islands of Scotland that excel in the alchemy of whisky. In fact, to be called scotch, it must be from the rugged land of the plaid and the thistle according to our luxury lifestyle blogs.
Since the 15th century the hearty Scots have been warming themselves with a ‘wee dram’ during their long and frosty winters. The first attempts were local to farms and villages using surplus grains, likely not very refined, and derived entirely from a single still pot. Mass production was virtually impossible and these potions were truly the original single malts.
Among the first distillers to be licensed to produce Scotch whisky was Macallan in the year 1824. While produced in Scotland, the brew derives its essence from materials from other countries, such as the casks selected for aging. In a single malt whisky, as in other spirits, the cask is the most essential factor in the quality and taste of a scotch. Also of particular note is the color of the spirit. Whiskies derive their coloring from the wood of the barrels in which they are aged. As each tree is carefully selected for crafting into a cask, it imparts various flavors and colors into the whisky. At Macallan, and other top distilleries, the effective management of maturation and hand-selection of wood casks leads consistently to a superior product according to our luxury lifestyle blogs.
For a special occasion, or just because you deserve it, from the Macallan distillery, there is an array of spirits designated the Fine and Rare Collection that has grown to become the largest assembly of vintage-dated, single malt whiskies in the world. These bottles can be enjoyed now, or passed down to future generations to be enjoyed or cherished forever.
On Christmas day in 1887, the first drop of liquid gold flowed from the Glenfiddich distillery built by William Grant and his 9 sons. It had taken a year to complete, but it was a Christmas joy to be able to celebrate the day in more than one way. The distillery continues under the management of the family and is among the largest of the family owned distilleries in bonnie Scotland.
William Grant & Sons has received the ‘Distiller of the Year’ award from the International Wine & Spirit Competition and International Spirits Challenge 13 times over the past 14 years, most recently in 2020.
Leading the company’s brand is Glenfiddich, ranked the best-selling single malt scotch in the world in 2016. In 2017, The Balvenie took a prize among the top 10 best whiskies. For the collector and the connoisseur, William Grant & Sons offers limited edition Girvan First Batch Distillation from casks filled in 1964, and the magical Snow Phoenix; a once in a lifetime blend of all the whisky, between 3 and 50 years old, recovered after a heavy snow destroyed the warehouse where the whisky was being aged. Private and rare vintages have also been bottled for the Queen Mary 2, the legendary Concorde, and the Royal Danish Wedding to cater to the privileged set.
For the ultimate in luxury spirits to commemorate the private, or special grand, events in life, HVV presents a brief guide to simply the finest additions to your most memorable moments according to our Luxury Lifestyle Blogs.
Glenfiddich 14-Year-Old – SRP $49.99
Glenfiddich 14-Year-Old is matured for 14 years in ex-bourbon American Oak casks. This bourbon barrel reserve is a celebration of American spirit, paying tribute to the shared history of American and Scotch whisk(e)y and the American Oak ex-bourbon barrels that are the backbone of the single malt Scotch whisky industry.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23-Year-Old – SRP $299.99
This exclusive Glenfiddich expression has been matured for 23 years in American and European oak casks and elegantly finished in rare French cuvee casks. The finest flavors from Scotland and France have been fused together through the art of experimentation, to redefine moments of celebration and create a new and extraordinary drinking experience.
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – SRP $32.99
Refreshingly approachable and tailor made for mixing, Monkey Shoulder’s commitment to the unconventional is bringing great Scotch to a new generation. Monkey Shoulder is made from 100 percent malted barley – not a drop of grain is used – and aged exclusively in first-fill Bourbon barrels for exceptional smoothness.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 – SRP $74.99
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 year old single malt Scotch whisky has been matured in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years, and then ‘finished’ in casks that previously held Caribbean rum. To create the ideal finish Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE filled American oak casks with his own blend of select West Indian rums.When he judged the casks to be ready, the rum was replaced with the 14 year old spirit and the wood was put to work adding the final touches. The result is an exceptional single malt Scotch whisky with the traditional smooth, honeyed character of The Balvenie married with notes of toffee and a hint of fruit, with a warm, lingering finish.
The Balvenie Doublewood 12 – SRP $54.99
2018 marked the 25th anniversary of The Balvenie DoubleWood, aged 12 years. This milestone is not only a testament to the craftsmen who have dedicated their working lives to making The Balvenie the handcrafted way but to the skill of our Malt Master who throughout his over 55 year career has changed the face of the Scotch whisky category which earned him an MBE in 2016.DoubleWood 12 was launched in 1993, using a process designed by our Malt Master David Stewart in 1982, now commonly known as ‘wood finishing’. To make The Balvenie DoubleWood, David Stewart MBE takes whisky that has spent at least 12 years in traditional whisky casks, American Oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads, and moves it to Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks for an additional nine months.
