Whisky

Whisky is a drink made from Malt or Grain. The majority is malt based, which is simply crushed barley. The main whisky distillation process takes place in a multi-stage batch rectification still. These stills allow for a primary cut distillate of around 80% alcohol with the rest of the distillation falling below this mark. In general, whisky contains around 40-46% alcohol.

Scottish Whisky
Scottish Whisky is generally described by the areas where they are produced.


 * Lowland
 * Campbeltown
 * Islay
 * Highland
 * Speyside
 * Islands

Lowland
Lowland whiskies are best known for their subtle flavour that are less powerful than those made in other areas of Scotland. There are only 3 remaining Lowland distilleries that remain open: Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and Glenkinchie.

Campbelltown
This peninsular in western Scotland has only one remaining distillery, Springbank, left. The area was once known for its soft peaty malts with a taste similar to Islay made whisky due to the close proximity of the sea air.

Highlands
Highland Whiskies are split into 4 main areas: North, East, Central and West. This is the largest geographic whisky producing area in Scotland which gives rise to a wide range of tastes. A few distilleries to note include Dalwhinnie "The gentle spirit" made in Scotland's highest distillery, Oban and Ben Nevis whisky.

Speyside
Speyside is famous for its whisky producing. It is home to a vast range of whisky's one of which of course being Speyside as found in Nethy House bar.

Islay
The Isle of Islay is home to 7 active distilleries which consist of Bruichladdich and Ardbeg to name just a couple. These whiskies vary a lot from distillery to distillery. Bruichladdich weighs in at an impressive 46% which is deceiving given its clean and cleansing taste. Ardbeg however has a much more peaty taste which leaves a pleasant aftertaste which betters that of the Bruichladdich.

Other Islands
The islands consisting of Skye, Mull, Jura and Aaron. Each island has its own distillery.


 * Skye = Talisker
 * Mull = Tobermory
 * Jura = Isle of Jura
 * Aaron= Aaron

The Isle of Jura has also been found in the bar at Nethy House. The Talisker distillery can be visited whilst visiting the Isle of Skye during a club trip. This has traditionally happened when the weather was to poor to go up onto the Cuillin Ridge or any other of the surrounding hills.