I've really come to love Scotch and Whisky (and Whiskey, but more on that later) So, I'm starting a new series called Whisky Tuesday leading up to Whiskyfest Chicago. To be fair, it might not always be on Tuesday, and I might continue writing about whisky after the fest, so the whole moniker is kind of messed up before I even get started. A quick whiksy primer:
Whisky is distilled beer fermented from grains.
Scotch is whisky made in Scotland.
Bourbon is whiskey made in Bourbon Cty Ky.
Everything else is just whiskey. (or whisky)
You can read more about the difference.
At a party last week, I heard the comment: "People who drink Scotch are so stuck up about it" That struck me as kind of a shame. I just got back from Scotland a couple of months ago. Whatever the connotations of Scotch are here in the states, I take a different view. Scotch reflects some of the best parts of the people of Scotland!
Point #1: The people of Scotland are very warm, and so is Scotch!
During my trip, I was amazed at just how friendly everybody was there. In bars, cafes, shops, at the hotel. Pretty much everywhere we got into some great conversations about hiking, the land, politics, and of course Scotch. It was amazing. Some of the best people on Earth!
Point #2: The people of Scotland are very down to earth and so is Scotch!
In Scotland, folks drink Scotch because they enjoy it. They don't drink it because it's a status symbol. Actually, I'm pretty sure nobody does anything for status in Scotland. Well, actually, we did run into a kilt clad wedding party, and everybody knew they were awesome because of it. That ain't stuffy, its heritage!
Point #3: The people of Scotland invite you to slow down and enjoy life and so does Scotch!
Nobody we talked to was in a rush. One gentlemen was stopping in a cafe for some tea in the course of his work day and ended up giving us a long chat on the history of the town of Aberfeldy. Which, interestingly enough, is completely gung ho about fair trade. Which is awesome!
I think I'll probably be doing a small Scotch tasting in preparation for Whiskyfest Send me a tweet or an email if you are interested.
I really wish you had waited until tomorrow to post this and called it Whisky Wednesday. Because alliteration is sexy.
Posted by: Christine | March 03, 2009 at 02:55 PM