Despite the antagonism between the English, the Scots and the Irish, it seems they are all united over one thing – their love of whisky! But who can actually claim to having discovered it?

Officially the Irish are the winners, but the Scots lay claim to perfecting it (and when an army of blue-painted Scots are storming you with kilts akimbo, well, quite frankly that is the perfect time to agree!) References to Irish Whiskey can be traced back to the 12^th century, whilst Scottish references only appear in the late 1400s.

The name “whisky” evolved from the English mispronouncing the Gaelic word “uisge” (usky), and while the Irish and Americans may spell it “whiskey”, the Scots never do!

You may be surprised to learn that the Japanese are making a rather decent whisky these days, and our own home-grown Three Ships 5 Year Old just won the 2012 ‘World’s Best Blended Whisky’ in the World Whiskies Awards.

Judge for yourself by tasting whiskies from all around the world in Bascule Bar, which can boast the largest selection of whiskies in the Southern Hemisphere!   You may also be interested in trying the selection on show at the Whisky Live Festival happening from 3-5 October this week.

To educate your palate, read how we at Bascule match whisky and food, or see our suggested whisky warmers.

If you are not a committed whisky fan, perhaps Winston Churchill’s reasoning will encourage you:

“The water was not fit to drink. To make it palatable, we had to add whisky. By diligent effort, I learnt to like it.”