July Whiskies of the Month: Scottish Literary Connections
Scotland is a land of stories and rich history. The Scots have long held the tradition of storytelling so this July, we have linked six whiskies to literary works, authors and Scottish heritage that reflect this enduring tradition. Their stories led and inspired writers all over the world – that includes some of the Visitor Assistants here at The Scotch Whisky Experience. To honour and celebrate the authors who’ve lived in Scotland whilst writing their novels, and to the Scots who have inspired people over the world, Slàinte Mhath!
Lowlands - Glasgow 1770 Cognac: How the Hangman Lost His Heart by K. M. Grant
How the Hangman Lost His Heart is a novel taking place during the last executions of the Jacobite Rebellion. It ends in the sad discovery that people, no matter who they support, are just people – something Robert Burns articulates well in his poem “A Man’s a Man for a’ That” We chose a whisky that was made in the city where K. M. Grant graduated from university. The whisky is initially powerful and smoky on the palate – like the start of a rebellion – but this powerful start leads to a bittersweet finish. Glasgow Cognac Cask showcases the diverse journey the flavour of a Scotch whisky can take its drinker.
Highlands - Ben Nevis Coire Leis: Ascension by Nicholas Binge
In this novel, a team of researchers climb a mountain that suddenly appears in the Pacific Ocean. Along the hike, they realise that they are being stalked by a creature of unknown origin and slowly, they lose their minds. Had they been on Ben Nevis (the UK’s highest mountain), the clean and clear spring waters would have counteracted the maddening effects of these incomprehensible aliens. Nicholas Binge is an Edinburgh based author who once taught at Edinburgh Napier University in the Creative Writing Programme. This year was his last year of teaching due to the success of his novels!
Speyside - The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
In Treasure Island, set in the Caribbean, the protagonist, Jim Hawkins, is accosted by a mutineer. Jim defends himself with his twin pistols – just like the twin silver pistols George Smith, the founder of The Glenlivet, carried with him when he was the first distiller to sign up for a licence to distil whisky in 1823.
Islay - Mac-Talla Terra: Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
Godkiller is represented by our smoky Islay whisky. In this novel, the family of the protagonist, Kissen, are burned by worshippers of the fire god. In retaliation, Kissen goes on a quest to slay all the gods. However, she must ultimately make a deal with the god of white lies. The intense smokiness of the Terra stands for Kissen’s backstory, but the lasting finish leaves us with a slightly salty note that you would have too, if you needed to make a deal with the god of white lies! Kaner is another Edinburgh based author. Many authors have come to Scotland to improve their writing skills as it is the perfect place for storytelling and whisky drinking.
Blend - Spice King: A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
This novel inspired Doyle’s classic – Sherlock Holmes. It is a spicy short story that blends together aspects of thriller, mystery, and crime which is why we’ve tied this story to a blended malt that reveals its spicy notes as vividly as Doyle’s does in this story. Doyle was one of the first authors to successfully blend together these genres that endure today. Just as the blender brings together single malts to create a blended malt, Doyle blends genres to create a thrilling experience for his readers.
Luxury - Annandale Man O’ Words Single Cask Fino 2018: Robert Burns
A legendary wordsmith deserving the title of: Man O’ Words, Burns promoted Scottish culture to the UK and the world. He is Scotland’s national poet and bard, and he pioneered the romantic movement in Scotland. A man who truly understood the simplicity, complexity, and beauty that Scotland and its people hold dear. This whisky reveals all of those characteristics in such unique and entwining ways and was inspired by works of Robert Burns himself.
For more information on the lives and works of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott, we recommend a visit to The Writers’ Museum located 5 minutes from The Scotch Whisky Experience in Lady Stair’s Close, just off the Lawnmarket.