The Spirited History of Whiskey

Whiskey’s story begins with medieval monks in Ireland and Scotland, who weren’t about to let a lack of wine grapes stop them from having a good time. They started distilling fermented grain mash instead, calling the fiery result uisce beatha - Gaelic for “water of life.” Over a few centuries and several rounds of hangovers, that phrase slurred its way into “whisky” in Scotland and “whiskey” in Ireland and, eventually, the United States.

When distilling crossed the Atlantic in the 1700s, early Americans swapped barley for corn and rye. Out of that tweak came bourbon and Tennessee whiskey - bold, rich, and distinctly American. These spirits weren’t just drinks; they were currency, medicine, and rebellion in a bottle. Even Prohibition couldn’t kill whiskey’s spirit - it just made it sneakier.

Fast-forward to today, and whiskey is a global craft. From smoky Islay malts to caramel-rich Kentucky bourbons, each sip carries history, culture, and a stubborn refusal to fade away. It’s more than a drink - it’s a legacy of resilience, invention, and the eternal human quest to turn grain into something worth toasting.