Ask Away: Which whisky brand’s history truly impresses you?

Whisky is more than a glass. We’ve been saying that for two years now. A distillery’s story is rarely a simple one. That’s why, in this week’s Ask Away, we’re asking the Monkeys: Which whisky brand has a history that truly impresses you?

My mind goes straight to The Glenturret, a brand known as one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. It has had several owners and is now in the hands of the Lalique group, which ensures the bottles retain their distinctive, luxurious look.

In 1263, during the Battle of Largs in Scotland, Alexander Mackenzie of Clan Mackenzie is said to have saved King Alexander III’s life by killing a charging stag that threatened the king. In gratitude, the king granted Mackenzie the right to bear a stag on his family crest. That stag became a powerful symbol for the Mackenzie family, and later for The Dalmore distillery.

I am very impressed by the Glengoyne Distillery. It is not a really big distillery but their story is really long and unique. Did you know workers got drams multiple times a day there? And did you know they always distill really slowly? And another fun fact is that their whisky is distilled in the Highlands, but ages in the Lowlands. And not even far from the distillery itself. Just across the road.

My first thought was also Dalmore, like Siniša said. But let me pick something else: Nikka. Japanese whisky has always fascinated me, and this story is incredible. Travel feels so normal to us now. But imagine Masataka Taketsuru leaving Japan for Scotland in 1934 to immerse himself in whisky, then returning to launch Nikka… well, that’s pretty extraordinary. Then again, this whole whisky world feels extraordinary to me. Just love all the stories!