Kingsbarns Journal

So, what is the difference between whisky and whiskey? Is it just the spelling or is there more to separate these spirits? The first term to exist - whisky (without an e) - derives from an old Gaelic word 'usquebaugh' meaning 'water of life'. It is a combination of 'uisge' meaning water and 'beatha' meaning life. The translation has, of course, been used to describe many drinks over time such as Aqua Vida or Eau de Vie. The split into whiskey (with an e), however, came in the 1870s when Scotch wasn't doing so well and the Irish wanted to...

Isabella Wemyss, our Director of Production, shares about the Solera System of sherry maturation and why we love using these casks to mature our whisky. There are three main influences on cask character – the wood itself, what the cask has previously contained, and for how long it was previously used. Scotch is usually matured in casks which have previously contained another product, generally bourbon or sherry; and the influence of the wood itself is diminished over the time it is used as the spirit soaks up the wood flavours. The decision as to what type of cask to mature...

Today (8th March) we join the global celebration of women's accomplishments in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. As we mark International Women’s Day 2024, we are excited to bring you insights from the inspiring women at Kingsbarns, shedding light on their experiences as women in the contemporary whisky industry.

Esteemed whisky writer Tom Bruce-Gardyne sits down with Wemyss Malts Production Director, Isabella Wermyss, to find out more about her background and how it's made her into the skilled whisky blender that she is today.