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The Whisky Way: Tradition, Technique and Taste
3 students

The Whisky Way: Tradition, Technique and Taste

Where the Land Meets the Spirit: Exploring Scotland Through Its Whisky
Created byChristoper Hughes
Last updated 11/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • Describe the historical development of Scotch whisky, including its origins, legal milestones, and the evolution of distilling practices across Scotland
  • Explain the key stages of whisky production, from malting, mashing, fermentation, and distillation to maturation and bottling
  • Recognise and differentiate the main whisky-producing regions of Scotland, understanding how geography, climate, and tradition shape the distinctive styles
  • Evaluate whisky through guided tasting, identifying core aromas, textures, and finish notes, and articulating the sensory elements

Course content

4 sections • 25 lectures • 1h 40m total length

  • Introduction4:21

    An introduction to the Scope of the Course and to me, the presenter.

  • Early History of Whisky and Distilling4:40

    Ancient Origins and the arrival in Europe. Monastic connections.

  • The Name “Whisky” and Its Early Mentions4:17

    Tracing the Name from its Monastic Latin to the Scottish Whisky.

  • Whisky in the 16th–18th Centuries: From Cottage Craft to Rebellion8:42

    From a rural craft to the beginnings of Taxation, Economic strains and Smuggling

  • The Birth of the Legal Whisky Industry (19th Century)6:29

    Illicit Whisky and the problems of Enforcement to Reform in 1823. George Smith and the Glenlivet. The Glenlivet Legacy

  • Innovation and Expansion in the 19th Century3:57

    A growing Industry thanks to the innovations of  Aeneas Coffey and Andrew Usher. Timing and Global Demand.

  • The Rise of Blended Whisky and Global Brands4:56

    A Favourable time for Growth and the rise of the Big Name Blends.

  • The Hard Years (1890–1950s)4:05

    The Hard Years - Temperance, Depression and War.

  • Post-War Whisky Industry – Glenfiddich Leads the Way2:58

    Post war decline and the rise of the Single Malt market - innovation and marketing

  • The Modern Era4:02

    Revival and Growth finishing with the current market outlook as of 2025.

  • Review of the History of Whisky

Requirements

  • A sense of taste and smell would be handy

Description

This is a journey into one of Scotland's greatest gifts to the world - Single Malt Whisky. I hope you will take this course as I am sure you will find much of interest in it whether you are a long time drinker (in moderation of course) or a complete novice. There is no prior assumed knowledge and no complex maths or biology.

We begin with the history - tracing whisky's journey from the monks of the Middle Ages to the copper Stills of today's great distilleries. Along the way you'll meet the inventors, smugglers and pioneers who shaped the spirit we know and love.

Then we'll move into the production process - the malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation that transforms simple barley, water and yeast into something truly remarkable. And I promise, no chemistry degree required - though a little curiosity will help!

Finally I will provide some hints to help you really enjoy a whiskey's Character. The nose and taste from the light honeyed sweetness of a Speyside to the smoky, sea salt tang of a Sky Malt.

So pour yourself a dram of simply bring your curiosity and join me on a journey of a thousand years. So Slainte mhath!

Who this course is for:

  • Principally aimed at Whisky Lovers
  • Good for those involved in Hospitality and Tourism seeking to enrich their knowledge.
  • Curious learners who appreciate craftsmanship, history and the subtle art of taste

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