Be Careful About How You Drink Whisky In Scotland To Avoid Outing Yourself As A Tourist

From the rugged cliffs of the Isle of Skye to the historic streets of Edinburgh, there's a reason Scotland is constantly ranked as the most beautiful country in the world by travelers. If you're planning a first-time visit, your trip can include exploring ancient castles, spotting adorable Highland cows grazing in meadows, or enjoying outdoor adventures at Cairngorms National Park; it's up to you. For liquor connoisseurs, there's another convincing reason to flock to the northern country: its world-famous whisky.

Unlike American bourbon (which must use at least 51% corn), Scottish whisky (yes, without the 'e') typically uses malted barley as its primary ingredient. The aging process is also different. While bourbon ages in new charred oak barrels for about two years, Scottish whisky ages in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Beyond these differences in ingredients and production, there's another key fact visitors to Scotland should know: How you choose to enjoy your drink could immediately identify you as a tourist if you're not careful.

Put simply, Scots don't shoot their whisky like it's a quick hit of alcohol. In most cases, you'll likely hear a local order a wee dram, which refers to a little pour ideal for sipping. The entire experience of smelling and tasting it slowly allows drinkers to savor the complex flavors of each pour rather than just kicking it back like a cheap spirit at a party.

No matter if you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, a distillery tour is a highlight of any Scotland trip. On a tour, learn about different whisky-making traditions and regional characteristics. With about 150 active distilleries dotted across Scotland, you'll find plenty of opportunities to deepen your appreciation for what Scots call uisge beatha, aka the water of life. A few of the most popular options to visit include the Glengoyne Distillery in Dumgoyne (known for its unique location along the Highland-Lowland border), the Talisker Distillery in the Isle of Skye (the oldest and most well-known distillery in the country), and the Glenlivet Distillery in Ballindalloch (which has history as far back as 1824 and offers several single malt whiskies).

During these visits, you'll learn the ins and outs of the whisky-making process, as well as how different water sources, malting techniques, and barrel aging come together to create each whisky's unique character. Better yet, most visits usually end with guided tastings during which the real experts show you how to properly appreciate all of the different styles and varieties available. By the end of the tour, not only will you understand proper tasting etiquette (remember: sip, don't shoot!), but you'll hopefully be able to identify the flavors and aromas that differentiate various whiskies.