Be Still My Beating Heart-

Is This the World’s Oldest Whisky Still?

Well you could have knocked me down with a feather or even a dram. Those fascinating folk the archaeologists have found a medieval structure in Fife which is quite probably the oldest  whisky still ever discovered and it’s at Lindores Abbey. Those canny medieval monks were the prime movers in early distillation.  The stills found are the traditional kiln stills used by brewers at the time. There in the stone structure those fascinating folk found traces of charcoal, barley, oats, wheat and pottery all dating back to the medieval times, when the monks first began their search for the water of life.  They distilled bols of malt, which we now know as Scotch whisky. The monks called it aqua vitae. The structure was next to the site of the grain store indicating grain was used even then. Also handy for brewing beer which most people drank as the water was heavily polluted.

Braveheart Rested Here

Now there is a modern distillery on the site, but it gives a new heft to the term heritage, first established in medieval times they might say! No jokes about the spirit-ual home of Scotch whisky now!  Lindores Abbey was founded by monks in 1191. William Wallace took refuge with 300 of his men after their victory over the English.  He rested after the Battle of Black Earnside in 1298. We’ll hear no talk of him actually coming from Essex, too much scholarly research can spoil a good tale.  And the first ever written record of Scotch whisky distillation took place at Lindores Abbey in 1494, according to the exchequer rolls of King James IV. Now that’s a grand history

Here’s a Health

Now we here at James Pirie can’t claim to be the home of whisky, but we can claim to be the home of some exceptional whisky accessories and glassware to make that dram even more special. Our cracking Whisky Gift selections make for the perfect gift for connoisseurs of fine Whisky and will also allow them enjoy savings on our bestselling whisky related gifts. All items are presented in luxurious satin lined presentation boxes or gift boxes. I know all of that is true as I saw it on our website! But joking aside we challenge you to find better quality and value than this outstanding selection, with many cracking offer prices and great service all rolled in. Go on spoil someone you care about, or impress someone with your fine taste in glassware.

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