Scottish Blog

Laphroaig is a Scotch Whisky, the only one to carry the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales.

The Laphroaig Distillery was established in 1815, in Port Ellen, Argyll, Scotland. The name Laphroaig derives from its location, as in English it translates to “beautiful hollow by the broad bay”. The distillery was originally operated by Alex and Donald Johnston, of Clan MacDonald. The distillery stayed in the family until 1887, when it was came under the control of the Hunter Clan. In 1954, the company was given to Bessie Williamson, as there was no natural heir to Ian Hunter, the owner at that time, at his death. Laphroaig is currently owned by Future Brands.

Laphroaig attracts a unique fan of Scotch Whisky. The company policy is to attempt to recreate Scotch Whisky as it would have been made 100 years ago. To achieve this, the Laphroaig distillery employs a number of various techniques, the use of bourbon barrels, both wash and spirit stills, water from the Kilbride Dam, the avoidance of chill filtering and possibly most importantly, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask. This all results in a Scotch Whisky which is considered to have a stronger than typical taste and until 2005 a higher than typical alcohol percentage (43% versus a normal 40%, in the 10 year blend). This unique taste has earned Laphroaig the honor of bearing the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales, as reportedly the 15 year age is his favorite type of Scotch Whisky.

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Franz Ferdinand is a musical band from Glasgow, Scotland.

Franz Ferdinand has enjoyed worldwide success and acclaim as a Scottish rock band since 2001. The band consists of four members, Alex Kapranos on guitar and vocals, Bob Hardy on bass, Paul Thomson on percussion and Nick McCarthy on rhythm guitar.

Although Franz Ferdinand was formed in 2001, the members of the band have played together in various capacities and bands previously. These efforts included bands like The Karelia, Yummy Fur, 10p Invaders and Embryo. The band was signed in the May of 2003, and their self-titled album was released later that year. It released to a forty third spot on the UK album chart. After heavy touring and both UK and US promotion, the band’s efforts became a picture of success, garnering them a number of awards in the process.

The second album from Franz Ferdinand, “You could have it so much better” was released on the 3rd of October, 2005. This garnered a much warmer welcome, reaching a number one on the UK sales charts and number eight on their US equivalent.

Franz Ferdinand drew inspiration from their name from Archduke Franz Ferdinand. While some members like to say that the alliteration in the name was athe aspect which drew their focus, others like Paul Thomson say that they like the idea that if the band were to become popular enough, the name Franz Ferdinand would not conjure up images of the historical figure, but instead the band.

Sueno’s Stone is one of the finest, and certainly the tallest example in the British Isles.

Sueno’s Stone is located near the village of Forres, Scotland, roughly 30 miles from Inverness. In its present state, Sueno’s Stone is over six and a half meters in height. It is encased in a glass enclosure to protect it from the erosive effects of weather and vandalism.

There are several theories as to the purpose of the Sueno’s Stone. Locals like to say that it is the legendary meeting place of the King Macbeth and the three witches who aided him in his ascension to the throne. Unfortunately, this is based on the Shakespeare story of Macbeth, making it difficult to believe. This isn’t aided by the fact that carbon dating of the stone and charcoal that was found at the site, indicates that it was erected somewhere between 600 and 1000 A.D.

The purpose of Sueno’s Stone is more likely to be linked to the carving on its sides. The most dominant of these pictures a carving interpretation of a military battle. Theories propose that these could be an interpretation of Cinaed mac Alpin, it could also have been used to mark the final victory of Malcolm II over the Danes. Several other theories exist, all along the lines of a monument to a great victory or commemoration of a death, but each suffers from the same lack of evidence as the one preceding it.

Single Grain Scotch Whisky is a type of whisky made in a single distillery.

Single Grain Scotch Whisky is arguably the rarest type of Scotch Whisky on the market today. Currently there are eight different brands of Single Grain Scotch Whisky on the market. Although there are only seven distilleries operating in Scotland as of 2006.

By law, Single Grain Scotch Whisky has to be made in one distillery, although there are no regulations as to how many or what types of grains are used. Typically wheat, corn or unmalted barley is used in the production of Single Grain Scotch Whisky. The choice of ingredients in Single Grain Scotch Whisky necessitates the use of a Coffey Still. The rarity of the still and different skill set required for its operation lend themselves to being some of the reasons that Single Grain Scotch Whisky is not more widely produced.

Currently on the market it is relatively easy to attain a number of examples Single Grain Scotch Whisky. Most common amongst these is Black Barrel, Cameron Brig, Carsebridge, Dumbarton, Invergordon, loch Lomond, North British, Port Dundas and Starthclyde distillery Single Grain Scotch Whisky.