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Whiskey Tartans Page
Whisky was originally known as Uísge-Beatha in Scotland, which is the Gaelic translation of the Latin “Acqua vitae” or “Water of life”. Over time, the phrase Uísge-Beatha was shortened to “Uísge” pronounced “Oosh-gae” and eventually this evolved into Whisky.
Whiskey Tartans
2 variationsEach tartan can have multiple variations, the most common of which are Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress
About tartan variations
- Ancient
- Modern
- Weathered
- Hunting
- Dress
Ancient Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans, mossy greens and sky blues, a more orangey red and some would say showing off the pattern to much greater effect as as the contrasts are much brighter than the Modern tartans. The pattern or sett remains the same across all variations of a single tartan, and only the shades or tones vary.
Helpful Advice
Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Modern Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans. Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Helpful Advice
The Modern tartans are often the more subtle combinations such as the classic Black Watch Modern
Weathered Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer, more earthy colours typical of the Weathered tartans, reminiscent of bolder colours subjected to wind, rain and sunshine producing beautiful faded tones, olive greens and browns, and very light blues with reds that are more pink than red.
Helpful Advice
Some mills refer to the Weathered tartans as Muted.
Hunting Tartan
The Hunting Tartans are the camouflage tartans and some clans don't have these variations because they are already predominantly green or brown and don't need amendment to blend in with nature's colours. The Black Watch or Gunn tartans are examples of these, whereas a tartan such as the Fraser is predominantly red and would not provide much cover for men out hunting.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
Dress Tartan
The Dress Tartans were designed as the name suggests for celebrations and highland dance. The sett or pattern of the tartan remains the same and the main colour is changed to white, or extra white is added to the pattern to give it a brighter, more "fancy" appearance. The Scots do like to bend the rules and occasionally instead of white thread, yellow is used and this is where the rather wild MacLeod Dress Modern and Barclay Dress Modern came from.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
From the Start
Whiskey Tartan Origins & History
Explore the History
How it all started
With a history going back as far as the 11th century, whiskey is an important part of Scottish identity. Like the drink itself, the story of whiskey-making in Scotland is largely elaborate and entrancing. It is believed it began in Scotland due to the winemaking methods stemming from Europe; but with no access to grapes, monks used grain instead to create an early form of the popular spirit. The first record of distilling stretches back to 1494, when Friar John Cor of Lindores Abbey in Fife was granted the king's commission to make acqua vitae, Latin for 'water of life'. Over the centuries, the Scots have perfected the art of distilling with whiskey becoming an essential part of Scotland´s history and culture. The universal love for whiskey to the Scots is so vast, and the world famous Rabbie Burns was no exception. Have a read of the Rabbie Burns Series - Whisky blog to give you a rundown on Whiskey and Burns’ relationship with it.
Today, Scotland's 109 distilleries guard the secrets and ancient traditions that have made Scottish Whiskey famous around the world. The known distillery William Grant & Sons is a Grant clan family-run business who are behind the best single malt whisky in the world, more specifically Glenfiddich and Grant's. To be officially classed as a Scotch Whiskey it must be produced in Scotland and matured in Oak Casks for at least three years. The entire process is nothing short of an artform - with the four ingredients of water, malt, peat and yeast are refined through fermentation, distillation and maturation. Each step has a fine but defined impact on the overall taste, with Scotland's five regions producing whiskies with key differences. Preference is a matter of taste with some preferring the smoky flavour of Islay whiskies, while others enjoy the light taste of a triple distilled lowland whisky. In case you needed an excuse for a wee dram here is our run down of the Top 5 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to enjoy with your haggis!
What's in the tartan?
There are two separate whiskey-related tartans which are the 'Water of Life' tartan which is largely blue with strands of white, red and black throughout and the 'Uisge Beatha' tartan which has a natural colour palette full of various organic tones.
World Whiskey Day
Every year on the third Saturday in May, World Whisky Day is celebrated and is an annual, global day of whiskey, and what better way to celebrate the 'water of life' with the classic Scottish dram! This special occasion is celebrated by whisky lovers worldwide with tastings, events, and gatherings. However, if a straight dram isn't your thing why not learn how to create the perfect Whiskey Sour.
The Dalmore Distillery
The Dalmore Distillery is located just north of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, in Alness on a stunning stretch of Scottish coastline along the Cromarty Firth. The Cromarty Firth is a beautiful stretch of water, reaching from near Dingwall to the Moray Firth and is home to seals, porpoises and minke whales as well as the occasional pool of dolphins. The Dalmore’s heritage dates back to 1263, when the Chief of the Clan MacKenzie, saved King Alexander III from the fury of a charging stag. In recognition of this noble act the King granted the Mackenzie Clan the right to use the 12 pointed Royal stag emblem which became the recognisable icon that adorns each bottle of The Dalmore today. You can read more on the origins of the Dalmore Distillery through our story Saving the King - A Whiskey Business.
The chance to explore The Dalmore Distillery is almost as special as the single malt whiskey, where they welcome a number of guests to the Highland home. They offer an intimate tour where you can discover their exceptional Single Malt whiskey. It is home to the collection of rare casks sourced from the world’s finest bodegas and wineries, that are essential to produce our legendary whiskey.
Discovering The Complete Whiskey Course
We were so excited to have the opportunity to speak to Robin Robinson, Author of The Complete Whiskey Course, Emily speaks to him about how his passion for Scotland's National drink first began, as well as exploring the history and tradition behind the special drink.
O thou, my muse! guid auld Scotch drink!
Whether thro' wimplin worms thou jink,
Or, richly brown, ream owre the brink,
In glorious faem,
Inspire me, till I lisp an' wink,
To sing thy name!
