No one knows for sure when Scotch Whisky was first distilled. But an awful lot of people are gladthat it was. Take for instance the 200 countries around the worldin which it's currently enjoyed. France, the biggest importer ofScotch, got through more than 150 million bottles of the stuff lastyear, worth over £225 million. Not far behind, Spain imported137.4 million bottles, worth nearly £300 million. And thereis Asia, with its growing appreciation of the premier national spiritof choice. Sales to South Korea and Japan rocketed last year, withvolumes up 26.5% and 32.9% respectively.

We have a national affinity too, of course, with our favourite tipple.Especially since it has become so inextricably woven into the fabricof Scotland's history, culture and customs. Originally distilledby monks, Scotch Whisky has been prescribed for its medicinal qualities(for everything from the preservation of health to the relief ofcolic and smallpox); driven underground for well over a centuryto avoid the unwelcome attention of the excisemen; survived USAprohibition, wars and revolutions, economic depressions and recessions.Through it all, Scotch Whisky has emerged victorious – as the world'sleading national drink . . . and an intrinsic part of Scottishlife.

What's all the more remarkable is that Scotch Whisky involves acompletely natural cycle. So even the environment is happy to seeit do well. Everything that goes into its production – the fieldsof golden barley and wheat, clear spring waters and cool, pure Scottishair – can all be replaced naturally.

Highland, Lowland, Speyside or Islay, each regional type of whiskytakes on the natural characteristics of its surroundings: elegantand complex Speysides from the eastern side of the Highlands; ruggedand varied Highland whiskies from the largest producing region geographically; soft and mellow Lowland whiskies; and peaty, seaweedy Islays. Noneof them can be replicated anywhere else, making them a uniquelyScottish success story.

Of course the whisky industry itself isn't the only sector to profitfrom this success. The country's balance of payments, mentionedearlier, benefited to the tune of £2.3 billion last year,up 6.4% on 2000. And what of the service industries that supportwhisky – these enjoy recognition on the global stage too. Glasgow-basedRandak Design, for example, recently won a Gold World Medal at theNew York Festivals Awards for its Isle of Jura 36-year-old SingleMalt Special Collector's Edition.

Here's to another billion-bottle breaker next year!

Further information:

> Scotch Whisky