The Entire History of Scotch Whisky in 29 Minutes

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In this video, we look at the surprising history and origins of scotch whisky, where whisky is from originally, who invented whisky, when scotch whisky was invented and how Scotland became so famous around the world. In this video, we explore a timeline of events, from all the way back to the early history of Aqva Vitae with the monks and then to the recent whisky crash in the 1980s.
0:00 Sponsor
0:08 The History of Whisky Intro
1:07 500ad Invention of Highland Beer
1:27 What is Alcohol?
2:18 Invention of Distillation
3:55 Who Invented Whisky?
4:42 SPONSOR SEGMENT
5:27 Where Is Whisky From Originally? - Ireland to Scotland
5:58 The Canterbury Tales - Alchemists make whisky
6:35 1494 First Evidence of Whisky Making - Exchequer Rolls
7:32 The King that loved Scotch - King James IV
8:11 Local communities start to make whisky
9:27 Whisky and TAX - Acts of Union 1707
10:06 1725 Extension of the Malt Tax
10:19 Malt Tax Riots 1725
10:56 The rise of Illicit distilling and smuggling
11:54 The Lowland-Highland tax line
13:18 The King who drank only Highland whisky
14:09 Excise Act 1823
16:14 The 1820s Whisky Merchants
16:55 The History of Glenlivet Distillery - George Smith
17:14 Lowlands make better whisky
18:07 Invention of the continuous column still
19:07 The Phylloxera Plague
19:52 1890s - The first whisky boom
20:31 Prohibition in the United States
20:49 Wood Maturation & David George
23:12 Whisky boom in the 1950s & 1960s
24:02 Whisky bust of the 1970s & 1980s
25:00 The Whisky Loch
25:46 Rising Age Statements
26:15 The modern whisky boom
28:03 Help me make more videos
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[@Aqvavitae]

The only problem with this video is that you're on the other side of the planet. Hugs don't travel that far. This is my go to for anyone curious about how this thing fell into our glass. Epic. I know the effort that went into this. I'm gutted I'm your second patron. I wanted to be the first. Brilliant Phil. Superb work. Just....ineffable.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

So grateful to have you join me on Patreon. It will make these videos more justifiable. That really means a lot coming from you Roy! Appreciate all you do.

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . You are putting expensive marketing campaigns to shame here Phil !

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Ha thanks Ralfy!

[@TwinSteel]

Love that the first example from KZbin was Ralfy as well as top comment

[@Dmadness90]

What a treat. Seeing Ralfy here. Slange var Ralfy.

[@Scotch4Dummies]

This has to be the best produced video I've ever seen about Scotch. Great music, transitions, b-rolls, scripting - well done good sir, well done! I learded a ton watching this and will encourage others. Cheers! -Drew

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Drew! Means a lot coming from you. Would love to hear what the others think!

[@Bengoalkeeper]

A masterpiece. Felt moved at the end by the realisation that I get to be a part of this new golden age of whisky. Thanks so much for sharing this breathtaking story. Bravo.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

It sure is an exciting time to be a consumer of whisky! Cheers Ben!

[@iseedumbppol]

Phil, this was a masterpiece. I’ve been watching whiskey-tubers for the past few years now, and this is unlike anything I’ve seen from any other channel. Truly impressed with the depth of historical research you did to make this video. And you made it fun & entertaining! Yes please, we need more. Cheers!

[@JeffWhisky]

Brilliant full-blown documentary on a topic so many of us are passionate about. Fantastic watch.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much Jeff! Appreciate you watching!

[@TheRealCoyote]

I've been in to whisky for close to 20 years. Slowly diving deeper and deeper in to drinking, collecting, doing tastings, whisky clubs, ...you name it! I was thoroughly impressed by your level of dedication in this video to bring us the history of what is whisky. Very impressive. Slainte!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you!

[@whiskycentral]

Phil! OMG!!!! What an amazing video! I feel honored to be in the last little section there. ❤️ You put almost all of to shame with these videos, haha 🤣 I learned so much! Thank you!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much! It’s so excited we get to be a part of the current whisky golden age

[@WhiskyRiffs]

I'm blown away by the quality of this video, Phil. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Bravo! You've given the rest of us a high bar for whisky video content, so… thanks? ;) Keep up the great work, you've earned another Patreon supporter. Cheers, mate!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Kevin! Means a lot coming from you. Really appreciate you joining me on Patreon. Cheers!!

[@WhiskyRiffs]

@@FirstPhilWhisky I always pay for quality content, Phil. Slàinte!

[@mlarry90]

Being Uruguayan, a country in south america with the 2nd largest consumption of Whisky per capita in the world, learning this history is fascinating.

[@marcfarranmarin5684]

Worth every minute in this video. Very nice and complete. From drama, action suspense and lots of whiskey. You can see the great work behind the camera, good editing and post-production. I definitely enjoyed it and learned a lot. More videos like this please.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Marc!

[@TheRotgutReview]

This is one of the most beautiful videos on KZbin, I love it so much. The level of the detail in this is fantastic, and the editing is impressive. This is just about the best whisky history video I've seen.

[@Gwhisky]

Man this is pretty slick! Not gonna lie... learned a lot here. Well done, Phil! Awesome watch! Oh, and agree about Illicit Still... damn good. Cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Geoff! I agree, I like it! Hope you didn't mind me featuring you there at the end..

[@Gwhisky]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Not at all!

[@newwave151151]

I've watched this video at least a dozen times and every time I feel like I learn something new. I know you mention that these types of videos take a long time but without these types of videos there is no way we would have found all this information on our own. Thanks Phil!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Really appreciate that. And glad the video still holds up.

[@davidchorbadzhiev8440]

Every few months, I rewatch this. Such an amazing video.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

That’s awesome! Thanks David!

[@julioerodriguez6097]

I just figure it out. Restrictions lifted in 1823 and Glenlivet founded officially in 1824. Thank you!!

[@DanDanNoodls]

Recently discovered your channel while trying to discover more about whiskey and especially scotch. I have really learned a lot from your channel and I really enjoy your insight. Also loved the adoring fan cameo haha. Cheers!

[@elduderino3120]

Wow. Great video Phil, I could feel the passion for the subject in the production levels. A really enjoyable watch.

[@budj13]

Phil all I can say is WOW! This is a brilliant compilation and distillation of our passion. You are incredibly skilled (photography, video, editing, audio, scripting... need I continue?). I think you pulled all the essential concepts in and explained them so clearly. I just finished "Bourbon" by Fred Minnick and it takes an entire book to summarize the shorter timeline of bourbon. You highlighted the interesting parallels of the boom and bust cycles especially with the rise of white liquors. Although I recommend Minnick's book, I will tell everyone who will listen to watch this masterpiece you have put out.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much Bud! Appreciate that. Sounds like a great book too, will have to look into it.

[@KillCoWhiskeyMusings]

The history of whiskey was a big part my initial interest in it. Three years ago I was just simply recording to document my initial interest in whiskey... never could have imagined this WhiskeyTube thing could explode with me in it. I've connected with people all over the planet thanks to our mutual adoration and appreciation of whiskey. Whiskey is truly a special part in the history of mankind, and I feel this video of yours helps to clue others in about that.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks mate! Yeah it’s so exciting that we get to be part of the current golden age of whisky while also in the digital age. It’s amazing who I have got to know and learn from

[@alexmil002]

The quality of this presentation is fantastic. Great video. Take care. Alex

[@starfish258852]

The production value of yours videos is CLEARLY upscale in quality ! man I loved this video!

[@michaelsmyth3935]

Began my journey through Scotch, Bourbon, and Rum over the past few years. From what I remember, it has been grand.

[@GraphaOfMelbourne]

This man needs more subs! This content is so good and it's awesome to see bigger channels showing love in these comments. I can't wait to see what Phil pulls out in the future when this is the quality already.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Hey thanks Tim! Means a lot!

[@profe12345]

Well done Phil!!!! Thanks a lot for this work.

[@pinchpeak5203]

I've always been under the impression that the way we consume whisky today has been the case since pretty much forever. I had no idea it only started to form in the mid 20th century. Thanks for the informative video!

[@78Tuna]

A great video all in all! Knew almost everything about the subject already and have written about the history of Scotch Whisky myself but this was a really enjoyable half an hour that I spent watching. I really liked this! Straight to favourites and I will share this to everyone wanting to know more. I want more! 😄

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Antti! I’m glad someone who knows the topic liked it 😅. Appreciate that

[@BudAdams1979]

Just wanted to say that I appreciate your work. Thanks for doing these videos!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Bud! Great to have you watching

[@nagual8887]

great job mate. really appreciated

[@yakkun1926]

Terrific work! Well done.

Excellent video! Much better than a lot of documentaries I've watched! You've nailed it! Keep up the good work!

[@julescg]

Great video Phul.

[@Dan-hn1lx]

This was one hell of a journey you provided here ill be tuning in more!!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Dan! Appreciate you watching

[@michelmousseau5571]

Love the deep dives, Phil. Can’t wait to see more of them.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Michel!

[@chasewilliams3381]

Dude this is your best video yet!!! So great

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Chase! Grateful to have ya watching!

[@annaknapp1473]

Phil you're a star!! I've been binging all your videos since yesterday and I can't get enough! Love the style and would watch pretty much anything you put out. I would definitely be interested in the history of Irish and Japanese whiskies!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Anna! Really appreciate that. Grateful to have you watching 👍🥃

[@FritsDriessen]

What a masterpiece Phil. Your video's are always high quality and i always watch them with a glass of whisky just to set the mood. I learned a lot more about whisky thanks to you. Really enjoyed this documentary! Keep it up mate, cheers.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks mate! Grateful to have you watching (especially with a glass of whisky in hand!)

[@OverlandDrams]

absolutely love your work Phil. Super well done and thank you.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you!

[@thewhiskyfriend]

Awesome job Phil, such a slick piece of work... 29 mins flew bye my friend incredible production.... Keep them coming buddy...

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Alan! Glad the video didn't drag. I considered releasing it in two parts, but then would rather people got in the flow of it when watching. Cheers mate. Hope to share a dram one day.

[@CPW1991]

This is simply brilliant, KZbin University at it's finest!

[@michaelcaisley4034]

This is brilliant! I loved the deep dive and the production was excellent! Great work, Phil. Keep it up, please!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Michael!

[@tga240]

Phenomenal documentary Phil! Absolutely fascinating!

[@OTEM47]

Awesome video, mate!

[@kellywellington7122]

Top rate production. It even filled in some of the gaps in my understanding of the events.

[@rameslayer]

That ending collage of all the OG whiskey channels was awesome!

[@VanMan89]

Dude this video was amazing. Well done.

[@BenjaminDeLaRosa20]

Great video! I really appreciate the time and effort. I wanted to understand the roots and the history and you really did a good job summarizing everything 🙌🏽

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks for watching Benjamin!

[@baaart333k]

Well done on the research, hist. pics, animations and so on. Massively high quality of the vid. Loved it

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you!

[@donmcauslan233]

Fantastic! So informative and fun.

[@cnwilliams59]

This is a pearl of a video. Thanks for the great content!

[@wassum100]

That was really interesting Phil. Thank you

[@agrainofmalt]

Fantastic video, and monumental effort, Phil!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers James!

[@SkywalkFPV]

Highly underrated channel, quality video and editing - very good to watch thank you!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you so much!

[@dezzz4845]

Good on ya mate. Epic effort Phil.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Dezz!

[@PieterCoetzee]

What an amazing informative video. Thanks! Count on my support in future.

[@steeno1985]

Great video Phil. Really interesting and well put together as always. Just the right length and level of detail. What a fascinating history the dram has had. More of these videos please!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BetterAvecBourbon]

Love the history, Phil! Thanks for putting in the hard work to bring this story to life. Cheers 🥃

[@Akerfeldt77]

Love your content. I'm trying to pick out bits and pieces from the "firehouse of information" as you once put it. Your videos help.

[@lungacalvin2859]

I have been transported from Africa to Scotch land through watching such a historical, high quality, masterpiece,Royal standard type video....Now I'm in!!!!!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@thosho]

The videos keep getting better and better! Keep up this momentum!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Fantastic video as always Phil. Love your production!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks mate! Love your work too.

[@nambest5256]

Excellent video - simple to understand and interesting. Thanks!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you so much! Grateful to have you watching

[@boilerbonz]

Just discovered your site -- great stuff, thank you!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Awesome, thank you!

[@joshadams1551]

Great job man, did not disappoint!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it

[@jairnunez26]

I had to pause the video to comment before i forget to do it. I have been watching so many of your videos on your last days and this one is my favorite. You put so much work into it and so much information. Thank you very much for this.... Now excuse me, I'll keep watching the video.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much Jair!

[@ForeverBetterAcademy]

Always informative, great videos. Thanks Phil!

[@kieranniglio6083]

This is fantastic!! Would love some more long format content like this!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Kieran! Glad you liked this one. It took a long time to make

[@kieranniglio6083]

@@FirstPhilWhisky I’m sure! We appreciate the effort!

[@dmitrii.zyrianov]

The quality of this video is truly phenomenal!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@BillyRubin81]

Love the video man, much respect from the heart of Whisky Country 👍

[@MALU_604]

What a fantastically insightful video. Well done!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Mark! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adamszymon660]

Phil, that was brilliant. The form and knowledge - just brilliant. Thanks

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Adam. Grateful to have you watching!

[@blindsquirrel3123]

This was an incredibly wonderful video. Well done

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Appreciate that David!

[@FreedsFirstTime_Whisky_Reviews]

You're a great storyteller Phil!! Thanks for the great vid!!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed watching it

[@sner200]

I don't have words to describe this video... I love your work Phil! Blessings from Romania!

[@miagy420]

Maaan you really hit the nail in the head, especially when you featured all of the great whiskey youtubers, congratulations for a great video. Keep them coming.

[@bennyfriis601]

Superb video! Just such a great job!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Benny! 👍🥃

[@a_pav]

This deserves way more views. Very insightful and quality content Phil, your background in video production shows 👌🏼 I'm currently studying everything whiskey and craft beer for my new bartending role which involves serving boilermakers and your videos have been helping me a lot. Subscribed!

[@Rebirthhhhhh]

Dude this production quality is beyond phenomenal

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers dude!!

[@Rab_J]

The algorithm brought me here and I couldn’t be happier. Superbly informative and such high production value. Look forward to indulging in the rest of your channel. Cheers.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great to have you here Robert. Glad you found it helpful!

[@Tipsypixels]

Phenomenal work. This is just a joy to watch. Thank you for creating this wonderful video. Cheers 🥃

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching

[@danielgray2616]

What a fantastic video, really well produced and an all round entertaining video - this will the first video I recommend to anybody who ever expresses an interest in whisky history.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Daniel! That means a lot! Grateful to have you recommending it to others!

[@markusheinonen1971]

Great video, Phil!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Markus! Great to have you watching

[@royvanderputten2544]

What a great work. I loved it🥃

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Roy!

[@PSNeko]

Well done Phil! Really enjoyed to watch. Cheers

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Lukas! Thanks for watching

[@GreatBritiain]

Amazing video mate, managed to achieve that perfect balance of information and entertainment. Going to make this required viewing for all of the staff at my whisky bar from now on!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Oh wow! Thanks mate!! Appreciate that and hope they all find it helpful.

[@fraserprestwich2502]

This is the best Whisky related video i have ever seen on KZbin. Well done Phil!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Fraser!

[@robertjennings9105]

Best whiskey channel ever. Thanks.

[@heinrichwebb6447]

So happy I stumbled onto this amazing video, definitely recommending this to all my whiskey loving friends. Thanks Phil!!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you so much! Really glad you found this video helpful and grateful to have you watching!

[@tomflinn3652]

Phil - Watching your old videos for the second (or so) time; really appreciate your effort and diligence in researching the history of Scotch Whisky. I’ve been a small scale distiller for a while, about 20 gals a year for me and a few select friends. My goal has been to recreate an Islay type whiskey here in Texas; can’t recreate the smokiness of say a Laphroaig though, our water is very good, but leaches through limestone rather than peat. My recipe and process gives me a product that to some extent mimics the complex seaside character of Islay, but with only a lightly smokey element. Learning the history of Scotch through your videos makes my Aqua Vitae taste just that much better!

[@chrispollak8658]

Hi Phil! A great piece of work! Thanks and keep it up.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Chris!

[@dongull3898]

Love the shout out to the great ralfy and Whiskey Tribe! Great video! The thing I love most about whisky is the craft and history

[@tunnelamende6214]

Excellent video!!!

[@mtl5131]

Excellent content Phil.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@davidelourenco2537]

Great one! For such a knowledge packed topic you managed to summarize it into a coherent half hour cinematic gem. Thanks! Cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Daslo! Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidelourenco2537]

@@FirstPhilWhisky I voted Irish whisky next since at a point in time was much bigger than scotish whisky but is much less talked about. Cant wait. Cheers!

[@Weialdlie]

Thanks Phil this was great. Definitely up for seeing more of these!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Will! Appreciate that

[@losfp]

Great video, Phil! Loving the channel, and learning a lot as I'm pretty new in my whisky journey. Kiwis punching above, as per. Cheers from across the ditch. Love visiting New Zealand and looking forward to being able to travel there again at some point after all of this *gestures at everything*

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks, Des Lee! And thanks for the Patreon support too. Super grateful for that, and to have you watching. Yeah, I'm looking forward to revisiting Aussie. Both my brothers are there. Hopefully soon 🤞🤞

[@shadowlady550]

Amazing video!!!

[@subssubs3832]

Brilliant us usual. thank you a lot!

[@greenvalley651]

very interesting . well done, Phil

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@MrFifth-up9jz]

You are the best teacher on this!