John Cor’s Scotch Whiskey
The anniversary of the first written record of Scotch Whisky appears in Exchequer Rolls of Scotland in 1495. It is recorded that Friar John Cor is the distiller. What is not recorded is how the folks at the time reacted to this new development. Just in case time travel becomes a reality here is a list of Things Not to Do as you visit this new development. It is hoped it will keep you out of trouble or more importantly causing a tear in the time continuum that might preclude the development of this beneficial elixir. (gasp) So if you are going, take this list and be careful. You will have the benefit of all humankind in your hands.
10 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not ask for your portion on the rocks. If you do, at best no one will understand you. At worst, your host will think you odd but will add some stones to your chalice. (Ignoring the fact that you don’t know where these rocks have been, Hid you need to smile and drink your portion. Yeah, overlook those little floating bits at the top.)
9 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not forget to tip Tiny the WWF champ who is an usher at Lindores Abbey in Fife. If you do, at best Tiny will make sure you miss the tasting by ten minutes. At worst, Tiny who just finished losing his jousting match will view your oversight as a vote for his opponent. (Now you have gone and done it, Hilton. Tiny is still trying to recover his self-esteem, and that piece of silver would have gone a long way. Might as well relax during the spinning body drop. It only hurts for a little while.)
8 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not be confused by the description ‘aqua vitae VIII bolls of malt.’ and ask out loud ‘where’s the Scotch whiskey?’ If you do, at best everyone will be confused. At worst, the guards will be ordered to take you to the tower for a few questions like, ‘How long have you practiced witchcraft?’ (Might be best to tell the guards you have the flu and were out of your head with fever, Hiram. That rack looks like it might be painful.)
7 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not attempt to get on your horse to ride back to the inn after you’ve sampled a few flagons of Brother John Cor’s invention. If you do, at best you’ll realize it is not the thing to do. At worst, you and your horse will eventually be pulled over by James IV’s guards and booked into the dungeon. ( Apparently, there is a law against riding under the influence (RUI), Holland. Now you are going to have a permanent record on file.)
6 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not ask for chips and salsa to go with your portion. If you do, at best you’ll get a joint of mutton. At worst, the king’s chef will demand to know how to make this chips and salsa thingy you requested. (Looks like this guy is a relative of Tiny the way he keeps swinging that butcher knife around, Holman. You know how to make it right? If not, you know how to run, don’t you?)
5 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not volunteer when Brother John Cor talks about a smoke. If you do, at best you’ll have helpers to fetch the peet. At worst, everyone else knows John Cor is not talking about a doobie but needs more peet to fire up his malting operation. (That peet operation is dirty and sweaty, Homayoun. You gotta dig bricks of it and carry it five miles to the abbey. You want to avoid this if at all possible. Of course, now it is too late. Better hit the time machine and disappear.)
4 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not ask for a jug to go. If you do, at best John Cor will think you are joking. At worst, he will try to find something to house the scotch. (Sadly all he can find is an earthen pot that was used to feed the dog, Honon. Your first sip at home will let you know that the dog’s primary food source was whatever the humans didn’t want. Your scotch now has the essence of hog entrail with a finish of fish head.)
3 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not suggest putting the whiskey aside for twelve years. If you do, at best all the king’s men will laugh you off the island. At worst, John Cor will. take your suggestion, and there will be no scotch before it’s time. (Your only worry now, Hormheb is how to avoid ten thousand archers, lancers, swordsmen, catapult operators, and knights for the next twelve years. Yeah, I didn’t think you wanted to try. Hit the way back machine.)
2 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not try to explain soda to John Cor. If you do, at best he will be confused. At worst, he will be offended that you think his product needs enhancement. (You can stop singing the song ‘Scotch and soda, mud in your eye, baby do I feel high, oh, me oh, my,’ Hosea. John is still not going to unlock that dungeon door.)
1 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not put on a tartan kilt without knowing its history, If you do, at best no one in the abbey is at war with the clan represented by what you are wearing. At worst, you picked the tartan of the most aggressive clan on the island. (You have two choices, Houman. Either pick up that broad sword and start defending yourself or drop the kilt and try to convince those advancing Scots that you were just joking. Maybe the fact that you don’t wear underwear under a kilt will underscore your claim of a joke.)
Fiction Favorites 
I’d probably break #10 out of habit. Pretty sure at least one of my friends would do the kilt thing. Feels like an inevitable turn of events.
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Back then the tartan was the gang color of the day.
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I didn’t know Scotch had such a colorful history. Reading this, I am ready for some Highland jig. 😀
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Ha haha. Wait until after five. 😄
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You got to the song “Scotch and Soda” ahead of me. I’ll confess it right here: if I’d been around at the time, I would have said, “Get that stuff away from me.” They say you have to develop a taste for it, but I clearly gave up too soon.
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I visited Scotland a couple of years ago and enjoyed sampling various Scot’s whiskeys. The blends that were brought into the US as imports are inferior to the single malts distilled in country. Even the popular single malts imported can’t compare. Of course, we have fine bourbons here that are much better tasting in my opinion. Thanks, Linda.
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I would need a lot of chips and salsa to ever drink this stuff! Nice, John. 🙂
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It is an acquired taste for sure, Jill.
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Suddenly we all want whiskey of 1495…now when you mention it
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Yes. I agree.
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😂😂🕺
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😄
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“Your scotch now has the essence of hog entrail with a finish of fish head.”
I used to drink scotch, John, until I realized that’s exactly how it tastes 🙂
Great list. If I’m ever offered the opportunity to time travel, I think I’ll pass.
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Ha ha ha. I enjoy a nice Scot’s single malt now and then. More then these days. Thaks, Dan
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Probably a bad idea to ask for Laphroaig instead of what’s on the bar.
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Yeah. You might drive Brother Cor over the edge.
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He wasn’t too happy. What does heretic mean?
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That you will be getting warm feet real soon. The term “stake” does not refer to your dinner.
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Laphroaig – one of my favourites. 🙂
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Mine too.
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Check out the 18 year old single malt.
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So far I’ve only made it to 10-year old!
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Stay there, The 18 cost $700 for a 750 ML bottle
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Liquid Gold, right?! 😀
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I would say.
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Thank goodness I don’t drink scotch. My father used to mix it with sugar, honey and water, and make me drink it when I had a bad cold. It always had the opposite effect on me.
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I’ll bet. Not something one would like.
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And most important: never ask for “whiskEy” in Scotland.
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Okay
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drift to the back of the room and take your glass of scotch with you. Ignore the general conversation and focus on inner peace.
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Now you’re talking, John
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I don’t drink but this would be a cool event to visit, though i would have to decline any offer of a swig of that glorious scotch whiskey…
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You could get a nice glass of goat milk instead. Oh, it’s warm cause it just came from the goat. Enjoy.
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I was never a scotch person, but what a colorful history it has. Sounds like a trip to Scotland is in order if you enjoy it!
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The whiskey there is amazing.
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I guess a bigger thing was not made of the discovery of scotch because some Columbus guy made some discovery a couple of years earlier.
Good one John.
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Ha ha ha. I suppose. It was a big thing to James IV since he directed that a note be made of it.
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I’ve never developed a taste for Scotch. Perhaps the chips and salsa would ease it down?!!
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Em. Maybe not. I’d stay with your favorite.
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For #10, I have a friend who always asks for ice in her wine. Such a travesty.
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Yes. Sounds like she really doesn’t like wine. Thanks, Teri. Back to work for you.
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Referring to #7, I imagine getting arrested for “riding under the influence” and arresting the horse as well is part of the punishment. After some days of being in a cell that’s not mucked out would be more than gamey. Our time traveler would hardly have a place to stand or lay. That would really stick in the mind as well as most other places. 😦 — Suzanne
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Oh my. Thanks, Suzanne.
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John,
Flagon is a favorite word of mine, Tiny Tim is not my idea of a good drinking partner and beer is my partner in crime when it comes to the nectar of the Gods. Can’t have one without the other.
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I hear you. Thanks, Marc.
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Ah, Scotch Whiskey! One has to wonder what that first batch tasted like. No matter. It has staying power! Great list, John!
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Sorta like hog entrail and a fish head finish.
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Can’t tell you how many gallons of alcohol were consumed in college to this song. Let’s just say when I hear it now, my liver asks to be excused.
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Hey-hey-hey! And whisky in the jar! 🙂
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What I want to know, is who invented the word whiskey and why?
Fun, as always, John.
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It means hot water that makes you stupid in old English.
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This was so funny, John. RUI, chips and salsa, singing Scotch and Soda, Tiny… hilarious!
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Thank you, Jennie. Glad you liked it.
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Very much so! You’re welcome, John.
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