Of the many majestic clippers who plowedseas and oceans in the XIX century, a single survived to the present day and even preserved the opportunity to stay afloat. His name is "Cutty Sark". So it was named after the fairy-tale little witch, light and fast, invented by Robert Burns (poem "Tom O" Shenter. ") A beautiful sailboat, a legend - it has long inspired the people of art, but the image of the sailboat is reflected not only in literature , painting and cinema, but also in the industrial production of one of the best varieties of alcohol in the world.It is whiskey "Cutty Sark".
Clipper
The history of whiskey, its namesake-ship and all the oldKingdoms are inseparable. The main admirers and consumers of the drink are his compatriots, residents of the cold northern islands. And they simply can not live without beautiful legends and ancient legends! Therefore, if you decide to join the host of admirers of whiskey "Cutty Sark", better, too, learn the match. The Scots and the British assure that without it in any way.
So, the sailboat Cutty Sark began his career in the1869 with the delivery of Chinese tea to Europe. The clipper reached London first, and its owner could set any price for tea. Competed with the competition, he and the delivery of Australian wool. High speed allowed him to arrive in Europe before all, so his cargoes cost much more than competitors.
At one time, Cutty Sark was considered the fastest clipper. Today he is resting on one of the embankments of London. It is equipped and open to visitors to the museum.
The birth of a new whiskey
Once the owners of the company Berry Bros gatheredat breakfast. Their conversation dragged on for a long time, because the topic was extremely important - the production of a new sort of whiskey. Actions took place in early 1923.
It is worth mentioning that Berry's has always been a family business. This company was founded in 1690 and has only flourished and developed since then.
The main companion, Francis Barry, always lovedwhiskey light natural color. It was from his presentation that the best varieties of Scottish Maltov formed the basis for the recipe of a new drink. And it was his word that played a key role in deciding on the light color of the new Scotch whiskey "Cutty Sark."
Конечно, в тот день, 23 марта, напиток еще had no name. And it came up with his Scottish artist James McBay - the guest companions. He offered to take a moment, because at that time the clipper of the same name was simply swimming in the rays of glory. According to the Scottish lover, a happy name would bring success to a new whiskey. Moreover, the name was simply imbued with the spirit of Scotland, because both the fairy-tale witch and the handsome clipper were from this northern country. And what could be better for Scotch whiskey than a good Scottish name? The idea was received with enthusiasm. And McBay immediately suggested the following - to issue the appropriate label. Not shelving them, he personally drew it, and so successfully that his sketch is still its basis. For all the years of the whiskey "Cutty Sark" label has not changed.
Needless to say that the tandem of an excellent recipe and wonderful design instantly gave its fruits? New whiskey quickly spread to the British Isles and beyond.
Conquest of America
It would seem that the US market is simply out of reach.Indeed, since 1920, there was a dry law. Of course, the state ban on the import and sale of alcohol has contributed not so much to the growth of sobriety, as the growth of contraband and counterfeit. The bases of the smugglers were simply overwhelmed by the nearby islands, including the Bahamas. Among such businessmen was a captain, William McCoy, an American by birth. He became one of the first merchants who bought the best Scotch whiskey "Cutty Sark" and brought to the States. Its price in these parts was incredibly high, which made the risky smuggling business a real tidbit. At the same time, Captain McCoy personally guaranteed the quality, and his name soon became something of a symbol of the authenticity of this drink.
Sensing an unprecedented profit, visiting the BahamasFrancis Barry himself went. He came to the conclusion that interfering in the affairs of the United States is simply stupid, but the development and full support of the intelligence network can bring good results. And the company has established traffic in Nasau (Bahamas).
Thus, even oppressed by dry lawThe American market has embraced the Cutty Sark whiskey. Reviews of those who managed to fall in love with the drink quickly spread from state to state, the popularity of the drink grew. Conquered in those years, the position "Cutty Sark" holds to this day.
Distinctive features
Cutty Sark имеет благородный натуральный оттенок.When creating a drink, the blend master uses about 30 single malt spirits from various parts of Scotland, which causes a wonderful taste. Whiskey matures in oak barrels for at least four years. Then the alcohols are mixed with grain whiskey and again aged in barrels, and then bottled. Among the produced varieties there are those that have been aged for 12 years or more. At the same time, the average price of one bottle is 1000 rubles.
Consumption culture
Виски не пьют с утра.And even lunchtime is not quite suitable for him. This is a drink for the night time. The Scots believe that biting whiskey is sacrilege. Therefore, in extreme cases, add mineral water or ice. And they look with reproach on the Americans, who are ready to mix this elixir of the gods even with Coca-Cola.
The best sommeliers of the world agree that it is very possible to have a bite of whiskey. Only the appetizer should be unusual and expensive: oysters, roast game, red fish, caviar.
Serve whiskey "Cutty Sark" preferably in thick glasses with or without stem, filled to no more than a third.
