The origins of Scotch whisky are lost in the mists of time.

But in the Exchequer Roll of 1494, King James IV bestowed his royal seal of approval on a Tironensian monk and distiller from Lindores Abbey in Fife: "Et per liberacionem factam fratri Johanni Cor per preceptum compotorum rotulatoris, ut asserit, de mandato domini regis ad faciendum aquavite infra hoc compotum, viii bolle brasii."

"To Friar John Cor, 8 bolls of malt, wherewith to make aqua vitae for the King."

It is the earliest written record we have of whisky in Scotland.

Lindores Abbey was founded in 1191 by French monks from Tiron 60 miles south of Paris. But it was abandoned and destroyed during the Reformation in the 16th Century. The land with the abbey ruins became farmland and was eventually bought in 1913 by Drew McKenzie Smith's grandfather.

Fast forward 87 years, and Drew and his family had no idea of the significance of their farm. So much so cattle grazed among the ruins. Then an unexpected visitor knocked on the door of the family home...

But we won't spoil if for you.

Pour yourself a dram as Drew tells John how that chance visit led to the foundation of Lindores Abbey Distillery, rekindling the spirit of 1494, and how in building the new distillery they discovered important archaeological artefacts relating to the earliest days of whisky making in Scotland.

Slàinte!

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Socials:

@C2GWhisky

@JohnRossBeattie

Creator & producer: David Holmes

Art work & design: Jess Robertson

Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)

Vocals: Andrea Cunningham

Guitars: John Beattie

Bass: Alasdair Vann

Drums: Alan Hamilton

Bagpipes: Calum McColl

Accordion: Gary Innes

Music & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John Beattie

Recorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios, Glasgow, Scotland

Special thanks: The Piper Whisky Bar, 57 Cochrane Street, Glasgow, Scotland

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