Ep 1. The Cow Whisperers

The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky is a Scottish television series that follows three whisky experts - Colin Hampden-White, Aidy Smith, and Helena Nicklin - as they tour Scotland’s distilleries and explore the history and culture behind each of the country’s iconic whisky brands. The first episode of season 1, titled "The Cow Whisperers," sees the trio embarking on an adventure through the picturesque Scottish countryside in search of the perfect Scottish malt.

The journey begins with the three drinkers setting off early in the morning to visit Kilchoman Distillery on Islay, one of the smallest and most traditional distilleries in Scotland. There, they meet the founder, Anthony Wills, and learn about the unique production process of Kilchoman’s notable single malt Scotch whisky. They also engage in an exciting tasting session and discover the intricacies of how to really appreciate the subtle nuances of a whisky’s aroma, flavor profile, and texture.

Next, the trio travels to the beautiful landscape of Ardnamurchan Peninsula, where they stop at Ardnamurchan Distillery, Scotland’s westernmost mainland distillery. Admiring the stunning views of the rugged coastline and the rolling hills, they get a fascinating insight into the science and art of whisky-making from the experienced distillers. They also learn how to decipher the complex codes on the bottle labels to determine the age, style, and provenance of the whisky, and find out about the role of barley, yeast, and water in creating a memorable liquor.

Continuing their quest for superior whisky, the three head to Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, perhaps one of the most scenic and remote distilleries in Scotland. Here, they discover the magical history behind the distillery’s storybook facade, which was allegedly inspired by the famous Rainbow Fish children’s book, and get a rare opportunity to taste some of the rarest and most expensive whiskies on the planet. They also try their hand at guessing the blind dram challenge, testing their taste buds against the experts.

The final stop on their epic whisky journey is the rugged beauty of Jura Island, home to Jura Distillery, where the team learns about the unique character and flavor profile of this distinctive single malt. With the help of local legend Willie Cochrane, who has been working in the Jura distillery for over half a century, the three sample and savour some of the rarest and most sought-after whiskies in the world, including Jura’s exceptional Prophecy release.

Throughout the episode, The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky offers viewers a captivating insight into the heritage, science, and craftsmanship behind the nation’s beloved whisky industry. It’s a must-watch for anyone who’s interested in learning more about the rich cultural and historical context of Scottish whisky. So sit back, pour yourself a dram, and enjoy a fascinating journey through Scotland’s whisky heartland.