Scotch whisky can be an intimidating drink. It feels like there’s a lot of rules on how to drink or not to drink it. We will always say it’s your drink so enjoy it however it makes you happy.
Then there are all the names. Look at the shelves of a bar full of Scotch whisky and it seems like an endless list of unpronounceable, confusing, and tricky places. Easier to ask for another vodka rather than risk the ridicule, right?
Wrong. We’re not having that. Yes, some Scotch whisky distilleries have difficult-to-pronounce names. In this ongoing series, we are committed to helping you work out your Bunna from your blunder and have you speaking like a native in no time.
Here’s how you say the Scotch whisky distilleries that you mispronounce.
Auchentoshan: Pronounced “Aw-khen-tosh-an”
Pronounced “Aw-khen-tosh-an”, Auchentoshan was founded in 1823. The name is Gaelic for “Corner of the Field,” reflecting its location near the outskirts of Glasgow.
Bunnahabhain: Pronounced “Bu-na-ha-venn”
The name “Bunnahabhain” is Gaelic for “Mouth of the River,” (Bun na h-Abhainn) referencing its location near the mouth of the Margadale River on the Isle of Islay.’ You pronounce its name like “bu-na-ha-venn”.
Bruichladdich: Pronounced “broo-ick-laddie”
Islay distillery Bruichladdich is located in the wild Rhinns and was founded in 1881. The name is derived from the Gaelic words ‘brudhach’ and ‘chalddich’ which together translate to ‘brae by the shore’. You can pronounce its name like “broo-ick-laddie”.
Caol Ila: Pronounced “cull-eel-a”
Caol Ila Distillery was founded in 1846 on the northeastern shores of Islay. The name “Caol Ila” is Gaelic for “Sound of Islay,” referring to the narrow strait between Islay and Jura where the distillery is located.
Craigellachie: Pronounced “Craig-ELL-a-key”
Craigellachie Distillery was founded in 1891. The name “Craigellachie” is Gaelic, meaning “Rocky Hill,” referring to the craggy hill near the village of Craigellachie in the Speyside region, where the distillery is located.
Glenmorangie: Pronounced “glen-moh-ran-jee”
The name Glenmorangie is thought to derive either from Gleann Mòr na Sìth (valley of tranquillity) or Gleann Mór-innse (valley of big meadows). It is pronounced “glen-moh-ran-jee”, which whisky maker Dr Bill Lumsden teaches people by getting them to recite the phrase: “the orange-y is more-angey at Glenmorangie”, using both the pronunciation of the word orange to tease people into the right direction while also giving them a clue what flavours to expect.
Laphroaig: Pronounced “La-froyg”
The name “Laphroaig” is Gaelic for ‘the beautiful hollow by the broad bay’. Although it has also been associated with the Norse “breid-vik” which means broad bay. You pronounce its name like “la-froyg”.