Raise a glass to whisky and tartan!
As nights start getting colder there is no better time to partake in a wee drop of Scotland's iconic dram. Whisky like tartan is popular at home and abroad, both are symbols of Scottish traditions as well as modern developments. The links between tartan and whisky can be seen in the developments of specific tartans. The MacLeod’s owned the Talisker distillery until 1831 and has several tartans registered, including Green MacLeod adopted by the clan society in 1910, and MacLeod Black and Red, registered in 1906. The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre also has its own tartan, as to some of the world’s most famous whisky producers: J&B Whisky, Haig & Haig Whisky, Johnnie Drambuie tartan (and even a Drambuie hunting tartan) a Glenronach tartan, a Glenlivt tartan and a DeWar's tartan. Ballantine’s brand tartan was created by textile design student Leisl Despy as part of a competition. The third biggest Scotch whisky in the world joined forces with Central St Martin’s College of Art and Design in London in the search for a modern tartan to epitomises the heritage of the brand. The competition, which was judged by Scottish artist Jack Vettriano and The Duke of Argyll with the winning tartan will be used on new packaging and items such as kilts and ties. The internationally acclaimed Ballantine’s range sells 5.3 million nine litre cases a year, making it the world’s third biggest whisky. What better way is there to celebrate than wearing a kilt, a bit of tartan plaid, or by sampling a good scotch whisky? You can also add to the occasion with a pewter Quaich or flask. Tartan and Whisky are not just for Scots having links further afield. Although the Tartan of Holland Single Malt Whisky comes from Orkney, Orkney was Scandinavian until the 17th century. The tartan created, Tartan of Holland combines the colours of the Netherlands national flag - red, white and blue - with orange, representing the Royal House of Orange. Its designer Dr Wishart pointed to growing support for Holland to have its own tartan: ‘About 5,000 whisky lovers attend the Dutch Whisky Festival in Leiden each November and many wear kilts for the occasion’ he said.

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