107. Scotch - The Golden Dram; movie review

SCOTCH - THE GOLDEN DRAM
Cert PG
89 mins
BBFC advice: Contains mild bad language, sex references, drug references

Throughout my adult life, I have been a real ale man, going up and down the country, finding great beer which I have supped in considerable volume.
Whisky has been a foreign field since my dad offered me a glass of Bell's or something similar and all I could taste was fire.
Then, three or four years ago, my son insisted that I look anew at the golden liquid by introducing me to single malts.
"Hold on a second", I responded. "Is this really whisky? It's lovely and smooth!"
I was hooked and almost every time I go to the pub nowadays, I scour the shelves for a new dram to drink.
Therefore, it was with much glee that I alighted upon the aptly-named Andrew Peat's documentary about whisky distilling in Scotland.
I should point out that this is not pseud's corner... I would suspect that anyone with an open mind will find Scotch - The Golden Dram at least intriguing.
Shot entirely on location in Scotland and mainly on Islay, which has nine celebrated distilleries, it tells the tale of the drink which is enjoyed in more than 200 countries, generating over $6 billion in exports each year.
It focuses on Jim McEwan, a revered distiller who took on a dilapidated Bruichladdich distillery on his home island of Islay and turned it into a multi-award-winning producer.
Other contributors include Richard Paterson, a master blender whose nose was insured for $2.5 million, and renowned biochemist whisky-maker Bill Lumsden.
These are men who still ooze passion for their subject despite having been decades in the industry and, thankfully, their stories, while illuminating, are not geeky.
Indeed, their passion shines through as does it from young women who are now making their mark in an industry which was previously the preserve of men.
The stories, the history and the love of the taste.
It has made me thirsty for more golden drams!

Reasons to watch: A splendidly illuminating look at the Scottish whisky industry
Reasons to avoid: If you want to close your eyes to a fascinating subject

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? The isle of Islay is ust 25 miles long but its rocky bays and sheltered inlets house nine active whisky distilleries. No wonder it has long been crowned Scotland’s ‘whisky island’

The final word. Andrew Peat: "The heart of our film is the characters, the men and women who produce Scotch whisky, from the barley farmers to the bottle makers. And you can literally see the passion and joy and pride they have in their work and this world-renowned product."

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