The name “whisky” comes from the Gaelic “uisge beatha”, which means “water of life”. The first documented reference to whisky dates back to 1494. The most important ingredient of whisky is its grain. Three influencing factors are responsible for the variety of flavors: the raw materials, the production process and the barrel maturation. The type of wood, the previous use of the cask and the length of maturation play an important role here. In its spelling, Scotch whisky is distinguished from Irish or American whiskey.