INTRODUCTION

Many years ago a society was established in Scotland by a number of whisky devotees in and around the Edinburgh area. The members prided themselves on their knowledge of the "national" drink and excellent regional food. With regular "tasting sessions" in their luxurious and sumptuously furnished homes they enjoyed the smooth golden "usquebach", the water of life.

As their emblem they chose the majestic "Capercaillie", a rare and beautiful game bird, with its wonderful fantail and plumage, native to the ancient Caledonian pine forests and the Scottish Highlands (and threatened with extinction). Thus the society became known as the Capercaillie Club. At the annual dinner and other events the Capercaillie was, and still is, toasted.

Over the years the Capercaillie Club has always been somewhat limited in membership because of the requirement to be a whisky connoisseur (but not necessarily a Scot). Nowadays, fine whisky and other spirits are appreciated by all ages and nationalities and the Capercaillie Club is expanding rapidly. The recent election of a new Grand Steward of the Capercaillie Club has enabled a change in philosophy that permits a more commercial approach. As a result, the finest spirits, all produced in Scotland, will be sold to Scots throughout the world and also to the "Sassenachs" and others abroad who appreciate fine drink, under the "Glencaillie" label.