The Scottish toast to whisky
Whether it's Slàinte Mhath, Prost, Cheers, Salud, Santé, Skål or Zum Wohl! - we raise our glasses all over the world to wish each other good health and well-being. We often accompany the toast with a clink of glasses before taking a sip with relish.
When toasting with whisky, Slàinte Mhath is not just a toast - it's a piece of Scottish tradition. Whisky and Slàinte Mhath are an inseparable duo.
In Ireland, "sláinte "or also"sláinte mhaith"is also used as a toast.
What does Slàinte mhath mean?
The Scottish toast "sláinte mhaith" (pronounced: Slanj-wa, or phonetically: slɑːndʒə ˈva) literally means "good health" in Gaelic. It comes from Scottish Gaelic, a Celtic language that is still spoken in some regions of Scotland today.
- Slàinte = health
- Mhath = good (modified form of math)
A simple "Slàinte" often suffices as a response to "sláinte mhaith", alternatively "Slàinte Mhòr", which means "great health". The Irish answer is "sláinte agatsa", which means something like"also to your health" .
Where does the term Slàinte mhath come from?
The toast is deeply rooted in Scottish culture and traditionally associated with the enjoyment of whisky. In the past, it was mainly used in the Highlands and among Gaelic-speaking communities - today it is known worldwide.
In Scotland, whisky is more than a drink - it is part of the country's history, identity and hospitality. "Slàinte Mhath" stands for togetherness and enjoying a good dram together.
Slàinte mhath known from film and music
The saying appears again and again in Scottish songs, films and series. Its use in the successful series Outlander is particularly well-known. The Scottish band Runrig also dedicated a song to it with the title "Slàinte Mhath".
A whole night long Slàinte mhath
Probably the best occasion to proclaim one "Slàinte Mhath" after another is the famous Burns Night. On this evening, Scots all over the world celebrate their national poet Robert Burns - with his poems, traditional Scottish food and, of course, plenty of whisky.
Burns Night is also celebrated outside Scotland - even in Germany. Every year on 25 January, whisky lovers raise a glass to the Scottish poet and his works.
A Slàinte Mhath for breakfast
A nice anecdote:
Sgailc - The Scottish morning ritual
Source of text: The naughty littel Book of Gaelic
Whisky in the morning? It wasn't so unusual in Scotland once upon a time! Sgailc - originally a word for a strong blow - was used metaphorically for an energetic sip of whisky. And for those who could afford it, a little morning ritual with whisky was an integral part of starting the day.
This special ritual consisted of four small drams, which were savoured at different stages of getting up:
- Sgailc-nid (SKAHLk-nich) - The "nest dram", enjoyed while still in bed. A gentle start to the day, snuggled up under the covers.
- Friochd-uilinn (freekh-Ooleen) - The "Nip of the Elbow", a first sip while slowly getting out of bed.
- Deoch cas rùisgte (jock CAHs ROOSHgeh) - The "bare-footed drink", taken after getting up, still barefoot and unkempt.
- Deoch bhleith (jock blay) - The "ground meal drink", enjoyed while waiting for breakfast - usually a warm porridge.
A touch of tradition
Of course, this ritual has not survived into modern everyday life - at least not officially ;) but it shows how deeply rooted whisky is in Scottish culture. Some connoisseurs still swear by a wee dram in their porridge - why not give it a try?
Whether as a morning ritual or at the end of the day - a good whisky is one of life's little pleasures. Discover the variety of flavours and enjoy your next dram with a hearty Slàinte Mhath!
Conclusion
Why not toast your next whisky tasting with a "Slàinte mhath" - or open a whisky tasting with this traditional Scottish Gaelic toast.
You can of course find suitable whiskies for your perfect Slàinte Mhath moment with us.
With this in mind: Slàinte mhath!
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