Scotch the world just can't get enough.

No one knows for sure when Scotch Whisky was first distilled. But an awful lot of people are glad that it was. Take for instance the 200 countries around the world in which it's currently enjoyed. France, the biggest importer of Scotch, got through more than 180 million bottles of the stuff last year, worth over £400 million. Not far behind, USA imported 120 million bottles, worth nearly £420 million. Spain continues to be a major importer, getting through around £316 million worth of whisky in 2009. Brazil is fast emerging as a major export market for Blended Scotch Whisky. Total Scotch Whisky shipments to the market rose by 44% to £60m, more than double export levels in 2000.

Home grown talent

We have a national affinity too, of course, with our favourite tipple.Especially since it has become so inextricably woven into the fabricof Scotland's history, culture and customs. Originally distilledby monks, Scotch Whisky has been prescribed for its medicinal qualities(for everything from the preservation of health to the relief ofcolic and smallpox); driven underground for well over a centuryto avoid the unwelcome attention of the excisemen; survived USAprohibition, wars and revolutions, economic depressions and recessions.Through it all, Scotch Whisky has emerged victorious as the world'sleading national drink . . . and an intrinsic part of Scottishlife.

What's all the more remarkable is that Scotch Whisky involves acompletely natural cycle. So even the environment is happy to seeit do well. Everything that goes into its production the fieldsof golden barley and wheat, clear spring waters and cool, pure Scottishair can all be replaced naturally.

Highland, Lowland, Speyside or Islay, each regional type of whiskytakes on the natural characteristics of its surroundings: elegantand complex Speysides from the eastern side of the Highlands; ruggedand varied Highland whiskies from the largest producing region geographically; soft and mellow Lowland whiskies; and peaty, seaweedy Islays. Noneof them can be replicated anywhere else, making them a uniquelyScottish success story.

Sharing the glory

Scotch Whisky exports rose by 3% in value to £3.13bn, contributing £99 every second to the UK trade balance. Export volumes increased by 4% worldwide, with the equivalent of 1.1bn 70cl bottles of Scotch Whisky shipped. After a slow start to the year caused by trade de-stocking and weaker consumer confidence, the Scottish Whisky Association reported an impressive export performance in the second half of 2009. In comparison to 2008, an extra £71m of Blended Scotch Whisky was exported during the year (+3%), with Malt Scotch Whisky shipments rising by £4m (+1%). Scotch Whisky exports have risen by £977m in shipment value over the last ten years, a 45% increase. Shipment volume has also increased by 13%, the equivalent of 131.8m 70cl bottles, since 2000.

Here's to another billion breaking year in 2010!