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Deoch-Maidne

Deoch-Maidne

Posted by Calum on 12th October 2017
Deoch-Maidne

As we are all aware of, whisky is the national drink of Scotland and that fact is renowned throughout the world, but one thing that isn’t mentioned is the various and eclectic names for whisky itself. As some of you may know “uisge-beatha”, coming from the life-giving qualities of the drink, is the most common name known but the Gaels have been very inventive and playful with their names as well as their uses. One such invention is the “Deoch-Maidne” (The Morning Drink).

Dwelly describes the deoch-maidne as:
“The morning drink among the better class Gaelic of old, being an egg switched in a glass of milk with a little whisky added” – Gael. Soc. Inv. Xiv, p.147

This is somewhat related to what some may know of as “Brose” which comes from “Briuthas” which is made with oats, honey and milk with a bit of whisky, left and stored in a container or glass for a warm day, for example. This drink was made known by the traditional fiddler from Perthshire, Niel Gow, and his tune “Atholl Brose” a drink which he may have been fond of! This is somewhat similar to cranachan in a number of ways.
 
On the other hand, another example is the “Four Morning Whiskies”, according to scholar and Gaelic researcher Michael Newton in his book “The Naughty little Book of Gaelic”, in which a Gael might have started their morning as follows:

Sgailc-nid (The blow of the nest) - When one awakes from sleep and reaches for a dram.
Friochd-uilinn (Nip of the elbow) – One for sitting up out of bed and rising up gradually.
Deoch cas rùisgte (Drink of bare feet) – One for getting dressed and preparing oneself.
Deoch bhleith (The drink of grinding) – A wee dram to tide you over as one prepares their porridge.
 
A Wee bit different but effective regardless! But while “Sober October” is going on, I shall stop now!
Get in touch with any similar traditions or whisky-based concoctions you may know on Facebook, Twitter or the comment section below.
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