Church of JeffThis day in history, 1494. Oldest historical reference for Scotch Whiskey.
John Cor is the name of the friar referred to in the first known written reference to a batch of Scotch Whisky on June 1, 1494.
“To Friar John Cor, by order of the King, to make aqua vitae VIII bolls of malt.” — Exchequer Rolls 1494–95, Vol x, p. 487.
"Et per liberacionem factam fratri Johanni Cor per preceptum compotorum rotulorum, ut asserit, de mandato regis, ad faciendum aquavite, infra hoc compotum, octo bolle brasii."
Translated, this documents King James IV ordering 8 bolls of malt to be given to Friar John Cor to make aqua vitae (the "water of life," or whisky)