In 1959, Nicomedes García Gómez, a businessman from Segovia, Spain, started a unique project. He created DYC (Destilerías y Crianza del Whisky), Spain's first whisky distillery using Scottish methods. His choice of Segovia was smart. The climate is similar to Scotland's, and the region offers high-quality cereals and pure river water. This combination helped DYC whiskies blend Scottish techniques with a Spanish flair.
DYC, known as Whisky DYC, reflects Nicomedes' vision from 1958. Later, it joined Beam Suntory. The first distillery in Palazuelos de Eresma, Segovia, began in February 1959. By March 1963, DYC was producing Spain's first whisky. Initially, it made a million litres a year, rising to twenty million in the 1980s. The distillery still has this capacity, though recent production has decreased.
DYC is affordable compared to many American, Canadian, Scotch, and Irish whiskies. It appeals to budget-conscious Spaniards and is often mixed with soft drinks. In the 1990s, DYC became more popular due to its marketing. The brand focused on people who didn't want to show off wealth with imported whiskies. This was clear in its 1989 slogan "Gente sin complejos" (People with no complex).
These whiskies combine Spanish innovation with Scottish tradition. They offer an affordable yet premium spirit experience.