There are over 120 active distilleries spread across Scotland, which are split into five whisky-producing regions; Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. Where a whisky is made can have a huge bearing on its flavour, everything from the source of the water to the presence of peat in the local area will come through in the taste.
The Highlands Distilleries
With no fewer than 47 distilleries spread across the Highlands and islands, this region is by far Scotland’s largest geographical whisky producing area. The region probably boasts the widest array of styles and is home to some of whisky’s most famous names.
In this region you’ll find some of Scotland’s oldest distilleries including Glenturret at Crieff and Balblair at Tain, and some of Scotland’s newest, such as Isle of Raasay Distillery, Torabhaig Distillery on Skye and Ncn’ean Distillery by Lochaline.
Explore Highland distilleries and sample the region’s distinctive malts and blends. You’ll find some of whisky’s most famous names here – and some of its most fiercely individual spirits.
Explore Highland distilleries and sample the region’s distinctive malts and blends. You’ll find some of whisky’s most famous names here – and some of its most fiercely individual spirits.
HIGHLAND WHISKY CHARACTERISTICS
The Scotch produced in the untamed wilds of the Highlands is varied and unique from distillery to distillery thanks to the ever-changing landscape of coastline, moor and mountain and variable weather conditions. While some are peated, heavily sherried or have a salty tang from the sea, others are fresh, light and grassy.
The Scotch produced in the untamed wilds of the Highlands is varied and unique from distillery to distillery thanks to the ever-changing landscape of coastline, moor and mountain and variable weather conditions. While some are peated, heavily sherried or have a salty tang from the sea, others are fresh, light and grassy.
It is helpful to categorize Highland single malts into four sub-regions. In the north (including Orkney), you’ll find full bodied, heathery whiskies with a spicy character; lighter and fruity whiskies are found to the south, and similar drams with a touch more body are found to the east (The Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire). The whiskies from the western reaches offer full body with a peaty punch and sea air. Those from the islands tend to be sweet and smoky, with maritime influences, reflecting the heathery and salty peat that’s used to dry the barley.
Our Favourite Distilleries in this area:
Glenmorangie - www.glenmorangie.com/en-us
Ardmore - www.ardmorewhisky.com/
Glenglassaugh - www.glenglassaugh.com
Fettercairn - www.fettercairnwhisky.com/
Glen Garioch - www.glengarioch.com
Ardmore - www.ardmorewhisky.com/
Glenglassaugh - www.glenglassaugh.com
Fettercairn - www.fettercairnwhisky.com/
Glen Garioch - www.glengarioch.com
Speyside Distilleries
Speyside is quite simply whisky heaven! By far the largest producing and arguably the most famous of Scotland’s whisky regions, this breathtaking area sits in a fertile valley of rivers and secluded glens and is home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries.
Speyside is whisky heaven! By far the largest (by number of distilleries) and arguably the most famous of Scotland’s whisky regions, this breathtaking area sits in a fertile valley of rivers and secluded glens and is home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries.
Speyside is arguably the driest and warmest part of Scotland and the fertile farmlands in and around the region are ideal for growing barley, which when combined with soft local water tumbling down off the mountains, produces some of Scotland’s best-loved malt whiskies.
Sample the remarkable flavours of Speyside’s fine malts as you explore the region, and follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail™ - the world’s ultimate Scotch whisky experience – comprising of nine ‘must-visit’ sites including seven working distilleries, Dallas Dhu historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage – the only working cooperage in the UK.
You’ll find Speyside ideally sandwiched between the rugged Highlands in the west, the fertile farmlands of Aberdeenshire in the east and to the north of the Cairngorms National Park. The region takes its name from the River Spey, the main waterway that runs through the area, which is an important asset in the production of Speyside’s highly regarded whiskies.
Speyside is arguably the driest and warmest part of Scotland and the fertile farmlands in and around the region are ideal for growing barley, which when combined with soft local water tumbling down off the mountains, produces some of Scotland’s best-loved malt whiskies.
Sample the remarkable flavours of Speyside’s fine malts as you explore the region, and follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail™ - the world’s ultimate Scotch whisky experience – comprising of nine ‘must-visit’ sites including seven working distilleries, Dallas Dhu historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage – the only working cooperage in the UK.
You’ll find Speyside ideally sandwiched between the rugged Highlands in the west, the fertile farmlands of Aberdeenshire in the east and to the north of the Cairngorms National Park. The region takes its name from the River Spey, the main waterway that runs through the area, which is an important asset in the production of Speyside’s highly regarded whiskies.
SPEYSIDE WHISKY CHARACTERISTICS
Speyside whiskies are usually lighter and sweeter than other Scotch single malts. These malts are noted in general for their elegance and complexity, sometimes with a refined smokiness but more often a fruitiness ranging from ripe pears to sultanas. It's the pastoral, secluded glens in the area, along with the crystal-clear waters of the River Spey and other local rivers and the warmer climate that combine to produce smooth, complex whiskies with sweet, caramel and fruity notes.
Our Favourite Distilleries in this area:
Cardhud Distillery - www.cardhudistillery.com
Macallan Distillery - www.themacallan.com
Glenmoray Distillery - www.glenmoray.com
Glenfiddich Distillery - www.glenfiddich.com/uk (Glenfiddich 15 Year Old is one of Ron’s favourites!!)
Glenfarclas Distillery - www.glenfarclas.com
Cardhud Distillery - www.cardhudistillery.com
Macallan Distillery - www.themacallan.com
Glenmoray Distillery - www.glenmoray.com
Glenfiddich Distillery - www.glenfiddich.com/uk (Glenfiddich 15 Year Old is one of Ron’s favourites!!)
Glenfarclas Distillery - www.glenfarclas.com
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