Scottish Distilleries

Scotland has  130 malt and grain distilleries spread across 5 different regions. This makes it the greatest concentration of whiskey production in the world.

It should be kept in mind that the region where the whiskey is made has a huge bearing on its flavour, the source of water and the peat comes through in the whiskey flavour. In the following article we are breaking down the different Scottish whiskey producing regions.

Speyside

This is the most famous of the whiskey producing regions in Scotland where more than half of the distilleries are located. Speyside is the driest and warmest part of the country and is ideal for producing barley, that combined with the fresh spring waters help produce the best single Malt;s in the world. The flavours from Speyside are fruity, sweet and spicy with a touch of Vanilla, The Speyside whiskies are lighter and sweeter than the other single Malts.

The most famous distilleries of the region are Glenfiddich and Mcallalan

Islay

Islay is be a small island in the Inner hebredies which has 9 distilleries. Bowmore is the oldest distillery on the island which started operating in 1779. Islay is covered in peat which is exposed to sea water and rain. The peat is harvested and is used in distilling which gives the whiskey from this region its distinct smoky, oily and peaty taste.

Famous distilleries in the region are Laphroaig and Ardberg.

Highlands

The highlands have 47 distilleries, this is the largest geographical area in the region which produces whiskies in Scotland. Highlands whiskies cannot be pigeonholed as these whiskies have different tastes which vary from distillery to distillery. Some can be light and grassy to heavily peated and sweet. The highland single malts are generally characterised in to four sub regions. Whiskies differ from region t region and there are world famous distilleries which can be visited. The most famous distillery is the Glenturret which produces Famous Grouse.

Lowlands

The lowland distilleries are located in the southern most part of Scotland including Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as the Lothians and Ayrshire. This is the most accessible whiskey region with good transport links and borders England to the south. The whiskies from this region are the most light bodied single malts. The single malts are often Triple distilled and are perfect for people who have just been introduced to the tipple. Lowland whiskies are famously Malty, Zesty and slightly fruity and Citrusy.

The most popular distillery in Glenkinchie in East Lothian.

Campbeltown

Campbeltown is the smallest whiskey producing region in Scotland and has 3 distilleries. Its coastal location reflects in the taste pof its single malts too, you can detect notes of sea salt mixed with hints of smoke, fruit Vanilla and toffee flavours. The most popular distillery in the region is Springbank.

For a selection of special scottish whiskies please click here