The regions from which scotch whisky can originate, are the Highlands, Lowlands, Campbeltown, Islay and Speyside. The Islands are often considered to be a region however, they naturally fall in as part of the Highland region.
Traditionally the region where a whisky was produced has an influence on the style of whisky, however there are exceptions to this. A few distilleries are now experimenting with different type of casks and whisky styles, that would not typically be representative of that region like a Speyside distillery making a Peated Whisky.
Lowland whiskies are typically soft and smooth malts, offering a gentle, elegant palate reminiscent of grass, honeysuckle, cream, ginger, toffee, toast and cinnamon. The whiskies are often lighter in character and perfect for pre-dinner drinks.
Traditionally Lowland single malts are triple distilled but this is not true of all of them. Lowland malts tend to be light and floral in character.
Highland (Including Islands) Region
This region, which also takes in the islands, has a huge diversity of flavours and characters. From lighter whiskies all the way through salty coastal malts, the Highlands offers a Scotch whisky for all palates.
The whiskies produced there are as diverse as the landscape which goes from rugged peaks to moorlands of heather to rich, fertile land.
As a result the whiskies vary from Talisker’s powerful punch to Glenmorangie’s subtlety. There’s a lot of debate as to whether Glengoyne is a Highland or Lowland whisky because it’s situated right on the border between the two regions. While it falls into the Highland category, it’s produced in the Lowland style.
Campbeltown whiskies are varied and full of flavour. Hints of salt, smoke, fruit, vanilla and toffee mingle in whiskies of robust and rich character.
Campbeltown was once the whisky capital of Scotland, with up to 28 distilleries in operation.
Today only three distilleries continue to produce whisky in Campbeltown: Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia.
The Springbank distillery produces three distinct whiskies: Springbank, Hazelburn, and Longrow. Glengyle distillery has recently been revived by the owners of the Springbank distillery where Kilkerran is produced.
Islay (pronounced ‘eye-luh’) is a magical island where the majority of its population are involved in whisky production. Famous for home to only eight working distilleries that are fiery, heavily peated whiskies such as Ardbeg, Bruichladdich, Octomore, Laphroaig and Lagavulin.
Of the eight, six produce peaty, smoky, strongly-flavoured whiskies as a result of the heavily peated malt they use and from the local water which runs through thousand-year-old peat bogs.
Kilchoman started production in late 2005 and his recently lost its position of newest distillery on Islay to Ardnahoe - the latest from Hunter Laing & Company - which opened it's doors in April 2019.
The most densely populated Whisky region in the world, famous for fertile glens and, of course, the River Spey.
Speyside whiskies are known for being frugal with peat and full of fruit. Apple, pear, honey, vanilla and spice all have a part a role in expressions from this region, which are commonly matured in Sherry casks.
Four of the top five best-selling single malts are from Speyside: Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Macallan and Glendronach.