For Whisky Lovers

The Six Geographical Scotch Whisky Regions

Looking at the different whisky regions of Scotland can, if you ask the purists, become a geographical headache. Aficionados may well suggest that there are four major regions with approximately 24 named sub regions mainly dependent upon which river or glen the distillery is located. In general terms however, Scotland is divided into six geographical regions with fairly discernable taste differences between them.

Highland and Lowland Scotch Whisky

If you draw an imaginary line from the Tay estuary in the east following old county boundaries to the Clyde estuary in the west, you have the highland line which is the recognised division between Highland whisky and Lowland whisky.
Highland whisky can be described as mellow, flowery, sweet with oaky polish and aromatic with fresh nuttiness. Lowland whiskies on the other hand have a light freshness that makes them ideal for aperitifs. Take a dram and look out for lemons, grass being cut on a spring day and aromatic fruits.

Speyside Scotch Whisky

Although technically in the Highlands, the Speyside region which is situated to the north west of Aberdeen and to the east of Inverness has established itself as a separate region for identification purposes and has approximately fifty percent of all working distilleries located in this area. Driving around Speyside is brilliant, and is like driving along a malt whisky road map with familiar working and famous quiet distilleries popping up everywhere. With Speyside whiskies, look out for honey, lots of fruits and nuts and a little peat in some of them hills!

Island Scotch Whisky

Take now all the distilleries located on some of the surrounding northern and western islands, group them together and you have Island whiskies. Distilleries here would include the delicious Highland Park which is the most northerly working distillery, through to the peppery Talisker from Skye and down as far as the brilliantly fresh Arran.

Islay Scotch Whisky

On the left of the map as you look at it you will find the enchanting Isle of Islay with Kilchoman as the first new distillery to be built on Islay for over a hundred years. Islay single malts are distinguishable by their peaty, smoky qualities. From the power of Ardbeg to the delicate softness of Bunnahabhain, Islay whiskies have a wide range of unique characteristics.

Campbeltown Scotch Whisky

Without breaking into song, on the western coast of Scotland to the left of Arran and just below Islay, you will find the Mull of Kintyre (remember, no singing!) Here is situated Campbeltown which once boasted over 20 distilleries in the 19th century. Until recently only two distilleries were still working, but with the recent opening of Glengyle after more than 75 years of lying quietly, there are now three. Look out for a little salty peatiness together with spices and smooth oils.

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