Simply as France has its wine areas, Scotland has its whisky areas. Each produces whiskies of varied qualities which, even to the novice, are noticeable in style, color and aroma. Each distillery in Scotland has its personal story to inform and peculiar traditions, including to the romance and mystique of Scotch whisky distilling.

A go to to a whisky distillery is an unforgettable and distinctive expertise, and irrespective of the place you’re in Scotland there will likely be a distillery close by. A visit spherical Scotland is not potential for everybody, so it helps to be told in regards to the traits of every area’s whisky, and tailor visiting distilleries to particular person style.

Lowlands

The lowland area covers the world from the border with England and from the Clyde estuary to the Tay estuary. The principle characteristic of lowland whiskies is their dry, mild flavour and color, primarily as a result of lighter lowland barley and smaller quantity of peat used within the barley drying course of. Though they’re mild, they’ve a candy, virtually fruity style and make an excellent aperitif, good for the newcomer to Scotch whisky consuming. Notable lowland whiskies are Auchentoshan, Bladnoch, and Glen Kinchie.

Highlands

That is the biggest of the Scottish areas and stretches from the lowland boundary proper as much as the north coast, and from west coast to east coast, taking in all of the mountains, glens and moorland between. Additionally it is probably the most complicated of whisky areas due to the completely different sub-regions, each producing whiskies of various qualities.

Northern Highland

Northern Highland whisky tends to be stronger tasting with a posh array of flavours and aromas. Hints of heather and spice mingle with mild peaty, smokiness to present a medium-bodied character. Some whiskies actually have a very slight tinge of salt, maybe as a result of coastal places of most distilleries. Notable northern Highland whiskies embrace Glenmorangie and Brora.

Southern Highlands

Whisky from the southern highlands is typified by its gentleness. The soil within the rolling hills is mild and produces equally mild tasting barley which varieties the majority of whisky’s style. Additionally it is very aromatic and flowery, with a comfortable, candy style. Celebrated southern Highland whiskies are Glengoyne, Edradour, and Tullibardine.

Western Highlands

The western highland whiskies are extra strong in character than these of different Highland areas. Barely peatier than inland whiskies, they’ve well-rounded flavours, and are very clean on the palate. Notable western Highland whiskies are Oban, Glen Lochy and Ben Nevis.

Speyside

Though Speyside is within the highlands, it’s classed as a whisky area due to its excessive focus of distilleries. That is the heartland of whisky with two thirds of all Scotland’s distilleries, a few of them probably the most well-known on this planet. Rivers such because the Spey and Livet circulate from the Cairngorm mountains and their waters’ purity is hallowed by distillers.

Speyside whiskies are mild and candy, elegant and sophisticated. They aren’t peat-heavy and have solely a touch of peaty smokiness. Some Speyside whiskies are family names, similar to Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich and Aberlour.

Campbeltown

Located close to the underside of the Kintyre Peninsula, Campbeltown was as soon as a significant centre for Scotch whisky distilling with round 30 distilleries. Now there are solely three. Their whiskies have a particular full-bodied “maritime” flavour and aroma and are among the many much less peaty malts. The three Campbeltown distilleries are Glengyle, Glen Scotia and Springbank.

Islands

Amongst whisky connoisseurs, the “island area” is not actually a area in any respect. Some argue that it may well’t be a particular area as a result of a number of the islands are very far aside, for instance, Arran and Skye, whose whiskies have very completely different flavours. Nonetheless, the islands of Mull, Jura, Skye, Arran and Orkney “historically” make up the Island malts. All have peaty, smoky our bodies and full flavours, however there are marked variations in style, color and aroma. Well-known island whiskies embrace Tobermory (Mull), Isle of Jura, Talisker (Skye), Highland Park (Orkney), and Arran Single Malt.

Islay

Islay (pronounced “eye-luh”) is so famed and cherished by whisky consultants it’s classed as a area in its personal proper, though it’s close by the opposite west coast Whisky producing islands. Its eight distilleries distill the strongest whiskies in Scotland and are distinctive by their wealthy, peaty flavours with hints of the ocean, deep colouring, and full our bodies. Islay’s higher recognized whiskies are Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig.

Sage Recommendation

Scotch Single Malt Whisky is a really sturdy alcoholic drink. As soon as a style for it has been acquired, the palate turns into extra alive to its full, complicated flavours, and its smoothness makes it a pleasure to drink. Please take pleasure in your dram responsibly.