As a whisky lover, it is impossible not to be fascinated by the rich diversity of Scotch whiskies. Scotland is divided into five whisky regions, each with its own unique characteristics and flavours. In this article, we take you on a tasty journey through Scotland's whisky regions: Speyside, Highlands, Islay, Lowlands and Campbeltown. Find out what makes each region special and what to look out for when tasting their whiskies.
Speyside
Located in the north-east of Scotland, Speyside is the mecca for lovers of complex, fruity whiskies. Named after the River Spey, this region is home to more than half of all distilleries in Scotland, including household names such as Glenfiddich, Macallan and Glenlivet.
Flavour profile
Speyside whiskies are known for their elegance and sweetness. The typical flavours to expect are ripe fruits such as apples, pears and dried fruits, often combined with hints of vanilla, honey and sometimes a hint of spices. Many Speyside whiskies are matured in sherry casks, which adds extra depth and a subtle sweetness.
Recommended: Glenglassaugh Sandend
Sandend is a new release within Glenglassaugh's base range. This is a warm gold, untasted whisky that was matured in a combination of Bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks. It was bottled at 50.5% ABV. The inspiration for this whisky comes from the crescent-shaped beach of Sandend Bay, near the distillery. Generous tropical fruit is balanced with a touch of saltiness from the sea in this whisky.
The spicy, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help define the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Floral, as well as woody hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Highlands
The Highlands are Scotland's largest whisky region, which also means the variety of flavours is huge. From light, floral whiskies in the south to robust, peaty whiskies in the west, the Highlands offer something for every whisky fan. Well-known distilleries include Glenmorangie, Dalmore and Oban.
Flavour profile
Although flavours can vary greatly from distillery to distillery, Highland whiskies tend to be full-bodied. You will find notes of heather, honey, citrus and spices, and in some cases a hint of peat smoke. This often makes Highland whiskies powerful and robust, but with a complex depth.
Recommended: Ballechin 10 years
The Speyside and Highland peat usually results in very dry, even slightly bitter single malt. Edradour's distillate, however, proves to go very well with this. The Ballechin 10-year-old with 50 ppm phenol is, in our opinion, one of the rare peated whiskies that rivals the better Islay whiskies. This whisky is very smoky, but still contains the sweet Islay malt flavour alongside the rich style of Edradour.
Islay
Islay, an island on the west coast of Scotland, is perhaps the most iconic whisky region when it comes to powerful, smoky whiskies. Known for its intense peat aromas, Islay is a paradise for those who love whisky with a strong and distinct character. Distilleries such as Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Lagavulin are legendary here.
Flavour profile
Islay whiskies are not for the faint of nerve. Expect powerful flavours of smoke, iodine, seaweed and tar, often combined with salty and medicinal notes. The intensity of these whiskies makes them loved by connoisseurs, although they can sometimes be overwhelming for beginners.
Recommended: Kilchoman Machir Bay
This standard-bearer from Kilchoman, (the name of the beautiful beach near the distillery) snatched the gold medal at the IWSC 2015 (International Wine & Spirits Competition). The smoky, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help define the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Salty, woody, as well as spicy hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Lowlands
The Lowlands are known for their smooth, accessible whiskies. This region, located south of the line between Dundee and Greenock, has fewer distilleries than the other regions, but the whiskies produced here have their own mild character. Well-known distilleries are Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie.
Flavour profile
Lowland whiskies are generally light and delicate, with notes of grass, flowers, citrus and sometimes even caramel. They are often characterised as elegant and refined, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle profile.
Recommended: Finglassie 2017 5 years old (Rest & Be Thankful)
The smoky, as well as spicy flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help define the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Floral, salty, as well as fruity hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Finglassie 2017 5y (Rest & Be Thankful) is bottled by Rest & Be Thankful.
Campbeltown
Once the centre of whisky production in Scotland, Campbeltown is now a small but influential region with only a handful of distilleries, including Springbank, Glen Scotia and Glengyle. Campbeltown whiskies tend to be firm and full-bodied.
Flavour profile
Campbeltown whiskies are robust and complex, with a special combination of salty notes, smoke and sometimes even a hint of oily character. This makes them very recognisable and loved by true enthusiasts.
Recommendations: Springbank, Longrow, Hazelburn, Kilkerran
The choice from Campbeltown is not particularly large, and besides, everything from Springbank Distillery is insanely sought-after at the moment. Most of these releases can therefore only be obtained from us with the use of sufficient loyalty tokens.
The Islands: Skye, Orkney, Arran and Jura
Although "The Islands" is not officially a separate whisky region according to the Scotch Whisky Association, whiskies from islands outside Islay are often considered their own group because of their unique and diverse flavours. The islands include Skye, Orkney, Jura and Arran, among others. Whiskies from these islands often have elements that reflect both maritime character and the strength of peat smoke, with a wonderful variety of flavours depending on the specific island.
The Islands' whiskies offer a fascinating spectrum of flavours, balancing both the briny influences of the sea and the subtle peat smoke and fruity notes. Each island has its own story and character, making tasting whisky from this region an adventurous experience.
Whether you go for the fruity freshness of Arran or the robust complexity of Jura, The Islands' whiskies let you taste the rugged beauty of Scotland.
Flavour profile
Island whiskies often combine the best of both worlds: the briny, maritime influences of the sea and a more subtle use of peat smoke than their Islay neighbours. You often taste hints of herbs, pepper, honey and seaweed, with fruity and floral notes at some distilleries as well. While there are similarities, each island has its own unique whisky profile.
Isle of Arran: Fresh and Fruity
Located on the west coast of Scotland, Arran has quickly established itself among whisky lovers. The island's distillery, Arran Distillery, is known for its fruity, approachable whiskies that are often characterised by fresh, citrusy notes and a subtle sweetness.
Whiskies from Arran tend to be light and fruity, with notes of apple, pear, vanilla and a hint of citrus. They are elegant and often a little softer than some of the heavier island whiskies.
The Arran The Bodega Sherry continues to be our best-selling Arran in our range this year, outperforming even the standard 10y and the Barrel Reserve.
Jura: Subtle Smoke and Maritime Influences
Located next to famous Islay, Jura produces whiskies known for their subtle peat smoke and complex, maritime influences. Jura whiskies can range from light and fruity to complex and powerful, often with an underlying saltiness that reflects the character of the island.
With Jura whiskies, you can often expect to encounter hints of smoke, dark chocolate, coffee and sometimes even a hint of liquorice. The saltiness and gentle smoke provide a nice balance.
This Jura 12y single malt whisky matured for 12 years in ex-Bourbon barrels of American white oak before receiving a finish in ex-oloroso sherry casks. Together with the 10y and the Rum Finish, it is one of the three most popular Jura bottlings in our range.
The diversity of whiskies Scotland has to offer reflects the country's rich traditions and geography. Whether you love the smooth fruitiness of Speyside, the smoky strength of Islay, or the elegant subtlety of the Lowlands, there is always a whisky to suit you. Exploring these regions is a journey in itself, one that makes every sip worthwhile.
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