A guide to the 5 whisky regions of Scotland
The magic of whisky comes, in part, from the fact that the spirit is endemically tied to the land from which it is produced.
From the rivers that flow down Scotland's munros and bens which feed the Lochs that provide pure water, to the fertile land that grows the malted barley. These ingredients combine to create the mash that, through the liquid alchemy of distillation, will go onto to become something much more than its simple parts.
Scotland itself separates into five main whisky producing regions, each offering their own unique influences on the whisky they produce. These regions, defined by geographical boundaries laid down by law, can be thought of as similar to the Terroir regions of France, where a particular wine, say, Burgundy, could only ever be produced from the land of the Burgundy region - because its soil and micro-climate are so unique, that they have an unmistakable 'stamp' on its product.
Using The Scotch Whisky Regulations (SWR) definitions, which define the five major traditional localities and regional indications, here is a brief guide to each of Scotland's five main whisky regions.
The Lowlands
CC: alx_
A Guide to the Five Scotch Whisky Regions, Plus the Islands
The Highlands cover the most geographical ground of all the Scotch whisky regions, and as such, the whisky produced in this region varies quite widely, from full-bodied and sweet Northern Highland whiskies to peaty Eastern Highland ones that might evoke Islay malts. Historically, Highland whiskies were made in smaller stills than their Lowland counterparts because barley was scarcer in this part of the country, producing richer and heavier expressions.
Location: Scotland’s largest scotch region spans from the northwest of Glasgow to the Northern islands, encompassing picturesque glens, lochs, mountains, and coast.
Characteristics: Northern Highland whiskies, such as The Glenmorangie, are often full-bodied, rich, and sweet. Southern Highland whiskies, such as Aberfeldy, are often lighter, drier, and fruitier; some say they have more in common with their Lowland counterparts. Western Highland whiskies, meanwhile, such as Oban, might call to mind the peated whiskies of Islay. Eastern Highland whiskies display quite the range: They can be dry or sweet, and fruity or herbal.
Distilleries: Aberfeldy,Arbikie,
Skottland är, utan tvekan, whiskyns hemland. Totalt finns 20 miljoner fat med whisky på lagring i Skottlands whiskyregioner! Med tanke på de dryga fem miljoner invånare landet har innebär det alltså cirka fyra fat per person!
Skottlands whiskyregioner är officiellt fem till antalet:
- Lowlands
- Highlands
- Campbeltown
- Speyside
- Ön Islay
- Övriga whiskyproducerande öar (Islands) räknas ibland som en sjätte, icke-officiell region (som annars tillhör Highlands).
Lowlands
Ursprungligen delades whisky från Skottland upp i två delar, Lowlands och Highlands, beroende på olika skatteregler. Gränsen mellan Lowland och Highland (ur ett whiskyperspektiv) går mellan en linje mellan Greenock och Dundee. Lowlands är en tämligen platt region och producerar whisky med en mjukare smakton &#; den kan vara &#;eldig&#; men inte rökig.
Några destillerier från Lowlands (urval)
- Auchentoshan
- Bladnoch
- Glenkinchie
- Kingsbarns
- Ailsa Bay
Highlands
Whiskyindustrins definition av gräns mellan Highlands och Lowlands skiljer sig alltså från den gängse geografiska definitionen, där gränsen går mellan Stonehaven och Dumbarton. Highlands är Skottlands största whiskyregion o
Scotch whisky
Whisky is Scotland's national drink and our biggest export, enjoyed across the globe as well as right here in Scotland. Skilled distillers transform barley and water into a precious spirit, which is tucked away to mature.
Scotland's whisky regions & distilleries
Discover Scotland's five whisky regions and distilleries where you can sample their distinctive malts.
Whisky maps
There are over active distilleries in Scotland spread across five whisky regions. Many offer fascinating tours &#x; take the chance to sample the unique flavours and character of different whiskies.
Check out our map of each whisky region to plan your trip.
Whisky trails, tours and events
Uncover the many ways you can enjoy Scotland's whisky with these unique experiences.
Whisky tours
Book a tour of a whisky distillery, or travel around Scotland visiting several whisky experiences.
What's new in the world of whisky?
For a traditional Scottish drink going back centuries, there's always something new to discover.
Rosebank Distillery
Known as the 'King of the Lowlands&a
.