Each of Scottish regions have a mostly identifiable signature within the whisky that is produced with its region, so we here at whiskys.co.uk would provide a helpful guide the best we can to help you identify the perfect whisky for you or a loved one.
Islay
This Scottish island is home to around 9-10 distilleries which for a island 25 miles by 15 miles is mighty impressive, Such distilleries are Ardbeg, Bowmore , Bunnahabhain and Kilchoman. The profile characteristics of Islay whisky is smoky and oily flavours from pungent peat with notes of maritime salt and seaweed. Depending on distillery can vary on strength depending on the producer Ardbeg and Laphroiag are often very strong and heavy peat, where as Bunnahabhain and Bowmore tend to be a meduim to light level of peat.
Speyside
This region is located in the Strathspey area in Northern Eastern corner of Scotland that the river Spey runs through, Hence the name of speyside as lot of distillerys were located along the banks of Spey and use it as the water source in the production of whisky. Speyside is the home to largest amount of distilleries per region with Dufftown for example have 6 alone. Speyside whiskys have a flavour profile of fruity, nutty and sweet, often featuring apple, pear honey vanilla and spice, and are traditionally not peaty or smoky but exceptions are made sometimes.
Lowlands
The region defined as lowlands is mostly anywhere south of Glasgow in Scotland to the border of England. Somewhat of a growing region of Scotch whisky with several new distilleries becoming established. Bladnoch, Annandale, Auchentoshan and Rosebank are some of the more famously known distillers of region. Lowland whisky profile consists of lighter, grassier flavours with malted cereal and grain, A few lowland distillers like Annandale have been experiment peated versions of thier spirits to great success.
Highlands
A vast region encapsulating a lot of Scotland, the region offers a wide choice of whisky styles, each distillery captures a profile from its surrounding. For the most part highland whiskies are Elegant, subtle and floral selections with almost undetectable peat. Some distilleries, Oban for example settled on the coast captures and reveals some maritime flavour and Dalwhinnie, high above sea level in moorlands evokes the heather covered landscape surrounding it.
Campbeltown
This region of Scotch whisky is located on Kintyre peninsula was once home to around 30 distilleries which earned the moniker of "whisky capital of world", but now only 3 active distilleries remain in production with very little remaining of some of distillireis from the past. The flavour profile of Campbeltown are dried fruits, vanilla, toffee and robust with smoky maritime roots.
Islands
A slight difference compared to Islay as not confined to one Island of the Scottish coast encapsulates all the other isles off the coast of Scotland. From the isle of Arran to the Orkney islands a few distilleries call the islands home. Another famous Isle is Skye the home to Talisker. The flavour profile can provide notes of spicy maritime peat and smokyness along with flavours borrowed from highland to make Highland Park from the isle of Orkney.
Image Created using Canva AI Creator