According to the Scotch Whisky Association, there are five Scotch Whisky regions – Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. Each offers a different perspective on Scotch Whisky.
Scotch Whisky Regions
The differing terroir, including the soil, climate, and sunlight help give Scotch Whisky from select regions their distinctive character. Below is a brief description for each region including tasting notes and few notable brands.
By no means are these brands the definitive list, we encourage you to experience the taste of the Scotch Whisky regions firsthand and discover your new favorites.
Types of Scotch Whisky
Speyside
The most densely populated Whisky region in the world, famous for fertile glens and, of course, the River Spey. Speyside whiskies are known for being frugal with peat and full of fruit. Apple, pear, honey, vanilla and spice all have a part a role in expressions from this region, which are commonly matured in Sherry casks.
Not only is Chivas Regal one of the world’s oldest Scotch whisky brands, but their source single malt whiskies are also distilled at the Strathisla Distillery, the oldest continuously functioning distillery in Scotland, built in 1786.
Lowlands
Soft and smooth malts are characteristic of this region, offering a gentle, elegant palate reminiscent of grass, honeysuckle, cream, ginger, toffee, toast and cinnamon. The whiskies are often lighter in character and perfect for pre-dinner drinks.
Highlands
This region, which also takes in the islands, has a huge diversity of flavors and characters. From lighter whiskies all the way through salty coastal malts, the Highlands offers a Scotch for all palates.
Campbelton
Campbeltown whiskies are varied and full of flavour. Hints of salt, smoke, fruit, vanilla and toffee mingle in whiskies of robust and rich character.
Islay
Islay (pronounced ‘eye-luh’) is a magical island where the majority of its population are involved in whisky production. Famous for fiery, heavily peated whiskies.
What Are the Types of Scotch?
The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 outlines five types of Scotch Whisky:
Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at one single distillery by using malted barley. The spirit is distilled in pot stills from a mash of malted barley. Single Malt is considered a high end Scotch, and only about ten percent of scotch whisky is single malt.
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is is a blend of different batches of single malt Scotch whisky from different distilleries.
Single Grain Scotch Whisky is made with water and malted barley, as well as whole grains of other malted or unmalted cereals. It is distilled at one single distillery.
Blended Grain Scotch Whisky is a blend of single grain Scotch whiskies, distilled at more than one distillery.
Blended Scotch Whisky is a mixture of malt Scotch whisky and grain Scotch whisky, distilled at any number of distilleries.
