Whisky Classification by Region

Lets get started

The features of a whisky are determined by the area in which it is produced. We believe there is a whisky for everyone’s palate, having tasted whisky from every region of Scotland and managed to persuade even the most adamant whisky sceptics. If you could put us to the test, that would be great.

Campbeltown

Campbeltown is the only town in Scotland with its own whisky region, and its distilleries continue to create outstanding drams. The only three distilleries surviving in this town that once had over 30 distilleries are Glen Scotia, Springbank, and Glengyle. Glengyle’s most recent whiskies feature a salty, citrus flavour. Springbank is more peated and heavier, whereas Glen Scotia is lighter and grassier. Glen Scotia’s lighter-bodied whiskies are distinguished by salty and caramel aromas, which set it apart from

Islay and Speyside.

Campbeltown characteristics include: Smokey, Brine, Grassy, Dried Fruit and Sweet

Highlands

Highland whisky is the world’s largest whisky region, with flavours ranging from flowery to light peat to delicious sherry. The island is divided into four sub-regions, each with its own distinct whisky flavour. Single malts from the Northern Highlands are recognised for their sweet, full-bodied flavour. Eastern and Southern Highland whiskies have a softer mouthfeel than Northern Highland whiskies. On the other hand, the Western Highlands have a mild coastal flavour. When it comes to Highlands whiskies, keep in mind that each drop should be delicate and sophisticated.

Highland characteristics include: Fruit Cake, Malt, Grassy, Dried Fruit and Mildly Smokey

Islay

Islay Scotch whiskies are believed to have the strongest flavour character. Islay is a Scottish island off the coast of Scotland known as “Whisky Island.” Over thousands of years, the island disintegrated into a carbon-like fuel source that was once used to create dry malt. Most Islay whiskies are very smokey due to the use of malted barley and peat in their production.

These whiskies have an unpleasant medicinal and salty flavour. Some whiskies have strong iodine, chocolate, and salinity, while others have a strong pepper and moss flavour. If you like peat, try them all before deciding.

Islay characteristics include: Seaweed, Brine, Peat, Smokey and Oily

Speyside

Speyside accounts for more than 60% of all Scottish single malt whisky production. This is Scotland’s driest and hottest area, making it ideal for farming. The Spey River is also a great place to find whisky. Although some Speyside whiskies are mildly smoked, the vast majority are full-bodied and sweeter. Since peat is so precious, a smokey dram is uncommon. The region is still famous for its well-balanced single malts, making it an excellent location for whisky beginners, experts, and everyone in between.

Speyside characteristics include: Honey, Floral, Apple, Vanilla, Oak, Full-bodied and Dried Fruit

Lowland

The Lowlands produce the majority of grain and blended whiskies. This region is known for its mellow, grassy, and occasionally peaty whisky. Lowland was once a prominent whisky-producing region, but production collapsed. It was then decided to make a smoother, non-peated, and lighter-bodied whisky.

Lowlands whisky lacks the saltiness of other whisky areas due to its highland, non-coastal location. Lowlands single malt Scotch whisky is the finest choice if you want a smooth, moderately neutral Scotch whisky. Just beneath the surface, there are hints of cream, hay, cinnamon, and ginger. The “Lowland Ladies” are a kind of whisky known for being light and airy.

Lowland characteristics: Grass, Honeysuckle, Citrusy, Toast and Sweet

Islands

Skye, Arran, Mull, Jura, Lewis, and Orkney are all part of the whisky area. Every island has its own flavour character, ranging from mild, fruity, and lemony to extremely peaty. The islands are not often recognised as a whisky region, and they are sometimes misinterpreted as being part of the Highlands rather than their own. The islands’ primary distilleries are normally varied but, they do have some consistency, such as the incorporation of saline and coastal marine flavours, which makes them distantly similar to Islay single malts. Aromas such as herbal, sweet, citrus, and nutty are among the features.

Islands characteristics include: Brine, Oily, Spicy and Sweet

NEED TO STORE YOUR WHISKY?

Find out more information.

Store your whisky