Single Malt Whisky Regions

The distilleries where Single Malt Whiskies are produced in Scotland are sub-divided by the Scotch Whisky Association into 6 distinct regions. Each region is noted for their own particular flavours and styles, which are greatly influenced by local factors (for example, the water that is available locally for use by the distillery, but there are many more that give each whisky its signature flavour).

We�ll briefly touch upon each region here, though for more details, including which distilleries and whiskies come from each, follow the links below and head on over to the individual profile pages.

Highland

This is the largest of all the 6 regions by area, though not by the number of distilleries located within its borders. This encompasses the entire north of Scotland and includes the various island distilleries (except for Islay) which are sometimes thought of as their own sub-region. Because the Highland Region is so large, and the character of a whisky is so dependent on local variables, it does have the widest variation in flavours of all the whisky producing regions.

Speyside

The Speyside Region sits within the Highland Region (at the top of the �ear� of Scotland if you will), and has the highest number of distilleries of all the whisky producing areas. These are all clustered around the river Spey, which surprise surprise, gives this region its name. Speyside whiskies tend to be lighter/sweeter than those produced in other regions, and as you would expect, with this region having the most distilleries, it is home to some of the most famous and best-selling brands of Single Malts on the market (it includes the likes of The Macallan, Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet).

Islay

Islay is an island off the west coast of Scotland that is famous for its incredibly strong peaty whiskies, so much so, that it is considered a region in its own right, even though there are just 8 distilleries crammed into this small area.

Campbelltown

This region was once full of distilleries, but now just 3 remain, and one of which (Glengyle) has only recently been re-opened, with the first bottles due in 2014, though there are some �work in progress� bottles that have been released.

Lowland

The Lowland Region sits to the south of the Highlands and is much smaller, both in terms of geographical area and the number of distilleries located within the borders. These are known for being quite light and non-peaty.

Grain Whiskies

This is not really a Single Malt production region, since it refers to distilleries that produce whiskies for use in blends. These are mainly located within the Lowland Region, though there is one (Invergordon) that is located all the way up north in the Highland Region.