As if it wasn’t hard enough to keep up with the different whiskeys of the world, the different Scotch Whisky regions each produce slightly different whisky. As industry has progressed, the regions have become less important, but rich tradition has resulted in many whisky makers continuing to label their bottles with the region of origin.
The 6 Major Scotch Whisky Regions
1. The Lowlands
The Scottish lowlands have a farming climate for barley that is superior to many other regions. There was also more industry in the lowlands, and therefore bigger stills were able to be made. Bigger stills means more surface area for the vaporized whiskey to travel over the copper, producing light, floral flavors. Hence, the lowlands is one of the Scotch whisky regions renowned for a lighter taste.
2. The Highlands
The Highlands are a more hostile climate for growing barley, so it was less plentiful. In turn, smaller stills were used. Therefore, the opposite of the lowlands whisky occurred. Rather than being light, the Highlands scotch whisky is typically rich and full of flavor.
3. The Islands
The islands of Scotland are associated with heavy peat flavors. The reason for this is it was more difficult for industry to reach the islands, so the traditional method of using peat to dry the barley was used for longer. These days, many whisky makers stay true to the traditional methods of using peat, but others have moved on. Therefore, island whiskies are difficult to categorize.
4. Speyside
Speyside is home to the majority of Scotland’s distilleries, due to the river Spey. Water is a key part of the whisky making process and the river water was a convenient source. Speyside whiskies are traditionally light and fruity.
5. Islay
Islay, a Scottish island, is home to some of the most powerful tasting whiskies in the world. The Islay distilleries do not shy away from peat flavors. Islay is synonymous with Scotch whisky, and it’s probably the most famous of the Scotch whisky regions.
6. Campeltown
Campbeltown was once a prolific producer of whisky, but these days not much comes from the region at all. Whisky from Campbeltown is said to have a slightly salty flavor, but other than that it is difficult to label the whiskies emerging from this region as they are quite varied.