Scotland can be split into whisky producing regions, each with its own
characteristics. We can offer whiskies from each of the distilling regions
throughout Scotland.
The Lowlands is a region to the south of the Highland Boundary Fault Line, roughly a line drawn between Dundee and Glasgow. Traditionally, the triple distillation method which produces a lighter style of whisky was used in this area. Auchentoshan and Rosebank are examples of triple distilled whiskies; generally fragrant, floral whiskies with some fruity notes. An operational Lowland malt distillery is now a rare thing. Many have been closed down over the years. Rosebank and Bladnoch in 1993, Linlithgow in 1983, Inverleven in 1992, Kinclaith in 1975 and Ladyburn was only in production for roughly ten years.
The Highland region malts, in general are much more full bodied than their Lowland counterparts. It is a region famed for its dramatic scenery and of course its whisky. The Highlands embraces many areas north of the fault line and produces various styles of whisky: from spicy, aromatic whiskies such as Old Pulteney and Balblair in the North, to the fuller, slightly peaty and nutty whiskies of the South (Aberfeldy) and West (Glenlochy). The East coast distilleries, Glenesk and North Port included, produce a lighter, fragrant whisky.
Within the Highlands there is a district classified as Speyside: these whiskies
are known as the Premier Cru of Single Malt Scotch. Roughly half of the malt
Distilleries in Scotland are situated in the Spey Valley. Stretching from
Tomatin through Ballindalloch, Aberlour, Craigellachie, Dufftown, Rothes and
Elgin - towns and villages synonymous with the malt whisky, it is home to
distilleries such as Mortlach, Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas, and many
others. These distilleries use the soft water to produce elegant, fruity malts
which can have a drying smokiness.
The
island of Islay produces some of the most pungent and powerful of all the
whiskies. Terms such as peaty, medicinal, briny and seaweedy are often used to
describe their aromas and flavours. These characteristics are due mainly to the
peating process and the water used.
There are malts from other islands around Scotland. Orkney has two distilleries - Scapa and Highland Park. Talisker can be found on Skye, Tobermory or Ledaig on Mull and Jura distillery on the Isle of Jura. Finally the newest distillery in Scotland went into production in 1995 on the Isla of Arran - Lochranza.
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