Scotch Whiskey's 5 Regions

Scotch whisky is one of the most revered and distinguished beverages in the world. With so much cultural cachet and so many different subcategories, scotch can be a little intimidating. But not to fear, in this article, we break down Scotch Whiskey's 5 regions in Scotland and their distinctive whisky styles!

What makes Scotch, Scotch?

Because of its lengthy history and its prolonged international commercial success, Scotch whisky can only be called Scotch whisky when it is made under strict regulations. Put in place by both the European Union and Scotland, these laws protect genuine scotch distillers from counterfeit products sold under the same name. The 2009 Scotch Whisky Regulations require the following standards for a beverage to be called scotch:

• Scotch must be produced from a mixture of water, malted barley, and other whole cereal grains.
• It must be distilled at no more than 98 percent alcohol by volume (189.6 proof).
• Fermentation and distillation must occur at the same location in Scotland.
• Water and caramel coloring are the only allowed additives.
• Scotch must be aged in oak casks in Scotland, at a licensee’s excise warehouse, for at least three years. Oak casks must have a maximum capacity of 700 liters (185 gallons).

Beyond the regulations, Scotch whisky is famous for its unique flavor profile, which manages to have infinite variations within the overarching commonalities. The production styles of scotch vary based on regional traditions as well as geographical resources such as water sources and peat deposits. Wine lovers among us might recognize this as terroir. The whole of Scotland is broken down into five regions (some might say four), each with its own distinctive character, or terroir.

The Highlands

 Mountains in the highlands.

Geographically speaking, the Highlands is the largest region of Scotland. Because of its geographical diversity, it is also the region that produces the widest range of scotch styles. Many of the whiskies coming from the Highlands serve as a great introduction to scotch: easy to love with a sweet, soft finish. Because the Highlands produce such a crowd-friendly style of scotch, they often make the best gifts. (Check out this link for more gift ideas to go with your Glenmorangie!)

The Highlands can be subdivided into the Northern Highlands, the Eastern Highlands, the Central Highlands, and the Western Highlands. It also includes the islands of Mull, Jura, Lewis, Skye, Arran, and the Orkney Islands, each with its own distinctive style, but collectively known as The Islands. The Islands' styles of scotch are treated as a subcategory because they are quite distinct.

Famous producers in this region:

• Glenmorangie
• Talisker
• Dalwhinnie
• Dalmore
• Highland Park (from the Orkney Islands)

Speyside

Named for the Spey River around which it is located, Speyside is known for a complex yet balanced style of malt scotch. It is a natural next step in your scotch explorations, with some producers making a honeyed, elegant style of scotch and others (like Glenlivet and Glenfiddich) producing a lighter, more delicate style. Speyside scotch is one of the most special beverages in the world and deserves a place on your bar in a beautiful handmade decanter.

Spey River near Boat of Garten

Looking at the map of Scotland, you might notice that Speyside is situated right in the middle of the Highlands. In fact, this region is still technically and legally a sub-region of the Highlands. This means that Speyside producers may label their product as Highlands scotch if they choose to do so. Out of all five regions, Speyside is the region with the largest number of operating distilleries.

Famous producers in this region:

• Glenfiddich
• The Speyside
• Glen Moray
• Balvenie

The Lowlands

 The Scottish Lowlands

Having fewer distilleries than the Highlands and Speyside, the Lowlands have a more unified style than the previous two regions. The Lowlands style is triple-distilled, which results in a much lighter, more subtle style of whisky. These whiskies tend to be markedly less “peaty” than that of other regions, although there are a few distilleries that distinguish themselves with their use of peat (see: Alisa Bay, Annandale).

The whiskies from this region are delicate, light on their feet, and fantastic for serving as a pre-dinner tipple. Look for a citrusy character and grassy, herbal notes. And how about a scotch decanter to match their character?

Famous producers in this region:

• Glenkinchie
• Bladnoch
• Cameronbridge

Islay

The island of Islay,  pronounced “EYE-lah,” is situated off the southeastern coast of Scotland, heading toward Ireland. Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of this region is the concentration of peat deposits on the island. Islay has the best quality and is the most abundant in the peat of all five regions.

The Island of Islay, Scotland

With a distilling tradition, Islay scotch boasts a highly unique style. The comparatively sunny, mild climate allows the grain to develop beautiful fruity flavors. Due to the naturally abundant peat deposits on the island, the typical style from Islay is quite heavy on the peat notes, resulting in a strong, medicinal flavor profile. The distilleries are located near the edges of the island, and the sea imparts a briny character to the whisky.

Famous producers in this region:

• Lagavulin
• Ardbeg
• Laphroaig
• Bruichladdich

Campbeltown

 The Kintyre peninsula, Scotland.

Paul McCartney sang about the “mists rolling in from the sea” in his song Mull of Kintyre. Campbeltown encompasses the peninsula of Kintyre, just hanging off the Western Highlands. Once a leading producer of scotch with over thirty distilleries at its peak, Campbeltown’s production quantity has declined over the years. It is now famous for its single malts, enjoying something of a renaissance in quality and popularity. Typical flavors of Campbeltown scotch include robust notes of dried fruit, vanilla toffee, and maritime brine.

Famous producers in this region:

• Springbank
• Glengyle
• Glen Scotia

The chief delight of exploring Scotch whisky is all of the fascinating variations in style, based on producer and region. These sometimes wonderfully subtle, sometimes delightfully obvious distinctions are what make scotch a lifelong passion for many whisky lovers. Out of the Highlands, Islands, Speyside, Lowlands, Islay, and Campbeltown, which is your favorite region?

Comment below and enjoy the Rob Roy Scotch whisky drink recipe!

Rob Roy Recipe

2 oz. Scotch whisky
1 oz. sweet vermouth
1 dash Angostura bitters

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.