The birthplace of whisky, there’s no better way to experience Scotland than with a distillery tour. Throughout the country there are five main whisky-making regions, each of which produces whiskies with their own unique flavour.
The Lowland region is located in the south of Scotland, sandwiched between the rivers Clyde and Tay. The whiskies created here have a particularly mellow and gentle taste. The area used to be home to a number of distilleries but today only three remain: Bladnoch, Glenkinchie and Auchentoshan.
Famous for its whisky producing in the 1800s Campbeltown contains two distilleries. Glen Scotia, which only functions on a part time basis, was established in 1835. Springback, on the other hand, is still fully operational and famous for Longrow. Still using traditional methods the whisky produced here has a strong taste of peat.
Islay is also known for its peat tasting whiskies. This world-renowned region used to contain as many as 23 distilleries but this number has now dwindled to seven. Some of the most famous names from here include Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Caol Ila. However, nearly all Scotch whiskies contain a little Islay malt.
The Highlands is particularly popular for tourists, being Scotland’s biggest whisky producing region. You’ll find a large number of fine distilleries here including Dalmore, Clynelish and Glenmorangie. The whisky flavours throughout the region are diverse, from peaty in the west to fruity in the east.
Speyside is, in fact, part of the northern Highlands region however the flavours are slightly different and the whisky produced here is considered some of the world’s finest. Famous names include Glenfiddich, Glen Grant and Glenfarclas.