Regions

Whisky Regions of Scotland – Highlands

Scotch Whisky Produced from the Highlands

For those who have ever wished to go shopping for whisky you may possibly have visited your whiksy shop or internet whisky market, but’ve already been confused about the various regions in Scotland. By way of instance, why is an Islay whisky separate out of the Highland whisky? This could be the moment in a range of articles investigating the different areas of Scotch whisky manufacturing Sovs opskrift. From the very first article we analyzed that the Lowland region, let us turn our attention North into the Highlands. It’s crucial to comprehend about the different regions to ensure the individual is able to fully appreciate the uniqueness of Scotch whisky.

The Highlands is a Place that runs from Town of Greenock around the West shore and Dundee around the East shore to the northern Scottish shore. It will take place in all from East to West, constituting the Speyside region (that will be actually the subject for another report.)

This really is perhaps one of the very complex elements of Scotch whisky manufacturing. The spot might possibly be split up to 3 subregions – Western Highland, Northern Highland and Southern Highland.

The foundation of Highland whisky production was drastically distinct from the Lowland manufacturing company. Highland distilleries had been often very tiny events with neighborhood regional farmers equaling their very particular whiskies after which occasionally linking co operatives. But what has been done on a tiny scale. Actually Highland production accounted for under 10 percent, of whisky manufacturing. Nevertheless Highland whiskies ended up substantially superior compared to their Lowland sisters. Hence these were more expensive. Now the Highlands produces a few of the best samples of Scotch whisky.

Inch.

That really is actually the place between Nairn and also John ‘O Groats.

Glenmorangie.

The single malts produced are distinctly heavy and ‘greasy’ and mature well in European oak casks.The barley is sourced locally.

Old Pulteney. Located in the town of Pulteneytown near Wick, Old
Pulteney

can claim to be the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. It is located on the coast and the strong North Sea winds add to the distinct flavour of this high quality single malt. It is described as a dry whisky with a hint of sea air. They produce the standard 12 year old single malt and various editions of a 15 year old malt. It is used in Ballantine blends.

2. Southern Highland Whiskies.

Whisky from the southern highlands is usually more gentle in flavour, but still retains the peaty flavour that are characteristic of Scotch whisky. The whiskies generally have a fragrant and flowery, but soft, sweet taste.

Southern Highland Distilleries.

Dalwhinnie. There is some discussion if this is a Highland or Speyside whisky. As there is so many distilleries in Speyside to talk about, I’ve classed Dalwhinnie in the Southern Highland region. In a village of the same name is the Dalwhinnie distillery. This is truly in the heart of the Highlands and it the highest distillery in Scotland. Water is sourced from local spring water and there is an abundance of local peat from the surrounding bogs. Although this is a famous brand (being one of the Six Classic Malts) only about 10% of the produced whisky is sold as single malt. The rest is used in blends, most notably Black & White blends.

Edradour. Being the smallest distillery in Scotland this produces a unique and rare whisky with only 90,000 litres being produced annually. Because of this it can be quite hard to find. If you do, then it is well worth purchasing it. This distillery is the last ‘farm’ distillery. The local mountain water adds to it’s unique depth and flavour. It’s a very smooth whisky, with just a hint of smokiness. There is no automation at this distillery and because of it’s size, it could be the smallest distillery (legal) in the world. The distillery is the only place where you are guaranteed to find a bottle of this malt.

Deanston. Situated on the banks of the River Teith this is a relatively new distillery. The river Teith is the source of the water and is considered one of the purest rivers in Scotland. The river is also the source of the electricity used to for the distillation process. It used to be a weaving shed, but in 1965 started whisky production. Only unpeated malted barley is used and this results in a light, nutty but malty single malt. It is the main ingredient in the Scottish Leader blend, which is known around the world.

3. Western Highland Region.

Moving west in the Highland region we find that whiskies produced here are more robust in character than other Highland whiskies. They are more peaty and have well-rounded flavours, with a smooth taste. However there are only a few distilleries left there.

Western Highland Distilleries.

Oban. Probably the most well known of from the Western Highland region. The distillery, which is in the town of Oban pre-dates the town. It has the classic ‘West-Highland’ flavour which is between the smoky peaty whiskies of the islands and the lighter sweeter malts of the Highlands. It is one of the Six Classic Single Malts. So it is well known worldwide.

Ben Nevis. Situated at the foot of Britain’s tallest mountain is the Ben Nevis distillery. The water is sources from the Allt a’Mhuilinn that arise from 2 pools at the hills. It was used to be described as a big manufacturer, nonetheless it’s less famous today. Yet it produces an exceptional single malt. It utilizes a Coffer still inside it’s production an S O is among those very few distilleries to create both malt and grain whiskies. It’s the significant whisky from the Long John mixture.

In Conclusion

The Highland area generates some amazing types of Scotch whiskies. There are lots of tastes and scents to relish from the sour whiskies of this northeast into the light peaty ones at the west. Thus search for a fantastic whisky shop or internet whisky market and you’re able to inspect the different ones out of the Highland region.

Scotland is also the place to be to learn more on the topic of single malt whiskies. Scott Gibson, professional writer on single-malt whiksies, has lived in Scotland for the majority of his life, and it has travelled widely to write concerning malt whisky production in Scotland.