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Scotland
has six Scotch Whisky Regions
- Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside,
Campbeltown, Islands and Islay.
THE
LOWLANDS
The
Lowlands produce Whisky that
is untempered by Highland
peatiness or coastal brine
and seaweed. They are light
bodied and have a sweet delicate
flavour.
THE
HIGHLANDS
The
Highlands produce Whisky that
is generally aromatic, smooth
and medium bodied. Palates
range from lushly complex
to floral delicacy.
SPEYSIDE
Speyside
is actually part of the Highland,
but since there is such a
large concentration of distilleries
in the area, it has been given
its own region. The area is
named after the river Spey.
Most of the distilleries take
their water from the Fiddich,
the Livet or the Avon River.
Speyside Malts are known for
their flowery, heather-honey
notes.
The
area of Speyside and Grampian
Highlands are home to more
than half of Scotland's distilleries.
Eight of these distilleries
are located on The Malt Whisky
Trail. The trail is approximately
70 miles long (110 km). If
you go, plan on spending approximately
one hour in each distillery.
The
area is also filled with many
other attractions such as
Baxters of Speyside, Walkers
Shortbread and Johnstons of
Elgin Cashmere to name a few.
CAMPBELTOWN
At
one time Campbeltown had about
30 distilleries. Today, it
has only two, Springbank and
Glen Scotia. Springbank, produces
two different single malts.
This apparent contradiction
is achieved by the use of
a lightly peated malt in one
and a smokier kilning in the
other.The Campbeltown single
malts are very distinctive
with a briny character.
ISLANDS
The
island includes all the islands
(Arran, Orkney, Jura, Skye
and Mull) except Islay. Island
malts tend to be full in body
and stronger in peat than
the Lowland and Highland malts.
ISLAY
The
island of Islay has 8 distilleries.
The island is only 25 miles
long and 20 miles wide. The
Whisky is noted for its smoky,
peaty, seaweed, and iodine-like
character. For those who like
the peaty malts, this place
is heaven. In my experience,
people describe Islay Whisky
in two ways – they either
love them or hate them. I
personally believe that Islay
Whisky tastes better when
you are on Islay!
So
grab your designated driver
and enjoy the sights, sounds
and tastes of Scotland. Slainte!
Ferne
hosts Whisky Tastings in Canada
and Scotland. For more information
visit www.redhotspirits.com
or e-mail ferne@redhotspirits.com
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