What is the difference between highland lowland and speyside

Highland whiskies, as discussed earlier, are much different from one another although some common similarities between them are that they are full-bodied, richly flavoured, sweet and peaty single malts. Whereas the Lowland whiskies are unpeated, dry and much lighter as compared to their Highland counterparts. Many Highland whisky brands continue to be much popular, and highly sought after in the whisky world, although the Lowland whisky makers have not had much luck in modern times.

A thriving territory for distilleries once, the Lowland region has fallen into obscurity with changing times with only a few distilleries such as the Glenkinchie, the Bladnoch and Auchentoshan still functional.

In terms of quality, Highland whisky is much more sought after as compared to Lowland whisky, which is more often used in blended Scotch whisky. Glenkinchie is one of the biggest contributors for Johnnie Walker blends. Thus on the basis of sheer quality, and individual reputation, Highland single malts trump Lowland single malts by a country mile.

Even though whisky is an all-season drink, the brown spirit can be a little aggressive for hot weather. So, summers may demand a little change in your drinking style, associating better with cooler alcoholic beverages like beer. Look no further— here are four games that will definitely sort you out. Every whisky neophyte undergoes a period of puzzlement and confusion at hearing words they know very little about.

It is true, your love for whisky is only as deep as your knowledge about it. As any other subject you may pursue as a vocation, whisky too has long list of words that only fellow whisky lovers understand. From lighter whiskies all the way through salty coastal malts, the Highlands offers a Scotch for all palates. Campbeltown whiskies are varied and full of flavour. Hints of salt, smoke, fruit, vanilla and toffee mingle in whiskies of robust and rich character. Famous for fiery, heavily peated whiskies.

Find out more about how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Scotch Whisky Regions. The Southernmost territory in Scotland, the Lowlands are bordered by the Highlands on the North, and on the South by England with the East and the West covered in coastline.

Employed in blended Scotch, grain whisky is preferred for its ability to lend a smoothness, without overpowering the flavourful single malts used in the blend. The Bladnoch River, chief source of water for the Bladnoch Distillery which is named after the river.

Auchentoshan, Bladnoch, and Glenkinchie are some of the distilleries that are still distilling single malts and are prosperous, with newer distilleries such as Ailsa Bay, the largest malt distillery in the region choosing to supply their whisky for blends instead. Distinctions between the Speyside and Lowlands regions are polar, and so is their current stature in the world of whisky-making.

While the Speyside is basking in the glory of its success, the Lowland distilleries are awaiting a return to prominence on the backs of some newer distilleries that are under construction.

A major contributor of single malts for Chivas Regal blends, the Strathisla Distillery is a historic Speyside institution. The Speyside is also geographically more fortunate than the Lowlands which has contributed massively towards the success of the 50 odd distilleries in the region. Not more than 7 distilleries currently remain functional in the Lowlands, reflecting the bleak condition of whisky making in the region.

A fragment of nostalgia from the times when the Lowlands were buzzing with activity in the world of whisky making. Current fortunes and misfortunes notwithstanding, the Speyside has traditionally always been a far superior whisky producing region, with their mass appealing single malts having contributed immensely to its rise. The sweet, fruity and creamy single malts from the Speyside are much different from the light, grassy and gentle whiskies of the Lowlands in every manner.

Both critically and commercially far more accomplished, Speyside single malts are the clear victors here.