Style: September 10, 2021

60 Style | Drink
The four pillars
When it comes to Scotland’s whisky regions, Hayden Preece
says there are only four worth knowing about.
Speyside
From the west of the Spey River (near Kingussie)
to Buckie and back north up to near Forres.
Number of single malt distilleries:
50 (approximately)
The Speyside (Strathspey) region is where the
majority of Scotch whisky comes from, be it for
blends or sold as single malt. It’s a region that offers
diversity in style, covering the spectrum from light
to robust, sweet to peated, but each one is a
flavour bomb.
Staple brands: While the most recognisable would
be Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, if you want a meaty
Speyside that packs a punch go for Aberlour.
The Glenfarclas family casks are phenomenal.
Speyside
Islay
Campbeltown
Highland
Campbeltown
At the southern end of the Mull of Kintyre.
Number of single malt distilleries: 3
Once the ‘whisky capital of the world’, the closure
of a vast number of distilleries sees only Glengyle
(Kilkerran), Springbank and Glen Scotia in production
today. Broad yet distinctive in style, the Scots describe
the Campbeltown character as being ‘foosty’ – as in
musty or earthy.
Staple brands: The most recognisable is Springbank,
with its Longrow Red being phenomenal. Glen Scotia
Victoriana is excellent and great value for money.
Islay
In the southern Inner Hebrides.
Number of single malt distilleries: 9
One of the main islands of the Inner Hebrides, Islay
(pronounced eye-la) is known for its heavily peated,
smoky whiskies, as well as being the home to some
of Scotland’s most famous whiskies – Laphroaig,
Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila.
Staple brands: The more discerning palate might
want to try a Lagavulin – the distiller’s edition was
spectacular.
Highland
From the Orkney Islands, down to just above Edinburgh
and Glasgow, and including six whisky-producing islands –
the Orkney Islands, Lewis, Mull, Skye, Jura and Arran.
Number of single malt distilleries: 39
Highland is the biggest whisky-producing region in
Scotland, in terms of area. It’s known for a broad
range of flavour profiles, which vary between distillery,
meaning you can have anything from heavy fruit to light
vanilla flavours, and even a hint of salt in coastal blends.
Staple brands: If I could only drink two Highlands,
forever, it would be GlenDronach – my favourite,
which falls right on the Speyside boundary – and
Dalwhinnie.