Scotch whisky is the world's most popular spirit, revered globally for its effortless ability to combine subtle sophistication and bold flavor whilst balancing an inimitable level of complexity.
Five regions in Scotland produce scotch whisky and are renowned for their distinctive styles and unmistakable flavors. Each unique part of Scotland is home to unique, distinguishable scotch whiskey, made discernible by the characteristics that make up its profile and palate.
Speyside is the largest whisky-producing region in the country, whose signature style pertains to a complex, robust and well-rounded flavor profile. Notable distilleries include The Macallan, Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Aberlour, all of which have cultivated reputations for the character, charisma and charm of their respective single malt scotch whiskies.
Then we come to the unmistakable peat and smoke of the iconic Islay, home to acclaimed distilleries such as Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Bruichladdich, famed for their earthy seaside profile. From there to the celebrated Highlands, whose widely coveted and highly collectible scotch whiskies are renowned for their iconic floral aroma, most notably made famous by the Dalmore and Glendronach.
Campbeltown and Lowlands round off these famous five regions of Scotland. Though these two may be slightly smaller in stature, one should remember that scotch whisky does not discriminate when it comes to taste, catering to all preferences, palates and profiles. In other words, all scotch is made equal.
Composed of malted barley (and can include other grains), there are two varieties of scotch whisky.
The largest is single malt whisky, a term that defines malt whiskies made at a single, specific distillery.
The other is blended scotch whisky which combines malt whiskies from numerous distilleries and encompasses a range of complex and considered flavors.