Scotch Whisky Regions
A Simple Way To Navigate Malt Whiskies.
Exploring the world of single malt Scotch can feel overwhelming. With so many distilleries producing an incredible variety of flavours, it’s hard to know where to begin. One of the easiest ways to start is by looking to Scotland’s traditional whisky regions.
The Whisky Regions of Scotland
Traditionally, Scotch whiskies were grouped into five main regions: Highland, Speyside, Lowland, Campbeltown, and Islay. Many also consider the Islands an unofficial sixth region. For a long time, whiskies from the same area tended to share a recognisable style. Speyside malts were often sweet and fruity, while Islay whiskies were known for their bold smokiness.
A Changing Landscape
In recent decades, whisky production has evolved dramatically. Distillers have embraced new methods, experimented with maturation, and pushed past regional traditions. The result is a far wider spectrum of flavours than ever before—making regional boundaries less clear-cut.
Why Regions Still Matter
Even though styles have diversified, regional character hasn’t disappeared. Many older distilleries still carry traces of their classic flavour profiles, especially in their core ranges. That makes the regions a helpful starting point for anyone new to Scotch.
When tasting, pay attention to the region listed on the bottle. Try exploring a few whiskies from the same region to get a sense of its character. Then, branch out to another region for contrast. Over time, you’ll start to recognise the flavours you enjoy most—and know where to look for them as you continue your whisky journey.
Lowland Region
Clydeside Stobcross / 46% vol.
The Lowland region lies south of an imaginary line that runs from Greenock on the west coast to Dundee in the east. The Clydeside produces a classic Lowland-style single malt whisky which is light and fresh. Stobcross is their core malt with floral notes, tropical fruits, sweet vanilla and a smooth finish.
Highland Region
Stronachie 10 Year Old / 43% vol.
The Highland region is the largest geographically, it includes nearly all of mainland Scotland from above the Lowland region up to the North coast. Stronachie is a traditional Highland-style single malt which is rich, sweet and spicy with flavours of honey and malty biscuits, then lingering pepper and cereal notes.
Speyside Region
Cask Speyside 12 Year Old / 46% vol.
Over half of all Scotland’s distilleries are located in Speyside, a small area of the mainland in the Northeast, centred around the River Spey. Malts from Speyside are generally the sweetest of all Scotch whiskies and Cask Speyside showcases that sweetness along with flavours of spiced berry, citrus and orchard fruit.
Islay Region
Cask Islay Classic / 46% vol.
Islay is a small island located off the West Coast and part of the Inner Hebrides. The land is covered in peat bogs, the fuel traditionally used for malting barley, and a major influence on the smoky and medicinal flavour of malts from this region. Cask Islay is a classic Islay malt with flavours of sweet smoke, lemon and salted nuts.
Island Region
Cask Orkney 15 Year Old / 46% vol.
This unofficial category is for malts from the Islands which tend to have a coastal flavour due to their location, often with a touch of peatiness that is generally softer and sweeter than their cousins from Islay. Cask Orkney is a perfect example of this with flavours of subtle smoke balanced with stone fruit and sweet spice.
Classic Drams Tasting Set
5x 30ml Samples in a Gift Box
Do you want to try them all and expand your knowledge of single malt regions? Pick up one of our tasting sets which has samples of all 5 whiskies featured in this blog. Allowing you to enjoy your own whisky tasting session at home.