We have all heard of the different regions or areas of Scotland where whisky comes from, but why are particular distilleries designated as Highland or Lowland whiskies and does this have an influence on the style of whisky. Our blg will hopefully answers these questions and clarify the differences between the regions.

There are five whisky regions in Scotland as recognised by “The Scotch Whisky Association” and The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009, (SWR) (The Scotch Whisky Association, 2009) which came into force on 23 November 2009. They replaced the Scotch Whisky Act 1988 and the Scotch Whisky Order 1990. Regulation 10, Section 5 covers the boundaries of the five protected localities and regions.

The regions from which scotch whisky can originate, are the Highlands, Lowlands, Campbeltown, Islay and Speyside. The Islands are often considered to be a region in their own right however, they naturally fall in as part of the Highland region: note, the Islands are not recognised in the 2009 Regulations.

Traditionally the region where a whisky was produced had an influence on the style of whisky, however there are exceptions to this. A few distilleries are now experimenting with different type of casks and whisky styles, that would not typically be representative of that region e.g. a Speyside distillery making a Peated Whisky.

While the regions typically depicted the style of whisky produced in that area, they were also driven by regulations and taxation. An example of this is The Highland/Lowland divide which was actually borne out of the whisky industry and defined by the Wash Act of 1784. Different custom duties and provisions applied north and south of the ‘Highland Line’. The Act aimed to stimulate legal distilling in the highlands and to reduce illicit distilling. Accordingly, lower rates of duty were applied to small scale distilleries north of the line.

The characteristics and the boundaries of the protected regions and localities are as follows:

Lowland Region

Lowland whiskies are typically soft and smooth malts, offering a gentle, elegant palate reminiscent of grass, honeysuckle, cream, ginger, toffee, toast and cinnamon. The whiskies are often lighter in character and perfect for pre-dinner drinks.

The Lowland region boundary, comprising that part of Scotland that is south of the line dividing¹ the Highland region from the Lowland region. (The Scotch Whisky Association, 2009)

Highland (Including Islands) Region

This region, which also takes in the islands, has a huge diversity of flavours and characters. From lighter whiskies all the way through salty coastal malts, the Highlands offers a Scotch whisky for all palates.

The Highland region boundary, comprising that part of Scotland that is north of the line dividing¹ the Highland region from the Lowland region. (The Scotch Whisky Association, 2009)

Campbeltown Region

Campbeltown whiskies are varied and full of flavour. Hints of salt, smoke, fruit, vanilla and toffee mingle in whiskies of robust and rich character.

The Campbeltown region is defined by the (SWR) 2009 as”, comprising the South Kintyre ward of the Argyll and Bute Council as that ward is constituted in the Argyll and Bute (Electoral Arrangements) Order 2006(a) (The Scotch Whisky Association, 2009)

Islay Region

Islay (pronounced ‘eye-luh’) is a magical island where the majority of its population are involved in whisky production. Famous for fiery, heavily peated whiskies such as Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin. The Island holds a fantastic whisky Festival in May each year.

The Islay region is defined by the (SWR) 2009 as, “comprising the Isle of Islay in Argyll”.(The Scotch Whisky Association, 2009)

Speyside

The most densely populated Whisky region in the world, famous for fertile glens and, of course, the River Spey. Speyside whiskies are known for being frugal with peat and full of fruit. Apple, pear, honey, vanilla and spice all have a part a role in expressions from this region, which are commonly matured in Sherry casks.

The Speyside region is defined by the (SWR) 2009 as comprising:

1.(i) the wards of Buckie, Elgin City North, Elgin City South, Fochabers Lhanbryde, Forres, Heldon and Laich, Keith and Cullen and Speyside Glenlivet of the Moray Council as those wards are constituted in the Moray (Electoral Arrangements) Order 2006(b); and

2.(ii) the Badenoch and Strathspey ward of the Highland Council as that ward is constituted in the Highland (Electoral Arrangements) Order 2006(c). (The Scotch Whisky Association, 2009)

Bibliography

The Scotch Whisky Association. (2009). The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009.

(1) In this regulation “the line dividing the Highland region from the Lowland region” means the line beginning at the North Channel and running along the southern foreshore of the Firth of Clyde to Greenock, and from there to Cardross Station, then eastwards in a straight line to the summit of Earl’s Seat in the Campsie Fells, and then eastwards in a straight line to the Wallace Monument, and from there eastwards along the line of the B998 and A91 roads until the A91 meets the M90 road at Milnathort, and then along the M90 northwards until the Bridge of Earn, and then along the River Earn until its confluence with the River Tay, and then along the southern foreshore of that river and the Firth of Tay until it comes to the North Sea.