Malt Regions

There are currently 88 malt whisky distilleries operating in Scotland. Production of malt whisky is governed by the Scotch Whisky Association therefore each distillery produces its whisky in essentially the same way, using the same basic raw materials: water, malted barley and yeast.

The great fascination of Scotch malt whisky is that they all have a specific character and individual taste. This is due to different geographical locations and minor differences in production techniques from distillery to distillery.

Find out more about three of the areas of Scotland in which Scotch malt whisky is distilled:

Islay ('EYE-LUH') produces truly wonderful malt whiskies, which are distinctly different from any other malt in the world.

They are noted for their smokey, peaty bouquet and seaweedy or iodine-like aroma. The 3 distilleries in the south of the island produce particularly pronounced, peaty (often referred to as "phenolic") flavoured whiskies.

These 3, namely Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig make the most richly-flavoured and also arguably the most revered whiskies in the world.

When the malted barley for these distilleries is dried, very large quantities of peat is burned, and the smoke, or 'reek' from this peat is responsible for giving the hugely complex and smoky flavours to these malts.

...Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig make the most richly-flavoured and also arguably the most revered whiskyes in the world.

Classic Cocktails

Learn how to make your very own cocktails at home with our easy to follow cocktail recipes.

Meet The Distiller

Whyte & Mackay distiller Richard Paterson gives an insight into his world and offers advice on the best way to taste whisky.