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:

The Speyside region is a specific area located within the wider Highland region and situated between the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness.

This territory touches a variety of rivers including the Spey, Findhorn, Deveron, Livet and Lossie - these rivers are famous for the excellent salmon fishing they offer, but also for the water they supply to many of the malt distilleries in the area.

The magnificent Speyside malts tend towards elegance of character, often with a notable sweetness and maltiness. Since there are so many distilleries in this area, unsurprisingly there are a variety of styles available. For example, the heart of Speyside, surrounding the River Spey itself, produces some of the heavier malt whiskies, such as Macallan Fine Oak.

As well as an inherent richness in the spirit, the heavy style of these whiskies is enhanced by the use of ex-Sherry casks for maturation. Some of the other distilleries in the area, however, are lighter, more floral and more grassy in style, e.g. Glen Moray, Glenfiddich & Glenlivet.

The magnificent Speyside malts tend towards elegance of character, often with a notable swwetness and maltiness.

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.