Whisky Regions of Scotland – Highlands


Scotch Whisky Produced within the Highlands

When you have ever wished to buy whisky you may need gone to a whiksy store or on-line whisky alternate, however have been confused in regards to the completely different areas in Scotland. For instance, what makes an Islay whisky completely different from a Highland whisky? That is the second in numerous articles exploring the completely different areas of Scotch whisky manufacturing. Within the first article we examined the Lowland area, let’s flip our consideration North to the Highlands. It’s important to know in regards to the completely different areas in order that an individual can absolutely admire the individuality of Scotch whisky.

The Highlands is an space that runs from the city of Greenock on the West coast and Dundee on the East coast to the northern Scottish coast. It takes in all the pieces from East to West, excluding the Speyside area (which is the topic for one more article.)

This is likely one of the most advanced areas of Scotch whisky manufacturing. The area could possibly be break up into 3 sub-regions – Western Highland, Northern Highland and Southern Highland.

Historical past of Highland Whisky Manufacturing

The historical past of Highland whisky manufacturing was radically completely different from the Lowland manufacturing. Highland distilleries have been often very small affairs with native native farmers distilling their very own whiskies after which generally becoming a member of cooperatives. However all the pieces was achieved on a small scale. Actually Highland manufacturing accounted for lower than 10%, of whisky manufacturing. Nevertheless Highland whiskies have been a lot better than their Lowland sisters. Due to this fact they have been dearer. At this time the Highlands produces a number of the best examples of Scotch whisky.

1. Northern Highland Whiskies

That is the realm between Nairn and John ‘O Groats. Many of the distilleries on this area are discovered on the coast and so there’s a distinct salinity to them. Northern Highland whiskies are typically stronger on the palate. A whisky taster will discover hints of heather and spice mixed with a lightweight peaty, smokiness.

Northern Highland Distilleries.

Glenmorangie. Located within the city on Tain, this distillery produces top quality highland whisky. It boasts the best nonetheless in Scottish whisky manufacturing. It began in 1738 when the manufacturing of alcohol began on the Morangie farm. Water is sourced from the close by Tarlogie springs and native barley is used. It produces some 6,000,000 litres of whisky a 12 months. The whisky is matured in ex-bourbon casks. They produce a particular Cellar 13 whisky. That is matured in a warehouse close to the ocean and inherits the distinctive traits of the warehouses location. It’s run by the Sixteen Males of Tain – the 16 males who work by means of the 12 months to provide the whiksy.

Dalmore. Not removed from Tain is the city of Alness, the place Dalmore is produced. It takes it is water from the River Alness. The only malts produced are distinctly heavy and ‘oily’ and mature nicely in European oak casks.The barley is sourced regionally. The one different ingredient, aside from barley and water is yeast. Dalmore has developed a single pressure of yeast which produces a really wealthy and fruity ‘beer’ from which the spirit is distilled. The whiksies have a wealthy mahogany flavour with a posh aftertaste.

Outdated Pulteney. Positioned within the city of Pulteneytown close to Wick, Outdated Pulteney can declare to be essentially the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. It’s situated on the coast and the robust North Sea winds add to the distinct flavour of this top quality single malt. It’s described as a dry whisky with a touch of sea air. They produce the usual 12 12 months previous single malt and varied editions of a 15 12 months previous malt. It’s utilized in Ballantine blends.

2. Southern Highland Whiskies.

Whisky from the southern highlands is often extra mild in flavour, however nonetheless retains the peaty flavour which can be attribute of Scotch whisky. The whiskies usually have a aromatic and flowery, however gentle, candy style.

Southern Highland Distilleries.

Dalwhinnie. There’s some dialogue if it is a Highland or Speyside whisky. As there may be so many distilleries in Speyside to speak about, I’ve classed Dalwhinnie within the Southern Highland area. In a village of the identical title is the Dalwhinnie distillery. That is really within the coronary heart of the Highlands and it the best distillery in Scotland. Water is sourced from native spring water and there may be an abundance of native peat from the encircling bogs. Though it is a well-known model (being one of many Six Basic Malts) solely about 10% of the produced whisky is offered as single malt. The remaining is utilized in blends, most notably Black & White blends.

Edradour. Being the smallest distillery in Scotland this produces a singular and uncommon whisky with solely 90,000 litres being produced yearly. Due to this it may be fairly exhausting to search out. If you happen to do, then it’s nicely value buying it. This distillery is the final ‘farm’ distillery. The native mountain water provides to it is distinctive depth and flavour. It is a very clean whisky, with only a trace of smokiness. There isn’t a automation at this distillery and due to it is measurement, it could possibly be the smallest distillery (authorized) on this planet. The distillery is the one place the place you’re assured to discover a bottle of this malt.

Deanston. Located on the banks of the River Teith it is a comparatively new distillery. The river Teith is the supply of the water and is taken into account one of many purest rivers in Scotland. The river can be the supply of the electrical energy used to for the distillation course of. It was once a weaving shed, however in 1965 began whisky manufacturing. Solely unpeated malted barley is used and this ends in a lightweight, nutty however malty single malt. It’s the most important ingredient within the Scottish Chief mix, which is understood world wide.

3. Western Highland Area.

Shifting west within the Highland area we discover that whiskies produced listed here are extra strong in character than different Highland whiskies. They’re extra peaty and have well-rounded flavours, with a clean style. Nevertheless there are just a few distilleries left there.

Western Highland Distilleries.

Oban. In all probability essentially the most well-known of from the Western Highland area. The distillery, which is within the city of Oban pre-dates the city. It has the basic ‘West-Highland’ flavour which is between the smoky peaty whiskies of the islands and the lighter sweeter malts of the Highlands. It is likely one of the Six Basic Single Malts. So it’s well-known worldwide.

Ben Nevis. Located on the foot of Britain’s tallest mountain is the Ben Nevis distillery. The water is sources from the Allt a’Mhuilinn which originate from two swimming pools within the mountains. It was once a serious producer, however it much less well-known now. Nevertheless it produces a wonderful single malt. It makes use of a Coffer nonetheless in it is manufacturing an so is likely one of the few distilleries to provide each malt and grain whiskies. It’s the main Whisky within the Lengthy John mix.

In Conclusion

The Highland area produces some wonderful examples of Scotch whiskies. There are various flavours and aromas to get pleasure from from the salty whiskies of the north east to the sunshine peaty ones within the west. So search for a very good whisky store or on-line whisky alternate and you’ll study the completely different ones from the Highland area.

Scotland is the place to be to know extra about single malt whiskies. Scott Gibson, skilled writer on single malt whiksies, has lived in Scotland for many of his life and has travelled extensively to put in writing about malt whisky manufacturing in Scotland.


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