Scotland is home to the greatest concentration of whisky distilleries in the world. Currently, there are more than 150 malt and grain distilleries in production. But, unlike in the U.S., where bourbon can be made anywhere with no geographical specifications (yes, it can be made other places than Kentucky), Scotland has five distinct regions.
Those regions are Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, and Campbeltown. Speyside is located in the Highlands and has the highest concentration of distilleries in the country, with more than fifty in operation. The Highlands is the largest region based on geography and also produces the most diverse whisky types. It’s home to around forty distilleries. The Lowlands is in the southernmost area of Scotland and is home to around twenty distilleries.
The last two regions are the most interesting. Islay is an island in the Inner Hebrides off the coast of Scotland. It’s home to 30,000 sheep and only around 3,000 people, but boasts iconic distilleries including Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Bruichladdich. The island is known for its robust, memorable peat-smoked whiskies. Campbeltown is by far the smallest whisky region, a harbor town located alongside the Campbeltown Loch on the Kintyre Peninsula. Once packed with distilleries, the town is now only home to a handful, including well-known brands like Springbank and Glen Scotia.
Below, you’ll find the absolute best Scotch whisky expression from each region. And ridiculously old and over-the-top expensive releases aren’t included for obvious reasons. These are exceptional bottles that you can actually purchase from your local liquor store or whisky retailer.
Photo by Aberlour Distillery
Speyside – Aberlour A’Bunadh
Speyside has a lot to offer single-malt Scotch whisky drinkers. But, if you’re only going to pick one expression to add to your home bar, make it Aberlour A’Bunadh. This non-age-statement single malt is matured completely in ex-oloroso sherry casks. The result is an award-winning, cask strength whisky that begins with a nose of candied nuts, orange peels, sweet sherry, and gentle spices. The palate is a mix of dried cherries, dark chocolate, sherry, oak, and wintry spices.
Photo by The Glendronach
Highlands - The Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival
Located in the Highlands region, The Glendronach is another distillery with a strong affinity for sherried expressions. One of its best is The Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival. Matured for fifteen years in oloroso casks, it’s one of the most beloved sherried single malt Scotch whiskies in the world. This 46 percent ABV sipper begins with a nose of raisins, candied orange peels, vanilla, and oak. Sipping it reveals a symphony of sweet sherry, dark chocolate, candied nuts, dried fruit, light spices, and oaky wood. Sip it neat, or with a splash or two of water.
Photo by Auchentoshan
Lowlands – Auchentoshan Three Wood
This award-winning single malt whisky from Auchentoshan gets its name because it was matured in three different barrel types. Those types are bourbon, Spanish oloroso sherry, and SpanishPedro Ximenez sherry. The result is a multi-layered, complex whisky that begins with a nose of candied orange peels, plums, dried fruits, butterscotch, and oak. The palate is loaded with flavors like cinnamon candy, candied nuts, orange peels, dried fruits, and sticky toffee pudding. A whisky this complex deserves to be enjoyed neat on a cool night.
Photo by Springbank
Campbeltown – Springbank 15 Year
Campbeltown is by far the smallest Scottish whisky region, both in terms of geography as well as number of distilleries. But that doesn’t mean the region is lacking for standouts, and there aren’t many Campbeltown distilleries more beloved than Springbank. This renowned distillery is home to numerous complex, memorable expressions. The best reasonably priced bottle is Springbank 15 Year. Matured for at least fifteen years in ex-sherry casks, it’s known for its nose of salted caramel, iodine, sweet sherry, and light smoke. Drinking it brings notes of candied nuts, dried fruits, sherry, vanilla beans, cocoa, toffee, and gentle barbecue smoke.
Photo by Bruichladdich
Islay – Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Heavily Peated
The island is well-known for its peat-smoked whiskies, but some rise above the rest. If you’re looking for a robust, smoky, memorable whisky, look no further than Bruichladdich. While you could spend more for some of its limited releases, it’s tough to beat the appeal of Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Heavily Peated. Matured for seven years in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels, virgin oak barrels, and second-fill wine casks, this peat-smoked whisky isn’t for Islay novices. The nose is a mix of orchard fruits, candied orange peels, toffee, cinnamon, and robust peat smoke. The palate follows suit with notes of citrus peels, dried fruits, oak, heather, coconut, vanilla, pipe tobacco, and rich, luxurious peat smoke. This 100-proof whisky is best enjoyed neat, with a splash or two of water.
