Focus On Highland vs Speyside

Flowchart to choose Highland and Speyside whisky brands based on flavour choices. Flowchart to choose Highland and Speyside whisky brands based on flavour choices.
Pie chart showing Scotch Single Malt Whisky production by region - Speyside: 65%, Highland: 23%, Islay: 6%, Lowland: 5%, Campbeltown: 1%. Highland distillery Glenturret is the oldest whisky distillery on the Scottish mainland. Glenfarclas uses 'Highland' on the label despite being located in Speyside The most expensive whisky ever sold was from Speyside: a six-litre decanter of Macallan 'M' which was auctioned for nearly £400000 in 2014.
There are 36 Highland and 51 Speyside distilleries. The Highland region is by far Scotland's largest. In 2009 the boundaries were finally defined for Scottish whisky regions The three biggest-selling Scottish single malts are all in Speyside: Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet and The Macallan.
Balblair Distillery in the Highlands
Balblair Distillery in the Highlands

A Tale of Two Regions

Despite some Scotch whisky distilleries having been in operation for more than 200 years, it seems incredible that it is only in the past decade that official boundaries were drawn up. The Highland region is by far Scotland's largest, but is only responsible for a quarter of the country's malt whisky production. Speyside actually falls within the borders of the Highland region, but despite its small size it takes the lion's share, being responsible for two-thirds of all Scotch malt whisky.

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Glenlivet is one of the most highly-rated Speyside distilleries
Mortlach whisky bottles
Glenmorangie 10 Year Old whisky bottle

Typical Styles

You may have heard that whiskies display 'classic' Speyside or Highland character, but in reality, the range of styles found in whiskies from both regions is huge – it is far too simplistic to say that Speyside whiskies are all about clean, fruity elegance while Highland drams are characterised by rugged spice and peat. Compare Glenmorangie, a Highland whisky known for its soft, honeyed aroma and the likes of Craigellachie or Mortlach, two big-hitting Speysiders with a robust meaty character.

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Glenmorangie 10 Year Old whisky bottle