Highland whiskey – a characteristic of highland scotch

The Highlands is the name of a highland region in Scotland famous for its single malt scotch. Whiskeys of the Highlands are hard to define and offer a surprising variety of styles, from brands with a rich taste and velvety texture to examples with a light floral bouquet. Depending on the manufacturer, the local whiskey contains notes of fruit tart, malt, oak, heather, dried fruit, peat haze, citruses, spices and spices.

The most famous area of ​​the region is Speyside. All Speyside Scotch is Highland, but not all Highland whiskey is Speyside Scotch.

Interesting Facts

1. The Highlands are the largest region producing scotch.
2. The share of local distilleries, not counting Speyside, accounts for about 25% of all scotch production. With Speyside, this number increases to 85%.
3. Only three Scotch whiskeys are allowed to use the word “royal” (Royal) in the name, and all of them are located in the Highlands: Royal Brackla, Glenury Royal (now closed) and Royal Lochnagar.

production

At the moment, there are 30 distilleries in the region, and each of them is so different from the others that they can only be classified geographically – by location:

• southern – near the Highland Line;
• western – along the Hebrides coast;
• northern – near the city of Inverness;
• eastern – on both sides of Aberdeen;
• central – all that remains, mainly in Perthshire.

Famous brands of Highland whiskey

• Glengoyne – Produces a grassy yet strong whiskey without the slightest hint of peat haze.
• Loch Lomond – releases 8 different drinks at once.
• Deanston – Based on a former 15th century cotton plantation, Deanston loves to blend its whiskey – only XNUMX% of this brand’s Scotch is single malt.
• Tullibardine is famous for its exceptional aged whiskeys that connoisseurs hunt for.
• Adelphi’s Ardnamurchan – Produces both peaty scotch and more traditional whisky.
• Oban – has been operating since 1794 and supplies the market with a real “sea” whiskey with notes of sea salt, green apple and nutmeg.
• Ben Nevis – production opened in 1825, produces spicy strong whiskey.
• Glenmorangie is remembered for its distinct citrus profile with hints of raisins and honey.
• Dalmore – the taste of this whiskey feels Christmas cake, toffee, almonds, dried fruits.
• Clynelish – produces a unique “wax” tape with a slight smoky flavor.
• Glendronach – more designed for the cold season, this scalding whiskey feels Christmas cake, walnuts, orange, prunes and figs.
• Glenglassaugh produces many brands, many of which have won gold medals in international competitions.
• Glen Garioch is a “harsh”, “masculine” whiskey with a light note of grapefruit and hazelnuts.
• Ardmore – characterized by a strongly pronounced peaty aroma, as well as notes of vanilla, honey, cinnamon, toffee and heather.
• Aberfeldy is located in the heart of Scotland and supplies the market with a spicy single malt whiskey with a heather-fruity profile.
• Royal Lochnagar – produces single malt whiskey, which often serves as the basis for exclusive blends.
• Dalwhinnie – located in an area with the lowest average annual temperature in Scotland (6 degrees) and is famous for whiskey with a creamy texture.

How to drink highland whiskey

Highland whiskeys are so diverse that there are no uniform rules: sweeter examples go with chocolate and desserts, and tart and salty ones go with nuts or meats. But it is best to drink whiskey in its pure form, without diluting it with water.