HIGHLANDS

The Scottish Highlands are generally defined as the rugged and mountainous regions north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault. However, the wider definition of the area used by the Scotch Whisky industry is that of all distilleries north of an imaginary line between Dundee and Greenock. Now one of the most sparsely populated areas in Scotland and in all of Europe, its inhabitants live within the highest elevations of the British Isles, among the lochs and wild mountain scenery and have largely retained the Gaelic speech and customs, making them distinctly different from the Lowlanders in the south.

As a group, Highland whiskies are rounded, robust and dry in character. Some may carry a hint of smokiness / peatiness, and those on the coastlines tend to show the maritime character of their environment. In the far north the whiskies are more notably heathery and slightly spicy. There is some debate over whether the Island whiskies should be grouped into this category, nevertheless, with approximately 42 other distilleries located in this region there is no lack of representation. Further distinction can be made between northern, eastern, western and southern distilleries, and while technically Speyside distilleries are in the Highland region, due to the high concentration they are given their own region.

The Eastern Highlands include the smallest distillery in Scotland - Edradour and the much larger and handsome Aberfeldy distillery in Perthshire. Over half of the distilleries in the eastern region are now silent, still operating are the aforementioned Aberfeldy and Edradour, then Fettercairn, Glen Garioch, Glencadam, and Royal Lochnagar. Whiskies of this region tend to have a notably fresh, fruity flavor.

The Northern Highlands runs from Inverness straight up the east coast. With a gentle maritime influence, the whiskies here tend toward a big, sweet and malty nose, and firm dryness with a long finish. Some carry the sea air saltiness, with only a few - Clynelish and Brora, heavily peating their whiskies.

The sparsely populated northwest portion of Western Highland region is too rugged and rocky for whisky making. This forces most of the production into the foothills and lower areas towards Glasgow. Six distilleries are located in this region - Ben Nevis, Dalwhinnie, Glengoyne, Glenlochy, Loch Lomond and Oban. The tendency is more toward a peaty note with a firm rounded character.

The lightest of the region tend to be the Southern Highland malts. Many of them tend to be a mixture of Highland and Lowland characteristics with a fragrant nose but a dry finish. Four distilleries are in operation - Blair Athol, Deanston, Glenturret, and Tullibardine. Some place Aberfeldy and Edradour in the Southern region as well.