The magic of whiskey, among other things, is based on the fact that the drink is endemic to the land on which it is made.
Five traditions
Streams and rivers flow along the Scottish slopes of Munroe, feeding mountain lakes-suckers and providing crystal clear water to the fertile lands of Scotland, generously giving malt barley. All of these ingredients combine to create a mash that, thanks to the distillation alchemy, will become much larger than the mere sum of the whiskey's constituents.
Scotland is divided into five main regions, each of which leaves its own unique imprint on the product created there. These areas, defined by geographical boundaries established at the legislative level, can be considered as terroir regions in France, where, say, Burgundy wine can be produced exclusively in Burgundy, because the local soil and microclimate are so unique that they leave recognizable grapes grown here ” brand ".
The following is a brief description of Scotland's main whiskey regions, identified in accordance with the 2009 Regulation, which identified the 5 main traditional locations and regional attributes of this drink.
Louland
This area was once crowded with distilleries (215 factories are listed in the 18th century register), and no one knows exactly why Scotch whiskey production has fallen so sharply. Many point to successive acts of the British Parliament, which contributed to increasing the output of English gin, which deprived local producers of their largest market. Among other reasons, they call the change in consumers' preferences - they prefer the stronger aromas of Highland.
Lowlands are located south of the invisible border, which extends from Greenock on the west coast to Dundee in the east. Currently, three major whiskey producers are active here: Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and Glenkinchie, and two more start working at Daftmill and Aisla Bay.
The region is famous for light and soft adhesive tape without a smack of smoke. The writer Charles Macklin spoke of the local whiskey as an ideal aperitif. This is a great option for those who are just starting their acquaintance with this drink, as well as for experienced connoisseurs - triple distillation is more common in lowlands than in any other region of production of whiskey.
Scotland is divided into Highland and Lowland thanks to the producers of scotch tape, since the border between them was determined by law of 1784, according to which different duties were established for the north and south. The purpose of the act was to promote legal distillation in mountainous regions and to reduce illegal distillation. For smaller industries north of the dividing line, lower tax rates began to apply.
- A typical style of Laulend tape is light, floral and fruity.
- The main active producers of whiskey: Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and Glenkinchie.
- Closed or preserved distilleries: Inverleven, Littlemill, Rosenbank and St Magdalene.
Auchentoshan
The distillery was organized in 1823. Since then, six owners have changed, who carefully preserved the unique production technology. The taste and aroma of whiskey is revealed in the process of triple rather than double distillation, as is customary in Scotland. The 10-year-old single-malt Auchentoshan produced has a golden color, soft freshness with hints of oak. A clear, fruity taste ends with a delicate sweet aftertaste.
Bladenoch
The distillery was founded in 1917 by the McClelland family and since then has changed several owners, from time to time it closed until it opened in 2000 to produce a limited number of outstanding single malt whiskeys. The 15-year-old Bladnoch has a deep yellow tint with a soft, oily, herbal, lemon and fruity aroma with floral shades. Long liquorice finish. There are tones of melon, raspberry, strawberry and citrus.
Speyside
The largest number of manufacturers of whiskey and two-thirds of all malt production are located in the most densely populated region of the country - in the valley of the River Spey, or Speyside. Charles Macklin defined the local scotch tape as "sweet, with pronounced ester notes, fragrant with pear drops, cloves, Parma violets, roses, apples, bananas, cream soda and lemonade." Recently, this region has begun to produce many different varieties of classic malt whiskey, and you can often see highly peat drinks side by side with traditional ones. Speyside Scotch has an incredible range of flavors, from aged Aberlour and Mortlach sherry barrels to smoky Benriach and Benromach.
- Speyside's typical scotch style is rich and fruity, although the use of peat is becoming more common.
- The main active distilleries: Benromach, Balvenie, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Macallan, Glenfarclas and Mortlach.
- Closed or mothballed enterprises: Dallas Dhu, Caperdonich, Coleburn, Banff, Convalmore.
Glenlivet
Glenlivet is perhaps the most famous single malt scotch whiskey in the region, and its name was so popular that many other distilleries began to take it from themselves. When J. G. Smith, the owner of the distillery, tried to claim ownership of the name, he achieved only partial success. The court’s decision to transfer the title to it also allowed other manufacturers to use the name “Glenlivet” next to the name of their plant. It can still be seen on some old bottles from this region.
The founder of the enterprise, encouraged by the Duke of Gordon, was the first to apply for a license in 1824. He went against the public mood of the time. Illegal manufacturers, not happy with Smith’s deed, threatened him with death, and the Duke of Gordon even gave him 2 pistols for protection, which can still be seen in the visitor's center at the distillery. Legalization gave Smith an advantage that brought the brand into the lead. Today, the company belongs to the Chivas and Glenlivet group, acquired by Pernod Ricard in 2001. The plant was closed only during the Second World War due to the lack of barley. Glenlivet is used in the best blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.
A 12-year-old single-malt whiskey of a light golden hue has a floral aroma and notes of sherry, spices and vanilla. Taste with a slight haze, delicate, slightly sweet and fruity, clean and well balanced. The finish is long, but soft and warm, with peat traces at the end.
Campbeltown
Campbeltown is located near the end of the Mull of Kintyre Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland. There were once more than 30 whiskey enterprises here, of which only three currently operate: Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank.
Springbank's Campbeltown malt scotch is rich, complex, tasteful with hints of sea salt and soft peat. Hazelburn from Glen Scotia and Springbank are triple distilled and are an easy alternative for those who prefer great freshness. When drink historian Alfred Barnard visited the area in 1885, he called Campbeltown “Whiskey City.” At that time, 21 enterprises worked there, for the inspection of which it took him two weeks.
Demand at the beginning of the twentieth century so increased production volumes in Campbeltown that impurities began to penetrate into the final product, which inevitably led to a decrease in product quality. Because of this, the whiskey had a fishy smell, and buyers accused manufacturers of using herring barrels to ripen the drink.
- The typical style is strong, rich and marine.
- Main active enterprises: Springbank, Glen Scotia and Kilkerran.
- Closed and preserved distilleries: Ballegerggan, Dalaruan and Glen Nevis.
Glen scotia
The distillery was founded in 1832. In 1979–82. almost 1 million pounds was spent on its modernization, but in 1984 it was closed. Opening in 1989, the company was mothballed again in 1994. But recently, trial lots of whiskey have been distilled. The quality of the alcohol was so good that regular production was planned. So far, Glen Scotia has been working 3 months a year thanks to employees from the nearby Springbank distillery.
The 12-year-old amber-golden scotch tape has a very spicy, pepper aroma with notes of sherry. The taste is spicy, with chocolate and plum hues and a warm, pleasant finish.
Springbank
Founded in 1828 by Archibald Mitchell, it is the oldest independent whiskey factory in Scotland and to this day remains under the control of the founder’s descendants. Three different brands are made here - Springbank, Longrow and Hazelburn. Springbank is distilled 2.5 times. Sprouted barley is dried over burning peat for only 6 hours, and then for 24 hours with warm air. The result is less smoky whiskey than commonly produced in Campbeltown. Springbank is one of two factories that bottles whiskey at the source, using original water to reduce the strength of the drink. Another such manufacturer is Glenfiddich. All whiskeys made at Springbank are sold as single malt. The 10-year-old drink has a light golden hue, aromas of citrus, pears and peat. The taste of smoke, vanilla, nutmeg, a little brackish. The finish is full, rich, long, warm, slightly salty.
Highland and Islands
This region, which also covers the islands, probably has the widest range of flavors, from light Glengoyne and Deanston to brackish coastal varieties such as Old Pulteney and Oban.
Island malt whiskey is also distinguished by its own styles, ranging from the lightness of Arran to the sweetness of Jura and Tobermory, rich in complex aromas of Highland Park whiskey.
- The typical style is diverse.
- The main active distilleries: Highland Park, Glenmorangie, Dalmore, Jura, Tobermory and Oban.
- Closed or mothballed plants: Brora, Glen Mhor, Millburn and Glenugie.
Highland park
Founded in 1798 on the island of Orkney, the distillery is the northernmost in Scotland. The company independently produces peat for drying malting barley. The result of the production process is a malt whiskey with heather aroma and gentle smokiness, which allows it to remain a favorite drink of enthusiasts. Approximately 60% of the company's products are single-malt scotch tape, and the remaining 40% is used to produce single-barrel and mixed drinks. Highland Park no longer sells its products to independent bottling plants.
There are very few other brands of single-malt scotch tape that connoisseurs and experts would so consistently praise for its 12, 15, 18, 25, 30, and 40-year-old options.
The 30-year-old Highland Park whiskey has a copper-amber hue, a spicy, nutmeg aroma with notes of dark chocolate. Taste of toffee, dark chocolate, orange and peat. The finish is long, rich, smoky and surprisingly sweet.
Whiskey connoisseur, columnist and expert Michael Jackson once called Highland Park "the largest wagon in the world of whiskey."
Dalmore
The distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson. Located on the banks of Cromati Firth opposite the island of Black. The adhesive tape produced here has a complete taste and body. A long, generous finish makes it a classic Highland whiskey. Today, Dalmore, 62, is the most expensive scotch tape in the world. In May 2005, a bottle of whiskey was purchased, the price of which amounted to 32 thousand pounds. The 12-year-old Dalmore has a deep golden hue of mahogany. The aroma is intense and persistent, well structured with smooth malt tones - sherry oloroso, orange, marmalade and spices. Elegant taste of aged sherry with a generous finish.
Islay Island
Currently, there are eight whiskey factories in Islay. Scotland is famous for its world famous varieties. It is fair to say that Islay lives with adhesive tape, since most of the local population somehow participates in its production, either by growing barley, or distilling whiskey, or by distributing it. It is even believed that the island was one of the first places where at the beginning of the XIV century the monks began to smoke Uisge Beatha. This was due to an almost perfect combination of several factors: excellent soil, which is necessary for growing barley, the presence of peat, which is used as fuel, and a constant source of clean water.
The island itself has a great influence on the aroma of the drink produced here. The soil here mainly consists of peat, and most of the water is brown due to its excess, while winter storms often bring sea salt deep into the island, adding brackish notes to the smoky aftertaste. However, not all local whiskey is massively smoked. For example, in the production of varieties such as Bunnahabhain and Bruchladdich, peat is used very little or not at all.
- Islay's typical scotch style is smoky (with the exception of Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich).
- The main active distilleries: Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.
- Closed or preserved distilleries: Port Ellen.
Laphroaig
The distillery was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alex Johnston. About 10% of the production is single malt whiskey, and the rest is sold to make famous blends such as Long John, Black Bottle and Islay Mist. Laphroaig can either be loved or hated. Its original character may seem redundant to some. Beginners are better off trying lighter options like Bowmore. But if whiskey is to your liking, then there is definitely no other way to find it. The 15-year-old Laphroaig has a rich bright golden hue, a mild smoke aroma and the pleasant sweetness of fresh hay. Taste of oak, peat smoke, nutmeg, roasted almonds, brackish. The finish is long, resonant, juicy and expressive.
Bowmore
The distillery was founded on the island of Islay in 1779 and is one of the oldest in Scotland. It is located on the seashore, which is crucial for determining the nature of single malt whiskey, as they adhere to traditional technology. This is one of the five distilleries that still makes its current barley malt. The production uses water from the Laggan River, which absorbed the aromas of local peat, which is also used for drying barley. Whiskey matures in moist cellars located below sea level in barrels of Spanish and American oak. Peat, barley, water, wood, people and traditions together create the strong, warm and smoky character of the single malt Bowmore Islay.
Bowmore Dusk has the color of polished teak, aromas of apricot, honey melon and lychee. The taste of claret, peaty heat of the island is replaced by tones of dark chocolate and licorice. There are notes of tangerine, Caribbean cane sugar. The finish is long, juicy, smoky and sweet.
Lagavulin
The distillery was founded in 1816 by local farmer John Johnston. It was the first local legal whiskey enterprise. The drink created here has received many prizes, including 9 gold medals at the IWSC International Competition. The 16-year-old Lagavulin is considered the island’s best single-malt whiskey because of its balanced taste - a little iodine, a little smoke, mild earthy notes and a long, smooth, elegant finish full of peat, salty tones with hints of seaweed.
Blends
There are several categories of whiskey. Scotland legislated five types of this drink. Single malt is produced only from water and barley malt in a single distillery in batch distillation apparatus. Single grain can include malted and regular grain. Blended scotch whiskey is a blend of one or more types of single malt and one or more types of single grain scotch tape. Before the adoption of the new rules, this was the name of any mixture, regardless of the material of its manufacture. Blended malt and blended Scotch whiskeys are also distinguished.
The most popular blend in the world is Johnnie Walker, first produced at Kilmarnock in 1820. The Black Label contains up to 40 types of malt and grain scotch tape, each of which has been aged for at least 12 years. The mixture is soft and very high quality, with a rich taste and light peat aroma.
Produced since 1801, Chivas Regal (whiskey, Scotland, 12 years of aging), is one of the best mixed varieties of scotch tape in the world. A drink of warm amber color with aromas of wild herbs, honey and greenhouse fruits, with the taste of ripe apples, vanilla, hazelnut and butterscotch. The composition includes 40% of malt scotch tape, of which at least 4% are Strathisla Speyside.
An example of blended whiskey is White Horse - one of the best-selling brands in the world. Contains more than 40% malt scotch tape, which is based on the unique taste of Lagavulin from Islay. Other brands that most influence the final character of the drink are Talisker and Linkwood. The individuality, quality of the ingredients and the care with which White Horse is made have made him a symbol of quality and centuries-old traditions.
The second most popular whiskey in the world is made from a mixture of the best single malt Scotch tape Speyside J&B, the favorite drink of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. A light, balanced, fragrant style with a long heathery finish and a delicate, soft finish.
Another popular blended Scotch whiskey is Long John. The mixture was created in the twentieth century at the Tormore factory in Speyside. Long John blends 48 types of malt whiskey, including Laphroaig and Highland Park. The last two varieties and determine the special taste of the exquisite drink.
Mount Keen, a whiskey produced by Distillers Co., is widespread in Russia. from Edinburgh.
Ballantines whiskey, whose history can be traced back to 1827, today is one of the ten largest brands in the world. This drink is light golden in color, with deep spicy notes and well-balanced tones of chocolate, apple and vanilla, and a floral finish.
Glasgow Whiskey Highland Cup tape is being bottled in Minsk Crystal OJSC in Belarus.