Highland Scotch Whisky

The Highlands is Scotland’s largest whisky-producing region, stretching from the mainland’s northern glens down through the western coast and including the remote islands. The region is home to over 40 active distilleries on the mainland alone, and when the island distilleries are included the number climbs higher.

Historically, distillers in the Highlands have drawn on the breadth of the landscape, from rolling heathery hills and fast-flowing burns to sea-sprayed cliffs, to craft whisky of rich diversity. While no flavour profile can be guaranteed by region alone, typical Highland malts offer fruit and honey, spice and gentle peat, or coastal freshness with malty warmth.

It’s worth noting that the sub-region of Speyside falls geographically within the Highlands but is treated separately; whiskies from Speyside may legally be labelled either “Speyside” or “Highland”.

Similarly, the many distilleries located around Scotland’s islands (aside from Islay) lie within the regulatory definition of the Highlands, yet are often listed and understood separately to reflect their own maritime character.