Health & Medical Eating & Food

Single Malt Whisky - Highlands Region

Scotch Whisky created within the Highlands

If you've got ever wished to buy single malt whisky you would possibly have gone to a whiksy shop or on-line whisky exchange, however are confused concerning the various regions in Scotland. as an example, what makes an Islay whisky completely different from a Highland whisky? this is often the second in a very variety of articles exploring the various regions of Scotch whisky production. within the 1st article we tend to examined the Lowland region, let's flip our attention North to the Highlands. it's essential to know concerning the various regions in order that an individual will absolutely appreciate the distinctiveness of Scotch whisky.

The Highlands is a part that runs from the city of Greenock on the West coast and Dundee on the East coast to the northern Scottish coast. It takes in everything from East to West, excluding the Speyside region (which is that the subject for an additional article.)

This is one in all the foremost advanced regions of Scotch whisky production. The region may be split into three sub-regions - Western Highland, Northern Highland and Southern Highland.

History of Highland Whisky Production

The history of Highland whisky production was radically completely different from the Lowland production. Highland distilleries were typically terribly tiny affairs with native native farmers distilling their own whiskies and then typically joining cooperatives. however everything was done on alittle scale. if truth be told Highland production accounted for fewer than 100%, of whisky production. but Highland whiskies were far better than their Lowland sisters. so they were dearer. these days the Highlands produces a number of the best samples of Scotch whisky.

1. Northern Highland Whiskies

This is the world between Nairn and John 'O Groats. Most of the distilleries during this region are found on the coast and thus there's a definite salinity to them. Northern Highland whiskies tend to be stronger on the palate. A whisky taster can realize hints of heather and spice combined with a light-weight peaty, smokiness.

Northern Highland Distilleries.

Glenmorangie. Situated within the city on Tain, this distillery produces top quality highland whisky. It boasts the best still in Scottish whisky production. It started in 1738 when the assembly of alcohol started at the Morangie farm. Water is sourced from the nearby Tarlogie springs and native barley is employed. It produces some half-dozen,000,000 litres of whisky a year. The whisky is matured in ex-bourbon casks. They manufacture a special Cellar thirteen whisky. this is often matured in a very warehouse close to the ocean and inherits the distinctive characteristics of the warehouses location. it's run by the Sixteen Men of Tain - the sixteen men who work through the year to supply the whiksy.

Dalmore. Not aloof from Tain is that the city of Alness, where Dalmore is created. It takes it's water from the River Alness. the only malts created are distinctly significant and 'oily' and mature well in European oak casks.The barley is sourced domestically. the sole alternative ingredient, excluding barley and water is yeast. Dalmore has developed one strain of yeast that produces a awfully wealthy and fruity 'beer' from that the spirit is distilled. The whiksies have a fashionable mahogany flavour with a fancy aftertaste.

Old Pulteney. Located within the city of Pulteneytown close to Wick, previous Pulteney will claim to be the foremost northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. it's located on the coast and also the robust North ocean winds boost the distinct flavour of this top quality single malt. it's described as a dry whisky with a touch of ocean air. They manufacture the quality twelve year previous single malt and numerous editions of a fifteen year previous malt. it's employed in Ballantine blends.

2. Southern Highland Whiskies.

Whisky from the southern highlands is typically additional light in flavour, however still retains the peaty flavour that are characteristic of Scotch whisky. The whiskies usually have a fragrant and flowery, but soft, sweet style.

Southern Highland Distilleries.

Dalwhinnie. there's some discussion if this is often a Highland or Speyside whisky. As there's such a big amount of distilleries in Speyside to speak concerning, I've classed Dalwhinnie within the Southern Highland region. in a very village of identical name is that the Dalwhinnie distillery. this is often actually within the heart of the Highlands and it the best distillery in Scotland. Water is sourced from native spring water and there's an abundance of native peat from the encompassing bogs. though this is often a famous complete (being one in all the Six Classic Malts) solely concerning 100% of the created whisky is sold as single malt. the remainder is employed in blends, most notably Black & White blends.

Edradour. Being the littlest distillery in Scotland this produces a novel and rare whisky with solely ninety,000 litres being created annually. attributable to this it is quite laborious to search out. If you do, then it's well price buying it. This distillery is that the last 'farm' distillery. The native mountain water adds to it's distinctive depth and flavour. it is a terribly swish whisky, with simply a touch of smokiness. there's no automation at this distillery and since of it's size, it may be the littlest distillery (legal) within the world. The distillery is that the solely place where you're certain to realize a bottle of this malt.

Deanston. Situated on the banks of the River Teith this is often a comparatively new distillery. The river Teith is that the supply of the water and is taken into account one in all the purest rivers in Scotland. The river is additionally the supply of the electricity used to for the distillation method. It used to be a weaving shed, however in 1965 started whisky production. solely unpeated malted barley is employed and this leads to a light-weight, nutty however malty single malt. it's the most ingredient within the Scottish Leader mix, that is understood round the world.

3. Western Highland Region.

Moving west within the Highland region we discover that whiskies created here are additional sturdy in character than alternative Highland whiskies. they're additional peaty and have well-rounded flavours, with a swish style. but there are solely many distilleries left there.

Western Highland Distilleries.

Oban. most likely the foremost documented of from the Western Highland region. The distillery, that is within the city of Oban pre-dates the city. it's the classic 'West-Highland' flavour that is between the smoky peaty whiskies of the islands and also the lighter sweeter malts of the Highlands. it's one in all the Six Classic Single Malts. thus it's documented worldwide.

Ben Nevis. Situated at the foot of Britain's tallest mountain is that the Ben Nevis distillery. The water is sources from the Allt a'Mhuilinn that originate from 2 pools within the mountains. It used to be a significant producer, however it less well-known currently. but it produces a wonderful single malt. It uses a Coffer still in it's production an thus is one in all the few distilleries to supply each malt and grain whiskies. it's the main whisky within the Long John mix.

In Conclusion

The Highland region produces some glorious samples of Scotch whiskies. There are several flavours and aromas to fancy from the salty whiskies of the north east to the sunshine peaty ones within the west. thus hunt for a decent whisky look or on-line whisky exchange and you'll be able to examine the various ones from the Highland region.

To find out more about Scotch whisky and single malts you can visit the Single Malt Whisky Shop where you can find out more information and browse through the products. So pop into the whisky shop and find out more about Scottish single malt whisky.


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