Whisky Regions of Scotland

Question 1

The concept of regionality in Scotch Whisky was first introduced by what legislation?

Answer 1

The Wash Act of 1784 created the “Highland Line” and therefore the first regional distinction between the Highlands and and Lowlands.

Question 2

After the Highlands and the Lowlands, what was the next whisky region added in Scotland?

Answer 2

Campbeltown was added in the late-19th century. With 21 distilleries in 1896, Campbeltown was the “Whisky Capital” of the day.

The island of Islay was also added around the same time. Bringing the number of whisky regions to four by the early 20th century.

Question 3

When did Speyside first become an important whisky region? When was it officially recognized as a legal designation?

Answer 3

Although Speyside took over as the “Whisky Capital” in the 1890s, it was not officially recognized as a separate whisky region until the Whisky Act of 1988. Before 1988 all Speyside Whiskies were considered part of the Highlands region.

Question 4

Officially, which region includes whiskies made on Scottish Islands (other than Islay)?

Answer 4

All whiskies made on the Islands (Orkney, Skye, Mull, Lewis, Harris, Raasy, Jura) are considered part of the Highlands.

Question 5

What are the unofficial sub-regions within the Highlands region?

Answer 5

Northern Highlands
Islands
Central Highlands
Eastern Highlands
Western Highlands

Question 6

Name some important Northern Highlands distilleries.

Answer 6

Most of the Northern Highlands distilleries are coastal (with the exception of Glen Ord and Wolfburn). Due to their proximity to the sea, many of these whiskies have a

Wolfburn
Clynelish
Old Pulteney
Balblair
Royal Brachla
Glenmorangie
Teanich
Tomatin
Touvaddie
Glen Ord

Question 7

Which region is currently the acknowledged heartland of the Scotch Whisky Industry, with approximately 2/3s of the malt whisky distilleries in Scotland?

Answer 7

Speyside

Question 8

What are the nine distilleries that MacLean says might be described as Central Highlands distilleries?

Answer 8

Glenturret
Blair Athol
Aberfeldy
Deanston
Tullabardine
Glengoyne
Edradour
Strathearn
Aberargie

Question 9

What are the three distilleries currently in Campbeltown?

Answer 9

Springbank
Glengyle (produces Kilkerran brand)
Glen Scotia

Question 10

What are the nine distilleries on Islay?

Answer 10

Ardbeg
Laphroig
Lagavulin
Bowmore
Kilchoman
Bruichladdich
Bunnahabin
Caol Ila
Ardnahoe

Question 11

What three distilleries on Islay are known as the Kildalton Trio?

Answer 11

Ardbeg
Laphroaig
Lagavulin