Speyside whisky region
What is Speyside?
Speyside is a "protected locality" for scotch whisky distilling as officially recognised in UK Government Legislation.
Where is Speyside?
Speyside is in the North-East of Scotland. The region centres around the river Spey and includes the area between the Highlands to the west, Aberdeenshire in the east and extending north to the Cairngorms National Park.
Is Speyside in the Highlands?
Speyside used to be classified as a sub-region of the Highlands region. However, in recognition of the significant number of distilleries operating in Speyside, the region was recognised in its own right and is now a commonly-identified whisky producing region of Scotland.
What distilleries are in Speyside?
With 49 active distilleries in Speyside, the region has more distilleries than any other region in Scotland. Two of the major global brands (by sales volumes) Glenlivet and Glenfiddich are both in Speyside. The full list includes:
- Aberlour
- Allt-A-Bhainne
- Auchroisk
- Aultmore
- Balmenach
- Balvenie
- BenRiach
- Benrinnes
- Benromach
- Braeval
- Cardhu
- Cragganmore
- Craigellachie
- Dailuaine
- Dalmunach
- Dalwhinnie
- Dufftown
- Glenallachie
- Glenburgie
- Glendullan
- Glen Elgin
- Glenfarclas
- Glenfiddich
- Glen Grant
- Glen Keith
- Glenlivet
- Glenlossie
- Glen Moray
- Glenrothes
- Glen Spey
- Glentauchers
- Inchgower
- Kininvie
- Knockando
- Linkwood
- Longmorn
- Macallan
- Mannochmore
- Miltonduff
- Mortlach
- Roseisle
- Speyburn
- Speyside
- Strathisla
- Strathmill
- Tamdhu
- Tamnavulin
- Tomintoul
- Tormore
What does Speyside scotch taste like?
Speside scotches tend to be sweeter and fuller, with the taste of caramel and nuts or even floral and citrusy notes. These flavours are representative of sherry cask maturation, a common technique in Speyside and one exemplified by certain Speyside distilleries like Glenfarlcas. Whiskies from this region are often absent the peaty, smokey, flavour of regions like Islay, although there are exceptions to this general rule.
Our single cask Speyside whisky
We love working with a number of Speyside distilleries, and have some great Speyside whiskies; you can find the bottles we currently have available to buy here.