Although, each whisky distillery makes its own, unique Single Malt Scotch whisky in Scotland, but there are some similarities in their character by regions - this helps to group them in “families”. 2% of the ageing whisky evaporates through the wood of the barrels each year, and gives its space for the air surrounding the casks during the maturation period. Therefore it is possible that Single Malt whiskies aged in similar micro-climate carry similar characteristics in aroma and taste. According to the various micro-climates, there are 4 big whisky regions in Scotland:

Highlands

The Highland region means the major part of the Scottish Highlands, north from the Glasgow-Edinburgh line. The whiskies here are rich, robust and autumnal character.

Speyside

Speyside is a relatively area of the north part of the Scottsih Highlands, between Aberdeen and Inverness. High proportion of Scotch whisky distilleries work here compared to the extension of the Speyside territory. The most important characteristics of the Speyside Single Malt whiskies are the elegant, honeyed and summer flowered flavour.

Islay

This region simply is the Island of Islay. Typical character of the Islay whiskies are very much different from the “mainland” Scotch Malt whiskies, however only a few distillery works on the island. The speciality of the Islay whiskies are their full, salty and traditionally smoky taste and aroma, thanks to the closeness of the sea, as well as the use of the smoky peat in the process of whisky-making.

Lowlands

There is not so many whisky distilleries working on the Scottish Lowlands. Notwithstanding that the Lowlands is a great area in its extension, the few Single Malt whiskies handcrafted here are very similar in taste and character. Their similarities are the gentle, submissive and spring flowered aroma.

Some older books and desription of whisky regions sometimes also distinguish the Campbeltown, or the Island (Outer & Inner Hebrides, plus Orkney), but only a couple of distilleries are still working in these areas nowadays.