Scotch whisky is traditionally categorized into distinct regions, each with its own unique character and history. From the sweeping Highlands to the rugged Islay, every area brings its own flavor to the dram.

• Highlands: The vast northern expanse where the flavors range from fruity and nutty to subtly smoky.

• Lowlands: Southern Scotland’s gentle hills where Scotch tends to have grassy, honeyed, and floral notes.

• Campbeltown: Once a thriving hub with 30 distilleries, this small town now hosts just three but is renowned for its peaty and briny whiskies.

• Islay: The whisky powerhouse known for its robust, smoky, and sometimes medicinal flavors that echo the stormy seas.

Additionally, two regions often discussed are:

• Speyside: Nested within the Highlands, Speyside is officially recognized for its rich concentration of distilleries—nearly half of Scotland’s total—known for elegant and complex flavors.

• Islands (unofficial region): Though technically part of the Highlands, the whiskies from the Scottish islands are distinct enough to be considered separately by many enthusiasts, offering smoky, peaty, and spicy profiles.