Speyside

(SPAY-side) Speyside is one of Scotland’s five recognised Scotch whisky regions, centred around the River Spey in the north-east of the country. Although geographically surrounded by the Highlands, it is recognised as a whisky region in its own right and contains the greatest concentration of Scotch whisky distilleries anywhere in the world. The Scotch Whisky Association’s recent distillery maps list more than 50 operating malt distilleries in Speyside, concentrated around towns and villages including Dufftown, Rothes, Aberlour, Craigellachie and Keith.

(SPAY-side) Speyside is one of Scotland’s five recognised Scotch whisky regions, centred around the River Spey in the north-east of the country. Although geographically surrounded by the Highlands, it is recognised as a whisky region in its own right and contains the greatest concentration of Scotch whisky distilleries anywhere in the world. The Scotch Whisky Association’s recent distillery maps list more than 50 operating malt distilleries in Speyside, concentrated around towns and villages including Dufftown, Rothes, Aberlour, Craigellachie and Keith.

About Speyside

(SPAY-side) Speyside is one of Scotland’s five recognised Scotch whisky regions, centred around the River Spey in the north-east of the country. Although geographically surrounded by the Highlands, it is recognised as a whisky region in its own right and contains the greatest concentration of Scotch whisky distilleries anywhere in the world. The Scotch Whisky Association’s recent distillery maps list more than 50 operating malt distilleries in Speyside, concentrated around towns and villages including Dufftown, Rothes, Aberlour, Craigellachie and Keith.

Speyside’s whisky history stretches back centuries, with legal distilling becoming firmly established during the 18th and 19th centuries. Strathisla, founded in 1786, is generally regarded as the region’s oldest continuously operating distillery. The area’s sheltered glens, plentiful water sources and access to barley helped make it a natural centre for whisky production, while the arrival of the railway during the 19th century made it easier for distilleries to transport casks and supplies. Speyside whiskies are often associated with an elegant, fruit-led style featuring orchard fruit, honey, vanilla and gentle spice, with sherry casks also playing an important role across the region.

Many of the biggest names in single malt Scotch come from Speyside. The Macallan, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, The Balvenie, Aberlour, Glenfarclas, Glen Grant, Cardhu and The GlenAllachie are all based within the region, alongside dozens of smaller and less widely seen distilleries. Dufftown alone has long been one of the centres of Speyside whisky production, while the wider region forms the heart of Scotland’s famous Malt Whisky Trail.

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