The largest region in Scotch whisky is also one of the most diverse and delicious!
Whisky-making has occurred in the Highlands for centuries, with the remote terrain and misty glens the perfect spot for hiding illicit stills from English taxmen.
Stretching all the way from Loch Lomond in the south, to the very northernmost extremes of mainland Scotland, the Highland region is vast. It entirely contains the enclave of Speyside – which was considered part of the Highlands until relatively recently. Some people even include the Islands as part of the Highland region.
It's also home to some of Scotland's most famous and bestselling distilleries, from Glenmorangie, to Glendronach, to Ardmore and Old Pulteney. These distilleries are testament to the massive differences in style found in the Highlands, with Glenmorangie's whisky light and floral, Glendronach's sherried and spicy, and Ardmore's richly peated.
There is no broad-brush way of describing the single malt whiskies found in the Highlands, and fortunately, the easiest way to learn is also the most enjoyable – tasting whisky!