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The Super Six
Scottish Malt Hot Spots
Scotland can generally be segregated into six distinct malt
producing sectors or areas: Campbeltown, Islay, Islands,
Lowlands, Speyside, and the Scottish Highlands. Now, every
single one of these areas produces distinctively unique malt,
with each having its own individuality and typical distilling
processes. The influence of the weather elements, the raw
materials utilized as well as the techniques involved in the
production all have a significant impact on the quality of
malt produced.
Islay
Islay is a lovely islet, situated away from the Scottish west
coast and it is the location of a number of fine malt
distilleries. Over here, there are a large number of malt
variants, though the most well known bear a smoky, tangy,
peaty flavor. At present, the number of distilleries in
operation is eight, even though on one occasion there were
supposed to be around twenty-three distilleries running, with
the latest one commencing operations in the year 2005.
Lowlands
It is a level plane, as is borne out by its name, with nary a
mountain dotting its landscape. It is located in the
southernmost region of Scotland. The brew produced here does
not have as much of the peat, smoke, and salt as that of the
majority of Scottish malts and it gives a slightly zesty but
smooth flavor.
Speyside
This is unquestionably the heart of the Scottish whisky world.
Since the River Spey flows right through the region, this
place was named as such. Almost all the leading distilleries
use water drawn from this river in their different processes.
While Speyside has its own distinct and unique culture, in
geographical terms, it is very much an important part of the
Scottish Highlands. If somebody is keen on taking a shot at,
for the very first time in his life, classic Scottish malt,
then he should definitely go in for this malt, since it is
full-bodied and quite mild flavored.
Highlands
The region, which is the biggest producer of malt in Scotland,
is beyond a doubt, the Highlands. Here, the brew that is
produced is extremely rich and smoky. In direct contrast to
the malts produced in the Lowlands, several of the diverse
distilleries produce malts with varied tastes. This is
attributable to the variable nature of the microclimatic
conditions. The utilization of various raw materials together
with the incorporation of innovative production techniques
also has a major say in this uniqueness in tastes.
Campbeltown
Once upon a time, Scotland’s principal distillery location was
the region of Campbeltown. In the year 1886, around 21
distilleries were functional but sadly, today only three are
presently in operation. Even then, historians still attach to
this once major site, the status of an independent malt state.
Islands
Orkney, Arran, Skye, Mull, and Jura all comprise the group of
islands that are at times muddled up with Islay. Actually,
this is a completely distinct region. Those who love drinking
malts will certainly relish the malts coming out of this area. |
