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.

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