The Highland Region: Vast and diverse

The Highland Region. 🥃  The spiritual home of illicit distillation and the largest and most diverse of all the Scotch whisky producing regions.

Where is the Highland region?

The largest region by land mass, the Highlands region is a protected locality under UK Government legislation and stretches from just north of Glasgow right up to Thurso (except the Speyside Region) and encompasses the islands around the perimeter of Scotland (except for Islay).

How many distilleries belong to the Highland region?

As of April 2024, there are 55 distilleries.

Why are there so many distilleries in the Highlands?

In the early 1800s, tax for Highland distillers was ludicrously high. However, the region was often inaccessible for taxmen to reach, especially in the winter, so many illicit stills emerged and thrived in the area during this time.

Then, with the introduction of the Excise Act in 1823, it became easier to obtain an official licence and although the Highland distillers were limited to 40-gallon stills, they benefited from paying a reasonably low excise tax of £1.1 per gallon of capacity.

What’s special about the Highlands region?

It’s the region that started it all. In the early days of whisky distillation Highland whisky included the regions of Speyside and Campbeltown. It developed a reputation of being high quality, especially compared to Lowlands whisky, which at the time was often regarded as substandard.

Some of the oldest distilleries in Scotland are from this region and are still operating today – Glen Garioch (1797), Balblair (1790) and The Glenturret (1763).

Who are the best-known Highland producers?

Some of the best-known producers are Glenmorangie, Balblair, Dalmore, Highland Park, and Talisker.

Does Highland whisky have a particular flavour profile?

Not really, although it’s said to have a lighter style than Speyside.

Each distillery seems to have its own UNIQUE character so there’s a wide variation of flavour from heather, honey, malt, oak, to heavily sherried expressions, peaty smokiness, right through to a coastal maritime style of the Islands malts.

Should I visit?

Yes, most of the Highland distilleries are open to the public. Some distilleries in the West Highlands and islands may be more challenging to reach than mainland distilleries but the journey is worth the effort as many provide excellent visitor centres and distillery tours.

Any festivals in the region?

Yes. The Dornoch Whisky Festival, happening in October every year, is a celebration of Highland whisky and centres around whisky education, with exclusive tastings, dinners and events for whisky lovers and whisky novices eager to learn more.

Are you a fan of Highland whisky? Let me know in the comments.

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