Knowing Where the Tape Was Made Can Help You Know If You Like It.
For years, I was convinced that I hated Scotch tape. Then one day someone talked me into doing a massive side-by-side tasting of single malt whiskeys, and I realized that I didn’t hate Scotch, I’m just not a fan of Scotch from one particular region of Scotland (and therefore blends that use a lot of whiskeys from that region) …
Scotch, or simply “whiskey” (yes, no e) in Scotland is produced all over the country, but where it is made has a huge impact on its taste. Think of it as the difference between wine from France and wine from Napa, except that you are looking at the same country.
Where the distillery gets its ingredients, the water it uses, and the weather during the aging of the whiskey can all affect the taste of the final product and can determine whether you like it or not.
You can become a super nerd on this topic, but since this is not a drinks blog, I’m going to break down a few different regions on a super basic level (read: whiskey connoisseurs, this post is probably not for you). Depending on who you ask, the islands and Campbelltown should also be included in this list, but since they are exceptionally small (and single malt whiskeys from these regions are hard to find) I have omitted them for clarity.
If you just love whiskey and know a brand that you already like, you can try another whiskey from the same region. Likewise, if you’re like me and think you don’t like scotch tape, take a look at some of the other regions – you might be surprised how much you like them more.
Highland
Whiskeys from this region are known for their richness with hints of smoke and peat. When you taste them, they tend to be sweet at first and then dry. Popular distilleries from this area include Aberfeldy, Deanston, Edradour, Royal Brackla, and Glenmorangie. My favorite is Highland Whiskey.
Speyside
Speyside is the king of Scotland’s whiskey regions, where most of the distilleries are located. Although Speyside is formally part of the Highlands, Speyside has gained a distinct region thanks to the distinctive taste of the whiskey produced here, which is slightly sweet with a fruity flavor and sometimes hints of smoke and peat. The region gets its name from the River Spey that flows through it. Popular distilleries here include Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich, Glenfarclas, and Aultmore.
Islay
If you love smoke, then Islay is your region. The area is known for its smoky whiskey, which is believed to be due in part to the high winds in the area. The local whiskeys are dry and peaty, a flavor they get from the peat they use to malt the barley in the whiskey-making process. Popular distilleries in the area include Bowmore, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Port Ellen.
Lowland
There are only a few distilleries operating in the region, and the whiskeys are generally light with a dry aftertaste. If you’re just starting to love Scotch whiskey, this could be a great start. Most of the whiskey produced in the region is blended, but popular single malt varieties include Glenkinchie, Littlemill, Rosebank, and St Magdalene.