One of the best parts of working in this business is getting to sell products from all over the world – bottles of liquid that tell a story, give a sense of place, and hopefully lift your spirits. This week’s feature, Scotch whisky, is one of those products whose flavor and aroma really evoke imagery of a faraway landscape – one with grassy mountains whose slopes descend into deep lochs; craggy coastlines dotted with remnants of fortresses.

Scotch whisky is more than simply an intoxicating drink — it’s an embodiment of Scotland’s history, tradition, craftsmanship and mystique. Scotch production traces back over half a millennia, and over time it has become wholly intertwined with the country’s culture and economy. Its storied distilleries are scattered across varied geography, from the flatter Lowlands, to the rolling Highlands, within the valley of the river Spey, down to the Campbeltown peninsula and up across its numerous coastal islands.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing about Scotch production is the significance of regionality. All Scotch distilleries making single malts utilize the same three ingredients: malted barley, water and yeast–yet across Scotland’s several whisky-producing regions the difference in results is profound! Like a fine wine, Scotch whisky picks up a certain terroir from its surroundings. These characteristics are further modified by the experience and art of the distiller. Subtle differences in malting, fermentation, distillation cuts, use of peat, and barrel choice will all play a role. The spectrum of resulting characteristics is wide–from delicate, fruity and floral to full-bodied, chewy with a meaty smokiness.

To paint in broad strokes about the characteristics of Scotch from different regions, here is what you can generally expect:

• Highlands: The largest geographical region of Scotch production, and consequently offers the greatest variety, from light and floral to rich and peaty. 

• Islay: Prevalent locally-grown barley and peat bogs have made this island famous for its bold, smoky, and peaty whiskies that often possess a coastal, maritime character.

• Speyside: Home to Scotland’s most well known distilleries. Its whiskies tend to be sweeter and fruitier, often with notes of honey, vanilla, and apple.

• Lowlands: Influenced by its closer proximity to Ireland, whiskies from the Lowlands are generally more delicate, with floral and grassy notes.

• Campbeltown: Once a thriving whisky hub, this region now produces a small amount of distinctive whiskies, often with a briny, peaty flavor.

• Islands: Not an official region, but this category includes whiskies from various islands like Skye, Orkney, and Jura, with flavors that range from light and floral to rich and smoky.

The variety of flavors found in Scotch means that you can find a whisky for almost anyone. They make a great gift for the novice or connoisseur. Below are a few of our favorites!