Buy rare and selected Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Speyside is not an official geographical or political region of Scotland. Rather, it is a whisky region that follows the River Spey and its tributaries in the north-east of Scotland in the counties of Morayshire and Banffshire. The Speyside region is a wonderfully green and fertile area along the River Spey in the counties of Morayshire and Banffshire. It is therefore located within the larger Highlands region, but is considered a region in its own right due to its high concentration of distilleries and distinctive whisky style, and today Speyside is the most important whisky region in Scotland and home to world-famous brands such as Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet and The Macallan.
Speyside is often referred to as the heart of Scottish single malt production. Over 50 active whisky distilleries can be found here in a relatively small area - the highest density of all Scottish whisky regions. Well-known whisky towns such as Dufftown, Elgin and Rothes lie at the heart of Speyside.
Although Speyside is geographically part of the Highlands, the 2009 Scotch Whisky Regulations define it as a separate region for whisky production. However, some distilleries, such as Macallan and Glenfarclas, still choose to label their whiskies as Highland Single Malt.
The mild climate, the numerous pure water sources (especially the River Spey with its low mineral content) and the fertile soils, which are ideal for growing barley, contributed significantly to the development of this whisky region.
The history of whisky distilling in Speyside is closely linked to illegal distillation. Until legalisation in 1823 through the Excise Act, many distilleries hid in the remote valleys and exploited the region s natural resources. Even before legalisation, the unofficially produced distillate from Speyside was in great demand. King George IV is said to have taken a liking to it during his visit to Scotland in 1822, which increased the popularity of Highland whiskies. After 1823, many legal distilleries were established, often in the same places where distillation had previously taken place in secret. The region quickly developed into a centre of whisky production and is home to the famous Malt Whisky Trail, a tourist route linking eight renowned distilleries and a traditional cooperage.
Speyside whiskies are generally known for their soft and fruity character with little to no peaty notes and the classic flavours of fresh fruit with apple, pear, sultanas and citrus as well as vanilla, caramel and honey, which are composed into complex, elegant and sophisticated single malt whiskies and are considered to be extremely elegant. With appropriate age, they develop a sweet and spicy flavour with a hint of dried fruit, which is often enhanced by ageing in selected and aromatic sherry casks and ensures particularly complex aromas. Although the majority of Speyside whiskies are not heavily peated, there are exceptions such as Benromach, which also produce smoky variants, emphasising the diversity of the region.
The sheer number of distilleries in Speyside results in a wide range of styles and flavours. From light, floral whiskies to rich, complex drams, there is something for everyone. Speyside whiskies are also considered a good introduction to the wonderful world of single malt whiskies due to their approachable and balanced character.
