Speyside, Scotland

The Speyside whisky region is home to some of the most famous whisky producers in the world, including both Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. In fact, Speyside accounts for one-half of Scotland’s malt distillers and 60% of the nation’s malt whisky production. Glenfiddich is now the world’s best-selling single malt whisky. Together, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan comprise one-third of the entire single-malt market.

One key reason for Speyside’s huge role in the Scotch industry has to do with geography – Speyside is considered to be Scotland’s “grain basket”, and the region boasts an extraordinarily fertile region consisting of rivers, glens and valleys. The rivers provide a clean and abundant water supply, supplemented by snowmelt from the Grampians and natural springs.

Scotland’s single largest flowing river – the Spey – winds through Speyside and is the region’s namesake. Geographically, Speyside is located within the Highlands. However, for whisky purposes, it is considered a completely unique region with its own stylistic differences. That being said, there is still some debate amongst whisky purists about which distilleries are Highland distilleries, and which are Speyside distilleries. In 2009, for example, some famous Speyside distilleries (most notably Glendronach and Ardmore) were reclassified as Highlands distilleries.

History

The real starting point for modern Scotch production in Speyside can be traced back to the 1820’s, when the 1824 Excise Act led to the restructuring of Scotland’s whisky industry and the formation of the first legal distillery in Speyside – the Glenlivet distillery, operated by George Smith and his son John Gordon Smith. Suddenly, Speyside – with its numerous farmers and agrarian traditions – emerged as a rival to the Lowlands as Scotland’s premier distilling center.

In the mid-19th century, other factors – such as the industrialization of Britain, the creation of a truly national rail network, and the rise of coal as a rival fuel source to peat – all paved the way for the development of blended whisky (combining both malt and grain whisky). By the 1890’s, Speyside was producing fruity, malty and medium-boded whiskies that were perfect for blending. Today, the largest distillery in Speyside is the new Roseisle Distillery (owned by Diageo), which opened its doors in 2009.

Flavors and styles

Speyside whiskies are generally characterized as having one of two different styles. On one hand, there are light, grassy whiskies sometimes known as “lunchtime whiskies.” A great example here would be Glenlivet. On the other hand, there are rich, sweet, and sherry-like whiskies, such as Glenrothes and Macallan. The typical character and style of Speyside whisky can include notes of apple, vanilla, oak, malt, nutmeg and dried fruit.

Visiting Speyside

Today, there are more than 50 whisky distilleries in Speyside, and half of them are open to the public for tours and tastings. Two of the more notable distilleries – Glenfiddich and Glenlivet – are free. In addition, the region now offers the Malt Whisky Trail, which features some of the more distinctive and picturesque distilleries. This Trail also includes attractions such as Speyside Cooperage, which specializes in cask making and cask repair. In fact, Speyside Cooperage now refurbishes close to 100,000 casks every year.

Speyside also boasts Scotland’s largest whisky bar, the Quaich Bar at the Craigellachie Hotel. This bar has available for tasting nearly 1,000 different single malt whiskies. Another notable attraction is the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, which offers courses, restaurant tastings and whisky shop. This attraction is located on the Royal Mile, making it a must-visit for any serious Scotch whisky enthusiast.