Whisky Distilleries in Speyside

Speyside is whisky heaven! By far the largest and arguably the most famous of Scotland's whisky regions, this breathtaking area sits in a fertile valley of rivers and secluded glens and is home to over half of Scotland's distilleries.

Speyside is arguably the driest and warmest part of Scotland and the fertile farmlands in and around the region are ideal for growing barley, which when combined with soft local water tumbling down off the mountains, produces some of Scotland's best-loved malt whiskies.

Sample the remarkable flavours of Speyside's fine malts as you explore the region, and follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail™ - the world's ultimate Scotch whisky experience - comprising of nine 'must-visit' sites including seven working distilleries, Dallas Dhu historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage - the only working cooperage in the UK.

Speyside whiskies in a nutshell

• Number of distilleries: 50
• Oldest distillery: Strathisla (1786)
• Most popular distillery: Glenfiddich
• Flavour profile: fruity, sweet, spicy, vanilla
  

Where is the Speyside whisky region?

You'll find Speyside ideally sandwiched between the rugged Highlands in the west, the fertile farmlands of Aberdeenshire in the east and to the north of the Cairngorms National Park. The region takes its name from the River Spey, the main waterway that runs through the area, which is an important asset in the production of Speyside's highly regarded whiskies.

You can find out more and how best to get to and around the region by visiting the Moray Speyside Tourism website.

Speyside Whisky Characteristics

Speyside whiskies are usually lighter and sweeter than other Scotch single malts. These malts are noted in general for their elegance and complexity, sometimes with a refined smokiness but more often a fruitiness ranging from ripe pears to sultanas. It's the pastoral, secluded glens in the area, along with the crystal-clear waters of the River Spey and other local rivers and the warmer climate that combine to produce smooth, complex whiskies with sweet, caramel and fruity notes.