Scotch Whisky

• There are five official variations of Scotch Whisky: Single Malt, Single Grain, Blended Scotch, Blended Malt, Blended Grain
• Single Malt is distilled from water and malted barley only at a single distillery. It is produced by batch distillation and bottled in Scotland
• Single Grain is similar but may use other malted or un-malted whole cereal grains
• Blended Scotch is a blend of various types of Scotch and possible other neutral grain spirits, coloring and/or flavoring
• Blended Malt Scotch is a blend multiple single malt Scotch whiskies from two or more distilleries.
• Blended Grain is a blend of single grain whiskies from two or more distilleries

Speyside

• Home to the most distilleries of any region in Scotland (or the world) at over 50
• Tend to produce less peaty whiskies and more fruit forward (apple and pear), with vanilla and spice characteristics
• Usually aged in Sherry Casks
• Home to Glenfiddich, Glen Grant, The Glenlivet, Glen Moray Distillery, The Macallan, Tamdhu, Speyburn, Balvenie, Benriach, Benromach, Aberlour

Islay

• 8 distilleries make up this region
• Ardbeg, Ardnahoe, Bowmore, Bruichladdach, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Laphroaig
• Islay is a smalll island, south of mainland Scotland
• Known for heavily peated whiskies resulting in a strong smokey profile

Highland

• The largest area of all regions, resulting in a wider range of characteristics
• Tended to use smaller stills resulting in a richer flavor
• Oban, Aberfeldy, The Glenmorangie, Ardmore, Tullibardine

Lowland

• Located in Southern Scotland and only home to a few distilleries
• Historically, have used coal instead of peat
• Produce lighter, sweeter, more floral whiskies
• Auchentoshen, Bladnoch, Eden Mill, Lochlea
• Often used for blended whisky

Campbeltown

• The smallest Scotch region and home to few distilleries
• Produce smoky, salty, oily whiskies
• Glen Scotia, Glengyle, Springbank

Islands

• Located on the East Coast of Scotland
• They are not an offical Scotch region
• Tend to have salty, peaty flavor profiles
• Highland Park, Talisker, Jura, Tobermory