Scotch whisky is one of the world’s most revered spirits — and part of that allure comes from the rich geographical tapestry of its production. Scotland’s whisky industry is traditionally divided into five major regions: Speyside, Highland, Islay, Campbeltown, and Lowland. Each region offers a distinctive style shaped by landscape, water, peat and centuries of distilling expertise.
Below, we take you through each region, showcase some of its most iconic distilleries, and highlight Precious Liquors bottlings that represent these areas in remarkable fashion.
🥇 Speyside — The Heart of Scotch Whisky
Speyside is the most densely populated whisky region in Scotland, producing more than half of Scotland’s total whisky output and known for elegant, fruity single malts.
Notable Speyside distilleries:
1. Glenfiddich
2. Glenlivet
3. Macallan
4. Aberlour
5. Balvenie
6. Cragganmore
7. Benromach
8. Strathisla
9. Benrinnes
10. Tomintoul
11. Glenallachie
12. Speyburn
Precious Liquors bottlings from Speyside:
· Corporal Wojtek Vol. 1 Benrinnes 2011 13 year-old PrLi — a classic Speyside expression highlighting rich fruit and spice.
· Corporal Wojtek Vol. 2 Speyside 12 year-old PrLi — a robust and punchy Speyside expression, dry fruit and nutty explosion.
· DNC Braeval 1989 34 year-old PrLi — elegantly aged with nuanced character.
· Tamdhu 1988 32 year-old PrLi— robust, complex sherry malt. One of the oldest Tamdhu ever released.
· Speyside Distillery 24 year-old PrLi — beautifully mature single malt representation from the region.
· Mortlach 12yo Hunter Laing for PrLi — fruit bomb with spicy twist.
· Macallan 1989 30 year-old PrLi — an extremely rare independent bottling from Macallan’s Bourbon hogshead cask, with very limited bottles released worldwide.
These Precious Liquors independent bottlings showcase Speyside’s breadth — from evolving orchard fruit and honeyed spice to deeply mature single cask rarities.
Speyside whiskies tend to showcase honeyed fruit, vanilla spice and smooth character, making them great introductions to Scotch whisky.
🏔️ Highland — Vast & Varied
The Highland region is Scotland’s largest by area, stretching from the rugged north through rolling valleys. Its whiskies span a broad range of styles — from light and floral to full-bodied and spicy — reflecting the diversity of landscapes and distilling traditions across the area.
Prominent Highland distilleries:
1. Glenmorangie
2. Dalmore
3. Oban
4. Dalwhinnie
5. GlenDronach
6. Clynelish
7. Ben Nevis
8. Tomatin
9. Old Pulteney
10. Royal Lochnagar
11. Ardnamurchan
12. Glenglassaugh
Precious Liquors-related bottlings associated with Highland whiskies:
· Mayuka Yamamoto Clynelish 1996 PrLi – A classic Highland single malt independently bottled by Precious Liquors. Distilled in 1996 and matured into a beautifully expressive whisky, this limited release (318 bottles) showcases the waxy, coastal style Clynelish is known for and scores highly among enthusiasts.
· Glenglassaugh 5 year-old PX Cask Claxton’s for PrLi – A vibrant Highland malt finished in Pedro Ximénez casks, selected and bottled specifically for Precious Liquors. This expression delivers rich fruit, spice and subtle maritime influence, demonstrating the dynamic range of modern Highland whisky.
Highland whiskies are prized for their expressive depth, often marrying spice, heather honey, coastal saltiness, and robust complexity in ways that make the region one of the most fascinating for both new and seasoned whisky lovers.
🌊 Islay — Peat & Smoke Paradise
Islay is renowned for its bold, intensely peated single malts shaped by island peat bogs and temperate maritime climate. Its styles range from medicinal and smoky to subtle and briny.
Key Islay distilleries:
1. Ardbeg
2. Laphroaig
3. Lagavulin
4. Bruichladdich
5. Bunnahabhain
6. Caol Ila
7. Port Ellen (historic/rebuilt)
8. Kilchoman
9. Bowmore
10. (newer distillery) North Uist Distillery — reaching beyond traditional footprint.
Precious Liquors bottlings tied to smoky expressions:
· Caol Ila 11-year-old PrLi — peaty, coastal and intensely characterful.
· Bunnahabhain 1981 41-year-old PrLi — classical peat strongman, complex and firmly serried.
Islay whiskies are beloved by lovers of smoke, iodine, campfire, and ocean-influenced profiles.
🥃 Campbeltown — Small but Mighty
Once the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown now supports only a handful of distilleries on Scotland’s Kintyre peninsula, yet its whiskies are distinctive and rich with character.
Campbeltown’s operating distilleries:
1. Springbank
2. Glen Scotia
3. Glengyle (Kilkerran)
While fewer in number, Campbeltown distilleries produce bold, maritime-influenced whiskies that appeal to fans of complexity and depth.
Precious Liquors bottling from this region:
· Springbank 1993 PrLi – A rare independent bottling of Springbank single malt selected and released by Precious Liquors. Distilled in 1993 and aged for 28 years, this Campbeltown whisky delivers classic Springbank complexity with rich character and excellent review scores, making it a standout example of the region’s pedigree.
This expression highlights how Precious Liquors brings exceptional independent bottlings from Campbeltown to collectors and whisky lovers, even from a region with relatively few producers.
🌾 Lowland — Light, Floral & Elegant
The Lowlands historically produced lighter, floral style whiskies that are perfect for gentle introductions to Scotch. Recently, new distilleries have reinvigorated the region’s profile.
Notable Lowland distilleries:
1. Auchentoshan
2. Bladnoch
3. Glenkinchie
4. Annandale
5. Lindores Abbey
6. Ailsa Bay
7. Clydeside
8. Borders
9. Eden Mill
10. Kingsbarns
Again, no current Precious Liquors bottlings are listed from Lowland distilleries, but the region’s elegant and accessible style makes it a valuable part of any whisky education.
🏝️ Bonus: Islands (Unspecified by SWA)
While not officially a separate region under current Scotch Whisky Regulations, the Islands’ whiskies (Orkney, Skye, Mull, Jura, Harris, Raasay) often deserve their own spotlight thanks to distinctive maritime influences.
Notable Island distilleries:
1. Highland Park (Orkney)
2. Scapa (Orkney)
3. Talisker (Skye)
4. Isle of Harris (Harris)
5. Jura (Jura)
6. Tobermory/Ledaig (Mull)
7. Raasay (Raasay)
These whiskies express salt air, brine and sea spray but retain a wide range of character.
Conclusion
Scotland’s whisky regions form a rich mosaic of styles and heritage, from the fruit-forward elegance of Speyside to the smoky power of Islay and the refined lightness of the Lowlands. Whether you’re building a collection, exploring regional expression, or chasing rare bottlings, understanding these regions and the distilleries that define them adds depth to every dram.