Highland vs Speyside – a tale of two regions – The Whisky Exchange Whisky Blog

Stuart compares the two key regions of Scotch whisky – Highland vs Speyside – and explains why generalisations about each area's whisky are meaningless. Our latest monthly focus is all about the Highland and Speyside regions: the two key whisky areas in Scotland. A lot of whisky guides talk about them having their own distinct style, but we think it’s rather misleading, mainly because of the huge diversity of whisky styles found in both regions. Many people talk about ‘rugged’ Highland malts – well, I’d give them a glass of floral and grassy Inchmurrin. And if others try to tell me that Speyside is all about elegance and soft fruit, I’d suggest they try something meaty and full-bodied from Craigellachie or Mortlach. The fact is that both regions are capable of producing light, elegant whiskies as well as rich, full-bodied drams and even peaty versions, too.