Aldi
and Lidl Scotch Whiskies Retail Around $15 Per Bottle
ALDI
Aldi
(Albrecht Diskont) is the common brand of two family-owned German discount
supermarket chains with over 10,000 stores in 20 countries. The chains operate as
two financially
and legally separate groups, Aldi Nord
and Süd. Aldi Nord operates in Denmark, France, the Benelux countries, Portugal, Spain and Poland, while Aldi Süd operates in Ireland, Great Britain, Hungary, Switzerland, Australia, China,
Italy, Austria and Slovenia.
Both Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd also operate in the US
with 1,600 stores as of 2017 (the only country to have both of Aldi's
subsidiaries operating outside of Germany).
Aldi is the largest wine
retailer in Germany and sells low cost alcohol. It manufactures several brands
of whiskies, mainly Scotch Whisky. Four of Aldi’s Whiskies have been named
among the best in the world for the second consecutive year at the highly
acclaimed global competition Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters. The
award-winning whiskies include Aldi Highland Malt Black Scotch Whisky, Glen
Marnoch Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt
Scotch Whisky and Aldi Hogwash Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.
LIDL
Lidl is part of the Schwarz Group, the fifth-largest retailer in the world with sales of €104.3 billion (2018).
This German global discount supermarket chain
operates over 10,000 stores across Europe and the United States. Lidl is the
chief rival of Aldi in several markets, including the US. There are Lidl stores
in every member state of the European Union. Lidl stores are also present in
Switzerland, Serbia and the United States.
Lidl's Queen Margot, an
eight-year blended Scotch whisky, took home a category win for "Scotch
Blended 12 Years & Under." The whisky beat out competition from
industry giants (and far pricier bottles) including Johnnie Walker Black Label
and Chivas Regal.
All these whiskies are
sold at prices ranging between one half to one third of the pricier global
Scotch Whiskies. Somebody is taking the common man for a ride!
Watch this space. A review or two of Grade A whiskies will follow anon.
ADDENDA
ALDI
In 1913, Anna Albrecht opened a small grocery store in Essen, Germany, while her husband was employed as a miner. Soon after WWII, her sons, Karl and Theo Albrecht took over. Under the brothers' leadership, the business expanded rapidly, growing from a single store to 13 locations across the Ruhr Valley by 1950. By 1960, there were 300 stores in Germany. In the mid-1960s, the Albrecht brothers had a disagreement over whether or not the company should sell cigarettes. To settle the dispute, they divided the company into Albrecht Diskont Nord and Albrecht Diskont Süd.
In 1962, they introduced the name Aldi (a syllabic abbreviation for Albrecht Diskont). In Germany, Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd have been financially and legally separate since 1966, although both divisions' names may appear as if they were a single enterprise with certain store brands or when negotiating with contractor companies. The formal business name of Aldi Nord is Aldi Einkauf GmbH & Co., while the formal business name of Aldi Süd is ALDI SÜD Dienstleistungs-SE & Co. Each company is owned and operated independently, but they do have contractual business with one another. Between them, they run discount supermarket chains operating over 13,400 stores in 18 countries.
Internationally, Aldi Nord operates in Belgium, Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain, while Aldi Süd operates in Australia, Austria, China, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. In Austria and Slovenia, Aldi operates stores under the Hofer brand. Aldi is the largest wine retailer in Germany.
LIDL
Lidl is a German international discount retailer chain that operates over 12,000 stores, present in every member state of the European Union, Serbia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Headquartered in Neckarsulm, Baden-Württemberg, the company belongs to the Schwarz Group, which also includes hypermarket chain Kaufland. Lidl is the chief competitor of the German discount chain Aldi in several markets.
In 1930, Josef Schwarz became a partner in a company based in Heilbronn named Südfrüchte Großhandlung Lidl & Co. which had been established since at least 1858 under the name A.Lidl & Cie. Schwarz renamed the company Lidl & Schwarz KG and expanded into a food wholesaler.
In 1977, under his son Dieter Schwarz, the Schwarz Group began to focus on discount markets, larger supermarkets, and cash and carry wholesale markets. Dieter did not want to use the name Schwarz-Markt (literally "black market") and managed to legally acquire the name Lidl. Lidl is thus part of the Schwarz Group, the fifth-largest retailer in the world with sales of €104.3 billion (2018).
The first Lidl discount store was opened in 1973, copying the Aldi concept. Schwarz rigorously removed merchandise that did not sell from the shelves, and cut costs by keeping the size of the retail outlets as small as possible. By 1977, the Lidl chain comprised 33 discount stores. As of 2024, Lidl has a presence with nearly 13,000 stores in 31 countries. The Lidl group sells a wide selection of wines as well as a range of spirits such as whisky, gin, rum, and brandy.
SHERRIED & PEATED WHISKIES START ARRIVING FOR THE BIG DAY
We’re on the path to
Christmas now so it’s a good time for buyers to revisit their whisky ranges.
There has been a lot of noise about also some global options, including bourbon
from the US. But will the popularity of these overshadow Scotch this festive
season?
Research suggests this
won’t be the case. A report by Edrington-Beam Suntory, which sources data from
CGA and Nielsen, predicts single malt Scotch will be one of the growth sectors
in whisky throughout this year and into the next decade. It predicts value sales
will grow, making single malt a £408 million category by the end of this year,
increasing to £439 million by 2022. These are contingent upon Brexit and UK-USA
relations thereafter, specifically concerning the 25% import tariff levied by the Trump admin on Single Malt Whisky since this October.
Even so, The Whisky Yearbook states that while single malt Scotch and US whisky will see value
growing ahead of volume, indicating premiumisation, blended Scotch whisky will
experience a fall in both value and volume over the same period. This is being
driven in part by more accessible whisky on offer attracting new drinkers to
single malt and encouraging blended whisky drinkers to trade up.
The Diageo opinion is that Scotch has well and truly captured the hearts of
consumers and they are becoming more and more interested in exploring the
whisky category in depth. They feel that the versatility of Scotch means it can be enjoyed in many ways and in all seasons – whether savoured neat, on the rocks, or as
the base of a cocktail.”
The brand launched its
Make Your Own Rules campaign last year to challenge traditional myths
surrounding Scotch. Suggestions for retailers on how to help communicate this
to consumers include the idea of placing recipe cards alongside the spirit on
shelf. In the Diageo portfolio is Johnnie Walker Blue Label, which the producer
highlights as a must-stock for Christmas.
THE SIGNATURE RANGE: Over the past 12
months the company has seen good sales of Benriach, Glendronach and
Glenglassaugh since being appointed distributor of these brands in August 2018.
The core range from each of these distilleries has been selling well, with
Glendronach 12 Year Old and the two 10-year- old (peated and unpeated) Benriach
whiskies proving to be “hugely popular”.
Sherried whiskies sell
well during the festive season while another trend to keep note of is a
customer desire to understand provenance and the brand’s story. Scotch is not a
sector that shies away from innovation and there have been a number of launches
and expressions this year for retailers to consider stocking. Just last month
the Glasgow Distillery launched its 1770 Glasgow Peated Release No1.
Other recent launches are
designed to help new single malt drinkers navigate the category. William
Grant’s Aerstone focuses on the impact of maturation and malting on flavour. It
is available in two expressions: Sea Cask 10 Year Old and Land Cask 10 Year
Old. The range showcases two different styles of whisky under the same brand
and clear descriptions on each pack are aimed at helping consumers to
understand their flavours.
Sea Cask, for example, is
described as “smooth and easy”, and is a classic Speyside- style single malt,
while Land Cask is a “rich and smoky” peated malt.
PAUL JOHN CHRISTMAS EDITION 2019: India, too, is looking forward to Christmas. For the
second time Paul John presents a Christmas edition. It is a slightly smoky
single malt, bottled at 46% vol and limited to 3000 worldwide. Orange blossom,
baked apples, raisins, dried plums - the idea of how Christmas tastes is
probably similar all over the world. The fruity and spicy aromas are not least
the result of a finish in PX sherry casks; they are supplemented by a hint of
smoke.
BIG PEAT CHRISTMAS EDITION 2019: One
of the best known and most popular Christmas releases is the Big Peat Christmas
Edition, which has been delighting friends of smoky whiskies since 2009. The
annual cask strength variation of Douglas Laing's beloved Blended Malts is
always a very special eye-catcher: Every year the beautiful designed box and
label show the famous Big Peat man in a new winter scene. This year he rolls a
cask out of the warehouse in a snowstorm. The Big Peat Christmas Edition 2019
is batched from single malts from Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and other
distilleries. The whisky was bottled uncoloured and without chill filtration at
53.7% ABV.
GLENFARCLAS CHRISTMAS EDITION 2019: The Glenfarclas Christmas Edition 2019 is a marriage
of whisky matured in eight Oloroso sherry casks. It was bottled at 46% vol,
limited to 3,000 bottles. The whisky was neither coloured nor chill-filtered.
Not only the small picture of a snow-covered landscape and distillery on the
label marks the seasonal theme, but also the tasting notes, honey, gingerbread, spices,
fruit flavors, etc., somehow give us a Christmas feeling.
MAKER'S MARK HOLIDAY EDITION 2019:
This special edition of Maker's Mark doesn’t show up as a "Christmas
Edition" and is called "Holiday Edition" instead, but the
snowflake decor undoubtedly gives a clear hint which holiday is meant. Maker's
Mark Holiday Edition is not a new whisky, it’s the classic Red Seal with a
special design.
KILCHOMAN SANAIG:
The west coast of Islay, from Portnahaven to Sanaigmore, is regularly battered
by strong Atlantic storms. These high winds and rough seas have carved into the
coastline to dramatic effect, none more so than at the north-western tip where Kilchoman’s
Sanaig release has gained its name.
It’s more than a decade
now since Anthony Wills founded ‘Islay’s farm distillery’, and Kilchoman has
built a loyal following for the linear purity of its peated whiskies, which are
utterly delicious from an early age.
Originally released in
France, Sanaig was given a wider release in 2016. Sanaig, true to its rugged site,
balances Kilchoman’s trademark smoke – briny, supple in the mid-palate – with
the rich dried fruit of Sherry casks and the sweet lift of Bourbon barrels. The
high proportion of oloroso sherry casks create a unique balance of fragrant heather, raisins, pear and orange peel with waves of stoned fruits, mixed spices and rich peat smoke across the nose; over ripe plums, red cherries and hints of citrus give way to rich barbeque peat smoke, toffee, oak and dark chocolate infusing the palate and mouth-coating mixed fruit, caramel, cinnamon and clove with layers of brown sugar, spices, peat smoke and lasting sweetness lingering on through the finish.
LAPHROAIG 10 YEARS OLD: Is it the ‘Marmite’ of single malt Scotch whisky? The
story goes that Laphroaig was at one point one of the the only four 'medicinal' Scotch whiskies available
over-the-counter at pharmacies during US Prohibition because the authorities
couldn’t believe that anyone would want to drink it for pleasure. Forget the naysayers; if
the smoky, peaty style is your thing then this whisky from Islay’s coast – with
a certain medicinal quality and a hint of sea-salt from the waves crashing
around the warehouse – is worth a go.
GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES TRADITIONALLY PEATED WHISKY
Brown-Forman's GlenDronach
Distillery has launched a peated expression of its Highland Single Malt Scotch
Whisky, called Traditionally Peated,
a rare peated expression of the Highland Single Malt, which is best known for
its unpeated sherry cask maturation style.
GlenDronach Traditionally
Peated was created to honour the traditional method of drying malted barley
over burning peat, as used by distillery founder James Allardice. This whisky
uses spirit matured in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso Sherry and Port casks.
A complex single malt, it presents
its characteristic notes with the addition of coal-smoked barley. Bottled at
48% ABV, the whisky is non-chill filtered and has absorbed colour naturally
over time from the Spanish oak in which it resides. This expression is
available worldwide in the off-premise channel, from specialist spirits
retailers with an RRP of around GBP 50.
The GlenDronach Traditionally Peated offers connoisseurs a rare opportunity to explore the distillery’s rich depths of sherry cask maturation, whilst paying homage to the robust peat-smoked earthy character of the early 19th century. This wonderful single malt presents notes of Highland toffee, dark honey and coal-smoked barley. Burnt orange and treacle glide over the palate, on a base of cloves and smoked bramble. Liquorice and dark fruits linger and intensify into the rich and earthy finish.
CHRISTMAS MALT 2019 FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE
10
Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl/54.2%: As has become
traditional, The Whisky Exchange has selected a special whisky for Christmas 2019
that you won’t find anywhere else. A 2696-bottle Limited Edition, delicate and
refined 10-year-old single malt from Linkwood distillery, it has an underlying
depth and complexity, with ripples of fruit and festive spice thanks to maturation
in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Packed with sweetness and gentle spice,
the unpeated Christmas Malt is a well-rounded and fruity Speyside whisky, an
offering with wishes for a merry Christmas.
LAGAVULIN 12 YEAR OLD SPECIAL RELEASE 2019 (70CL, 56.5%)
In 1742 there were at
least ten illicit stills at Lagavulin, and it would be another 74 years until
local farmer John Johnston founded the first legal distillery, in sight of
Dunyvaig Castle. Its name may have changed over the years, but the quiet power
of peat and smoke that pervades this masculine malt has not.
The yearly Special Release
of Lagavulin 12 Year Old is always a treat, and 2019 does not disappoint. This
is a natural cask strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky with great depth of taste
from the essential Islay Lagavulin. Widely diverse in nature yet direct in
appeal, it’s both complex and rewarding and simply a delight to drink. With
minerality bursting into fruit and layers of classic Islay smoke, it perfectly
expresses the distillery character. Add to it that pinch of sea salt - and this
year, a bird of prey on the label! 'Rare by Nature' indeed. And the perfect dram
for Christmas…
GLASGOW DISTILLERY 1770 PEATED
Following the launch of its unpeated 1770 Single Malt Whisky last year, the Glasgow Distillery Company
has now introduced its second whisky line: 1770 Peated. For the first time in
almost a hundred years, a whisky distilled in Glasgow, The 1770, was on the
market again. The 2014-born company had released 26, 27 and 28 YO Prometheus
Single Malt Whisky editions as an independent bottler from casks bought from an
unnamed distillery in Speyside.
1770 Peated was matured in
first fill sherry casks before undergoing a finish in fresh oak casks. The
whisky was distilled in the two pot stills Tara and Mhairi, which, together
with Annie, formed the three- still Glasgow Distillery. Those three were joined
recently by Margaret and Francis, raising the current production capacity to
around 440,000 litres a year.
LEDAIG 2005 : 13 YEARS OLD SINGLE MALTS OF
SCOTLAND Island
Single Malt Scotch Whisky Bottled by Elixir Distillers 70cl / 57.3%
Made in 2005 at Tobermory
distillery on the picturesque Hebridean Isle of Mull, this is a smoky and sweet
2005 Ledaig single malt. Its name comes from the original name for the area,
Ledaig (Led-chig), from the Gaelic, meaning ‘safe haven’. Ledaig, unlike
Tobermory, is distilled from heavily peated malted barley. This new make was distilled on 23rd October 2005 and matured in a single sherry butt, #900163, for 13 years, before being bottled by indie bottler Elixir Distillers. Aromas of rich bonfire smoke, pinecones, nutmeg, cinnamon and loose-leaf tea
fill the nose. The palate offers notes of earthy peat, sweet tobacco, vanilla
pods and cherry cough drops.
LOCH LOMOND GROUP ISLAND
COLLECTION – INCHMOAN VINTAGE 1992: For the connoisseur….
Based in the Highlands, a Loch Lomond Distillery was first established in Arrochar in 1814, but closed three years later. The present business was established in 1964, with production beginning in 1965. While relatively young for a whisky distiller, it is already producing impressive aged malts. This 1992 Inchmoan peated single malt was distilled in 1992 and matured in bourbon barrels.
This Inchmoan has been given 25 years to mature before being bottled at an approachable 48.6% strength. It’s heavily peated at 50 ppm and the majority of the spirit comes from the Inchmurrin stills on site at the distillery with the addition of some the Loch Lomond pot still distillate for complexity.
LAGAVULIN 2001 DISTILLERS EDITION SCOTCH:
The smoothness is incredible, with a persistent honeyed
sherry undertone (it’s finished in casks that previously held Pedro Ximenez, a
white Spanish grape variety) and absolutely no burn. It’s a great all-rounder, and
a brilliant blend of classic Islay peat smoke and raisin-like dark sweetness.
It also tastes more expensive – smooth, silky and complex – than many of the
pricier bottles around.
SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB REGAL WHISKY:
An insanely peaty, smoky
Islay single malt matured in oloroso casks for an undisclosed amount of time,
there is a good dose of sweet, sticky sherry, clove and dried fruit to be found
if you can get past the BBQ-levels of smoke. A powerful sipping whisky that also
easily holds its own in mixed drinks and cocktails.
GLEN MARNOCH ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY:This bottle is a prime example of an Islay single malt
that does what it says on the tin: it’s extremely peaty and you really get the
taste of the sea in there too with a salty sweetness and herbal seaweed notes.
It’s smokey in a mellow way and easy to see how this has picked up a few awards
over the years. It tastes at least three times the price it is.
HIGHLAND PARK TRISKELION: Highland Park introduced the new Triskelion NAS well in
time for Christmas. A total of one hundred years of expertise in whisky making
came together for the creation of the Triskelion, combining the expertise of
the three Highland Park Master Whisky Makers Gordon Motion, Max McFarlane and
John Ramsay. These three decided to keep the expression NAS.
Whisky from three different types of casks was batched for the Highland Park Triskelion; to a high amount these were first-fill casks: sherry seasoned Spanish oak, sherry seasoned
American oak and bourbon barrels. A small number of refill casks has been added
for a little higher degree of softness. The limited whisky was bottled at 45.1%
ABV. The result is a complex and full-bodied expression of Highland Park – a vibrant union of tangy Seville oranges, sultanas and raisins, sweet apricots, heather honey, stomped coriander seeds, and aromatic peat smoke. As full of character as its three creators.
The name Triskelion refers
to the symbolic representation of the horn Triskelion, a Celtic symbol showing
three inter-locking horns. According to Celtic mythology, they contained the
mead of poetry and gave the power of words, speech and wisdom to everyone who
drank from this mead. Odin managed to ensnare the giantess Gunnlöò, the keeper
of the horns, and not only to drink from them, but to empty them. A few drops
fell down into our mortal world when Odin escaped in the guise of an eagle.
They were the seed for poetic inspiration here on earth.
Nosing the Triskelion made me think of milk chocolate, vanilla, and a touch of spice. I tasted a whisky that slowly started to warm up as I swirled it around, offering a gently increasing, though still subtle burn in the front of my mouth. I can only describe it as delicately creamy, lightly smoked, with a hint of freshness at the end. Not as oily as I expected it to be, and a perfect combination in my opinion: smoke, cream, and fresh touch, beautifully brought together in one dram. Additional tasting revealed hints of grape juice, perhaps even figs? A hint of caramel? There's a lot going on! After I had finished my tasting session, I still had a lovely smoky impression in my mouth, the 'ghost of the dram', with a tinge of tobacco, right at the end.
Hoping to cash in on its
lucrative partnership with HBO once more, Diageo is rolling out a limited
number of Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 15 Years, called Six
Kingdoms, in select retailers and Amazon in time for Christmas.
The whisky, which was
produced as part of Diageo’s ongoing partnership with HBO, pays tribute to the
fate of the fictional nation of Westeros, whose long-held Seven Kingdoms
ultimately became six at the end of the show’s climactic battle for the Iron
Throne. The liquid itself has been matured in first-fill sherry-seasoned casks
and finished in American Oak ex-bourbon casks.
It is the ninth, and
final, whisky Diageo has made to tie into the hit TV series. The drinks giant
launched a Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection at the start of
2019, featuring eight Scotch whiskies; seven paired with one of the Houses of
Westeros, and one with the “Night’s Watch”, guarding the wall in the
far north of the empire.
It also launched a limited
edition White Walker by Johnnie Walker blend in 2018, before adding two more to
the Johnnie Walker brand in August this year.
The Game of Thrones whiskies helped the company to boost its net sales this year to £12.9 billion.
This new whisky is called
the Six Kingdoms, 46% ABV at $145-150 for a 75 cl bottle. In the UK, it is more
expensive at GBP 130 for a 70 cl bottle. Six Kingdoms is inspired by the finale
of the show and pays tribute to the fate of fictional continent Westeros, when
the fictitious realm’s Seven Kingdoms became six after the North became
independent under queen Sansa Stark.
The new whisky has been
matured in first-fill Sherry-seasoned casks and finished in American oak ex-Bourbon
casks. It is said to have a fruity character and a “bold, smooth taste with
notes of vanilla and spice”.
The expression is recommended served neat, over ice or with a small amount of water, which “develops the fresh fruit characters”. At 46% ABV, I would suggest a teaspoonful of cool water to open it up fully.
Speyside distillery
Mortlach, which was built on the site of a historic battle, is thought to be
Dufftown’s first legal distillery. George Cowie took over ownership of the
distillery in 1853.
According to Diageo, Cowie
and his son Alexander were “integral influences” for both the distillery and
community. Alexander developed Mortlach’s signature method of distilling the
liquid 2.81 times – a process said to be as unique as the show’s Three-Eyed
Raven character.
The whisky is presented in
a metallic gold canister featuring a pen and ink drawing of the Three-Eyed
Raven. The design pays homage to the independence of the north, granted by Bran
Stark, who served as the Three-Eyed Raven. He was chosen as king of the Six
Kingdoms in the finale, and could look beyond the
boundaries of time and space in the GoT series.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Deep amber Nose: quite rich and sweet, with layers of buttery biscuits, sweet apples and stewed peaches, as well as some raisins and mineral notes underneath. Dried flowers, some leather and orange peel. Almonds. It’s waxy and slightly meaty, but not overdone, with a well dosed amount of bourbon roundness Palate:a rather weighty body, with plenty of sweetness at first. Stewed apples, slightly burnt brown sugar and toffee, oak and the attendant vanilla cream. Then it becomes nuttier with a layer of baking spice (black pepper and nutmeg) and more oak. Orange peels. Hints of salted chocolate
Finish: fairly long, more sweetness and spice. Toffee and pepper with a burnt edge Overall: An enjoyable Mortlach, with or without the link to Game of Thrones. The bourbonny sweetness makes it a little unexpected, but doesn’t affect its completeness.
“We saw an overwhelmingly
positive response to the launch of the Game of Thrones Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection and as Game of Thrones fans continue to explore both the world of whisky and the world of Westeros, we are proud to introduce the final addition to the collection,” said Kavita Agarwal, Diageo global brand director, malts. “Mortlach is one of our most sought-after super-premium single malts, a relatively rare brand and seemed fitting as the perfect finale to complete the collection.”
The first part of Diageo and HBO's combo to produce eight bottles featuring the Game of Thrones story has been placed at this link.
The
practice of distilling whisky has been lovingly perfected throughout Scotland
for centuries and began as a way of turning rain-soaked barley into a drinkable
spirit, using the fresh water from Scotland's crystal-clear springs, streams
and burns.
To
this day, distilleries across the country continue the tradition of using pure
spring water from the same sources that have been used for centuries.
From
the source of the water and the shape of the still to the wood of the cask used
to mature the spirit, there are many factors that make Scotch whisky so
wonderfully different and varied from distillery to distillery.
No
two are the same; each has its own proud heritage, unique setting and its own
way of doing things that has evolved and been refined over time. Paying a visit
to a distillery lets you discover more about the environment and the people who
shape the taste of the Scotch whisky you enjoy. So, when you're sitting back
and relaxing with a dram of our most famous export at the end of your
distillery tour, you'll be appreciating the essence of Scotland as it swirls in
your glass.
Home to the greatest concentration of distilleries in the world, Scotland is divided
into five distinct whisky regions. These are Islay, Speyside, Highland, Lowland
and Campbeltown.
Campbeltown
With just three working distilleries, Campbeltown is Scotland's smallest whisky-producing region. While some argue this doesn't warrant it being designated a whisky region, its single malts boast unique characteristics that
have a devoted following.
In
its heyday, this small Kintyre harbour town was a prolific producer with more
than 30 legal distilleries, earning it the moniker of 'whisky capital of the
world' - later conferred on Dufftown in Speyside.
With
ample pasture, peat bogs and coal mines, and many farms growing barley,
Campbeltown distillers had all the resources they needed. It became a whisky
boomtown in the 1800s, thanks largely to its bustling port.
It
became a victim of its own popularity though: demand was so great that
distilleries couldn't keep up and ultimately the quality fell. When rival
Speyside was connected to the newly built railways in the north, allowing
superior quality spirit to reach the market more quickly, Campbeltown fell
into further decline.
Nowadays,
the remaining distilleries produce whisky with unusual characteristics.
Although local sources are depleted, peat from Tomintoul in the Highlands
ensures the single malts retain their smoky palate. The sea mists from the Mull
of Kintyre provide a maritime flavour.
DISTILLERIES
01
Glen Scotia Distillery
02
Glengyle/Kilkerran Distillery
03
Springbank Distillery
Lowland
With
miles of farmland and neat woodlands, the Lowlands is one of the most charming
and accessible whisky regions in Scotland. Encompassing Edinburgh, Glasgow and
Fife, it reaches from the Highland/Lowland divide down to the Borders and
Dumfries & Galloway, and west to Ayrshire and Arran.
The
mild climate and flat land make it ideal for growing barley, and it is famous
for light, unpeated whiskies - the 'Lowland Ladies' - known for their sweet,
grassy notes and gentle style.
Although
many of the historic distilleries here declined in the 18th and 19th centuries
due to growing demand for blended whisky, which favoured robust single malts, a
few long-established single-malt distilleries remain open. Several have opened
in recent years, and there are five high-volume grain distilleries, producing
whiskies used in some of the most famous blends.
Take
advantage of the Lowlands' great transport links to learn how new single malts
are created at an artisan distillery, or visit a long-established distillery to
discover more about historic production methods.
The
A.D. Rattray Whisky Experience in Kirkoswald has a vast selection of malts and
you can fill your own bottle straight from a cask. You could also learn about
whisky-making on a 'barrel ride' at the Scotch Whisky Experience, on
Edinburgh's Royal Mile, home of the world's largest whisky collection.
DISTILLERIES
01
Ailsa Bay Distillery
02
Annandale Distillery
03
Auchentoshan Distillery
04
Bladnoch Distillery
05
Cameronbridge Distillery
06
Daftmill Distillery
07
Eden Mill Distillery
08
Girvan Distillery
09
Glenkinchie Distillery
10
Kingbarns Distillery
11
North British Distillery
12
Starlaw Distillery
13
Strathclyde Distillery
NEW
DISTILLERIES 2017
01 Aberargie Distillery
02
Clydeside Distillery
03
Glasgow Distillery Co.
04
Lindores Abbey Distillery
Islay
Islay,
off Scotland's west coast, is just 25 miles long. Its rocky bays and sheltered
inlets house eight active distilleries and has long been crowned Scotland's
'whisky land'.
Most
of its original distilleries – some long since lost to history – started as
farm distilleries, and retreated to secluded glens and caves when excise duty
was introduced in the 17th century. In actual fact, the exciseman didn't dare set foot on Islay for over 150 years because of the islanders' fearsome reputation, but don't worry nowadays they
are well-known for their warm hospitality.
According to legend, monks first brought the art of whisky distilling here from Ireland,
which on a good day you can see from the south-west coast. They found Islay
ideal for distilling whisky thanks to the abundance of peat, spring water and
barley.
The peat distinguishes Islay's single malts from those of other regions. Burned in
kilns to dry the malted barley, it has been formed over millions of years, rich
in decaying mosses, heather and lichens and very different to mainland peat. Centuries of salty spray have penetrated the deep layers of peat and seeped into the warehouses of maturing casks. The resulting malts are pungent, powerful and characterful. Islay single malts are renowned for their smokiness with faint
notes of sea air and seaweed.
Other nearby attractions in Islay:
Machrie Golf Links, RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve, Dunyvaig Castle, Cultoon Stone Circle,
Persabus Pottery Ceramic Café, Bowmore, Port Ellen, Port Askaig, Port
Charlotte.
DISTILLERIES
01
Ardbeg Distillery
02
Bowmore Distillery
03
Kilchoman Distillery
04
Bunnahabhain Distillery
05
Caol Ila Distillery
06
Bruichladdich Distillery
07
Lagavulin Distillery
08
Laphroaig Distillery NEW DISTILLERIES 2018
01
Ardnahoe Distillery: First cask filled 09 Nov 2018, will come on line Nov 2021.
Highlands
Stretching from Orkney in the north to the Isle of Arran in the south and Aberdeenshire to
the Outer Hebrides east to west, the Highland region is the biggest
geographical whisky area in Scotland.
As
a result, its whiskies are not easy to categorise. Broadly speaking, they are
robust, full-bodied single malts that also embrace individual characteristics
depending on the distillery and location. Some are peaty or smoky, and some are
powerful, but others, such as those produced at Dalwhinnie, are surprisingly
delicate.
Running
through the volcanic mountain rock of the Highlands, the water here is some of
the purest in Scotland.
If
we contrast the compass points, distilleries in the northern Highlands
generally produce whisky with full-bodied, sweet malts with cereal notes; in
the south, whiskies tend to be lighter, fruity and dry. Single malts from
Aberdeenshire in the east are full-bodied, dry and fruity compared with the
western Highlands, which are peated with strong maritime influences.
The
distilleries on the islands, although officially not recognised as a
sub-region, differ again. Highland Park on Orkney, for instance, is different
to most mainland Highland malts because the 4,000-year-old heathery peat used
to dry its malted barley gives it a sweet smokiness.
DISTILLERIES
01
Aberfeldy Distillery
02
Abhainn Dearg Distillery
03
Arbikie Distillery
04
Ardmore Distillery
05
Ardnamurchan Distillery
06
Balblair Distillery
07
Ben Nevis Distillery
08
Blair Athol Distillery
09
Clynelish Distillery
10
Dalmore Distillery
11
Dalwhinnie Distillery
12
Deanston Distillery
13
Edradour Distillery
14
Fettercairn Distillery
15
Glencadam Distillery
16
GlenDronach Distillery
17
Glen Garioch Distillery
18
Glenglassaugh Distillery
19
Glengoyne Distillery
20
Glenmorangie Distillery
21
Glen Ord Distillery
22
Glenturret Distillery
23
Highland Park Distillery
24
Invergordon Distillery
25
Isle of Arran Lochranza Distillery
26
Isle of Harris Distillery
27
Isle of Jura Distillery
28
Loch Lomond Distillery
29
Macduff Distillery
30
Oban Distillery
31
Pulteney Distillery
32
Royal Brackla Distillery
33
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
34
Scapa Distillery
35
Strathearn Distillery
36
Talisker Distillery
37
Teaninich Distillery
38
Tobermory Distillery
39
Tomatin Distillery
40
Tullibardine Distillery
41
Wolfburn Distillery
NEW DISTILLERIES 2017
01
Dornoch Distillery Co.
02
Isle of Raasay Distillery
03
Lagg Distillery
04
Ncn'ean Distillery
05
Torabhaig Distillery
06
Toulvaddie Distillery
07
Twin River Distillery
Speyside
Speyside is home to some
of Scotland's most beautiful scenery and lush landscapes, as well as roughly
half of the country's distilleries. It is located in the magical Highlands,
east of Inverness, and reaches from the glittering Moray coastline down towards
the Cairngorms National Park.
The region takes its name from the River Spey, and most of its distilleries are in the beautiful surrounding glens.The rich supply of pure water and beautiful inland setting help to produce smooth and complex whiskies that provide an elegant contrast to the salty and heavily peated whiskies from
other regions. Speyside whiskies are characterised by sweet and fruity notes,
ranging from ripe pears to sultanas. Hints of nuts and malt are common, and
some also possess a refined smokiness.
In Speyside you're never far from a distillery. From small-scale producers who handcraft whisky using traditional methods to some of the most famous distilleries in the world, it is the perfect place to learn about the art of whisky creation.
DISTILLERIES
01
Aberlour Distillery
02
Allt-a-bhainne Distillery
03
Auchroisk Distillery
04
Aultmore Distillery
05
Ballindalloch Distillery
06
Balmenach Distillery
07
Balvenie Distillery
08
BenRiach Distillery
09
Benrinnes Distillery
10
Benromach Distillery
11
Braeval (Braes of Glenlivet) Distillery
12
Cardhu Distillery
13
Cragganmore Distillery
14
Craigellachie Distillery
15
Dailuaine Distillery
16
Dallas Dhu : Historic Distillery
17 Dalmunach
Distillery
18 Dufftown
Distillery
19
Glenallachie Distillery
20
Glenburgie Distillery
21
Glendullan Distillery
22
Glen Elgin Distillery
23
Glenfarclas Distillery
24
Glenfiddich Distillery
25
Glen Grant Distillery
26
Glen Keith Distillery
27
Glenlossie Distillery
28
The Glenlivet Distillery
29
Glen Moray Distillery
30
Glen Spey Distillery
31
Glentauchers Distillery
32
Glenrothes Distillery
33
Inchgower Distillery
34
Kininvie Distillery
35
Knockando Distillery
36
Knockdhu Distillery
37
Linkwood Distillery
38
Longmorn Distillery
39
Macallan Distillery
40
Mannochmore Distillery
41 Miltonduff
Distillery
42
Mortlach Distillery
43
Roseisle Distillery
44
Speyburn Distillery
45
Speyside Distillery
46
Strathisla Distillery
47
Strathmill Distillery
48
Tamdhu Distillery
49
Tamnavulin Distillery
50
Tomintoul Distillery
51
Tormore Distillery
NEW DISTILLERIES
01 Inchdairnie Distillery: First output single malt due in 2022-23, for a Macduff blend.
