Rare and selected Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Highland Whisky is one of the most diverse whiskys of Scotland which are produced in one of the most famous and beautiful areas of Scotland and are very popular among collectors and whisky connoisseurs. Brands such as Dalmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenmorangie, Tomatin and some more famous distilleries and bottling the closed distilleries as Banff or Brora are alike for liturgy quality and often have a centuries-old tradition. The Highlands region extends north of geological dividing line between Stonehaven and Dumbarton. It is sometimes more in the Central Highlands, which divides Northern Highlands, the Western Highlands and the Eastern Highlands. Highland whiskys are usually strong in flavor and yet quite different. For this reason, the Highlands are not perceived as a large region, but rather as four small but very distinct areas.
Northern Highlands
The north of Scotland is formed by a relatively flat plateau which is drawn towards the Atlantic and the North Sea and of an impressive cliff scenery. The malts of the northern Highlands maintain easy to be strong, have a light body, are quite delicate and offer a varied taste. There are whiskys with complex aromas and a slightly tart finish - sometimes spicy, sometimes with a hint of salt and some smoke. Nearly all distilleries in the northern Highlands are on the coast. The northernmost is Pulteney in Wick in the far north of the Scottish mainland and produces a delicate, fragrant, dry whisky. To the south along the A9, follow the next distillery in Brora Clynelish. This was built beside an old distillery in 1969, whose whiskys are known as Brora. Brora is considered more demanding and complex whisey. The most famous of malts from the northern Highlands is certainly Glenmorangie. Glenmorangie produced at Tain on Cromarty estuary, is the most popular malt in Scotland and especially the old fillings are highly sought after by connoisseurs and amateurs.
Western Highlands
On the western coast of the region, the Western Highlands, the different single malt whiskys have an overall a maritime, salty character with a background of heather and peat and peppery flavors. The Western Highlands bordering the west by the Atlantic Ocean and the south by the Lowlands, before its coast are the Inner Hebrides Islands. In the Western Highlands never were many distilleries, there currently exist with Oban and Ben Nevis two distilleries. The reasons for this lie in the difficult geographical conditions: unsuitable for cultivation floors, lots of rain and a lack of proper internal materials like peat and coal.
Central Highlands
The malts from the central highlands are known as Perthshire whiskys and come from a flat and fertile area between the towns of Stirling and Perth, most distilleries can be found along the valleys of the Tay and its tributaries. The famous distillery Blair Athol and currently the smallest distillery in Scotland Edradour are both near Pitlochry and the most northerly distillery in the central Highlands is Dalwhinnie, which lies near the border with Speyside. Further south the Aberfeldy distillery is located near the eponymous town. Glenturret in Crieff claims to be the oldest distillery, although it has been mined in the 1920s and rebuilt. The whiskys of the central highlands are complex with different characters, but with the taste of honey and heather they have one thing in common - they are lighter and sweeter than bottlings from the Eastern Highlands and exhibit aromas of spices, elder, violets, pear and numerous spices on.
Eastern Highlands
In the Eastern Highlands few whiskeys are produced that can be confused with those of the region Speyside. The region is, however, known more for its mountainous landscape, ancient and beautiful port town, picturesque sea cliffs and the many castles and ancient ruins. To the north, near the southern border of the Speyside region, mild whisky can be found, in part, with some smoke or malty sweet. Such whiskys are Macduff, Ardmore, Glen Garioch and Knockdhu - the latter also known as An Cnoc. Further south, Fettercairn and Glencadam located in Brechin. There an unusual creamy and fruity malt is produced. The area between Moray and Tay hosts two notable distilleries - Royal Lochnagar in the shadow of the mountain of the same with a mild and rich whisky and Glendronach which is often stored in sherry casks and is known for quite exceptional whiskys of outstanding quality.
