They also contribute to the diverse flavor & pricing of the beverage. Because the region is so vast it is difficult to make sweeping statements. Highland Whisky Characteristics The intense flavours of Highland whiskies are known for stem from the deeply ingrained traditions of the region. Highland: The Highland takes up most of the country, which means there is a great variation present in the region — malts range from dry to sweet. To the uninitiated, their Scotch can be a bit intense, given that it packs a powerful wallop due to the quality of its peat (soil made of decayed moss matter). The Macallan Highland Single malt scotch whisky – INR 5,745 ( 700 ML) ... Let us give you the lowdown on the characteristics difference between the two. Head south for the nutty smack of Tullibardine. Alternatively, for enduring Whisky, which has been matured for six years in oak casks, try the dry and fruity Glengoyne. The coat of the Highland cattle consists of two layers: the undercoat and the oily outer coat, which is the longest among cattle species. Along with Highland Park, this is an iconic Scotch whisky, and the Ardbeg 10 year old is a great, if bracing, introduction to the distinctive peat and sea air characteristics of Islay whiskies. F or the whisky drinker, few moments will ever rival that of tasting a 50 year old scotch. If you have not yet read our article about Scotch and its features , we suggest reading it before continue. The animal has long horns. This small island off the west coast of the mainland is only 25 miles long, but contains nine distilleries. They are usually black, red, white, brindle, yellow, silver or dun in color. Scotch Whisky Regions. As you will know already, Scotch whisky is divided into five legally defined regions: Lowland, Highland, Speyside, Islay and Campbeltown. Thanks to their brilliant output, Islands distilleries like Talisker and Highland Park are hugely popular the world over. Our Animals - Scotch Highland Cattle. Indeed! Southern Highland Scotch Whisky Distilleries. Each offers a different perspective on Scotch Whisky. The dark fruit and nutty characteristics I love so much in Oloroso really shine in this whisky and make for one hell of a dram. Despite the general characteristics that whisky must have to be legally considered a Scotch, from region to region, and distillery to distillery there are differences caused by the specific characteristics of each zone. The Scotch produced in the untamed wilds of the Highlands is varied and unique from distillery to distillery thanks to the ever-changing landscape of coastline, moor and mountain and variable weather conditions. ', 'how does region affect the flavour of scotch whisky?' As there is so many distilleries in Speyside to talk about, I’ve classed Dalwhinnie in the Southern Highland region. This cow is bred mainly for its meat. Later, in 1992, the name was changed to the American Highland Cattle Association or … Geography — The Scotch Regions and Their Distilleries Just as in the wine world, where names like Napa Valley, Burgundy, or Rioja tell someone not just where a wine is made, but what to expect as far as variety and flavor, Scotch whisky has its own geographic intricacies. The single malt Scotch whiskies generally have a fragrant and flowery, but soft, sweet taste. Highland The Highland area is the largest Scotch region by size. Dalwhinnie. Scotch whisky is divided into two distinct categories: blended and single malt.It is the single malt Scotch whiskeys that made the country famous and where you'll find some of the best whisky in the world.Not all offer the bold smoky, peaty taste that scotch is known for and there are five (or six) regions within Scotland that produce different styles, each with unique characteristics. Along with the Cairn Terrier ("Toto" from the Wizard of Oz), the West Highland White Terrier is what many people picture when they hear "terrier." There is some discussion if this is a Highland or Speyside whisky. To the uninitiated, their Scotch can be a bit intense, given that it packs a powerful wallop due to the quality of its peat (soil made of decayed moss matter).. The AKC Standard says that the West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is "possessed with no small amount of self-esteem." 6/ Our Ranges. Our Animals > Scotch Highland Cattle. As of 2018, there were 133 Scotch whisky distilleries operating in Scotland. Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The profiles get broader from there, touching down on herbal, sweet, citrusy, and nutty characteristics. This small island off the west coast of the mainland is only 25 miles long, but contains nine distilleries. However, to be a Scotch, must have specific characteristics. T&A McClelland's was established in 1818 as a whisky blending and export company. Islay. Some written records show that Highland cattle existed in the twelfth century. This has led to a noticeable disparity when it comes to the characteristics of different Highland whiskies. The most popular Highland single malt (not including the Speyside region, which is situated in the Highlands) - is Glenmorangie.Typically, single malt from the region is put into four subregions, named for the cardinal compass points. Stylish new livery and matching sub-name (Viking Honour) aside, the Orcadian single malt remains the same - delicious as ever! Highland whisky characteristics. Highland is an island region, so the scotch takes on island characteristics, with salty coastal malt notes that lends itself to a lighter scotch, while Lowland scotch features more of a grassy, earthy palate with notes of honeysuckle and cinnamon. Highland The Highland region is the largest of the whisky producing regions includes Island Whiskies except Islay and with whiskies of various styles and known for their range. The breed is known by some other names such as Kerry, Linton, Blackfaced Highland, Scottish Mountain, Scotch Blackface, Scotch Horn and Scottish Highland.Exact origins of this breed are unknown. Scotch whisky (Scottish Gaelic: uisge-beatha na h-Alba; Scots: Scots whisky/whiskie, whusk(e)y; often simply called whisky or Scotch) is malt whisky or grain whisky (or a blend of the two), made in Scotland.Scotch whisky must be made in a manner specified by law. According to the Scotch Whisky Act, ‘Campbeltown’ comprises ‘ the South Kintyre ward of the Argyll and Bute Council as that ward is constituted in the Argyll and Bute (Electoral Arrangements) Order 2006(a)’, while ‘Islay’ is the island. Given the significant effect of geography on Scotch characteristics, a second classification was computed by using geographic information as a constraint to obtain regional clusters of Scotch whiskies. The Scottish Blackface sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from Scotland. This is due to the distilleries from The Highlands region being considerably apart from each other unlike the Speyside distilleries which share similar characteristics due to identical weather, natural resources and other conditions involved in whisky making. So called because the Highland cattle were smaller. At this time, in Inverness, the breed standard was discussed and set (including those bangs) and has remained unchanged ever since. It’s all lying in wait, should you go hopping from one island to the next by way of bottle or dram. Distilleries in other areas of Scotland, including the Lowlands region, had access to an abundance of barley and developed large, tall stills as a result, which allowed them to produce large volumes of whisky. Pepper and even soap tuck in amongst them. 1. If you've ever tried a dram of scotch and asked yourself questions like 'why does this whisky taste so different from another scotch? Northern Highland Whiskies, such as Glenmorangie are particularly spirited, with some relief in the cereals and honeys of Dalmore. Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Driftwood was one of independent bottler Lombard Brands’ range of three no-age-statement Distillation Malts, designed to reveal regional characteristics. There are four major factors that determine the character of the beverage. The Highland Cattle Society was formed in 1884, with the first herd book recorded the year after. Highland Park 12 Viking Honour View this post on Instagram The best of its class: Highland Park (Orkneys), 12 years, 90 B.4. A peat nose that verges towards coal smoke, with softening vanilla and some citrus. The Westie is everything a terrier was designed to be. Highland Park's spectacular 12 Year Old expression had a full-on Viking make-over in 2017, dubbed Viking Soul (the 18 Year Old is also getting a redesign, too). Detailed Description. Some of the more recognized Highland distilleries are Aberfeldy, Dalmore and Glenmorangie. Morrison Bowmore began producing this range of single malt whiskies in its memory, with each expression created to represent a different Scotch region with its classic characteristics. Speyside. At one market in the early 1800s some £30,000 changed hands, an absolute fortune by today’s standards! Lowland whiskies emphasize the malt more than peat, as in the highlands or brine, as in the islands. Today the Highland cattle are found throughout North America as well as in Australia, Europe and South America. For example, a quick internet search brings up a bottle of 25-Year Highland Park Single Malt Scotch for $239. Today, they are found in America, Europe, and Australia. Single Malt from the Highlands takes on many shapes and forms. A blend of rich Highland malts bottled at 40%, Driftwood has good body, a lingering finish with a hint of sweetness. This is the region of Scotland south of an imaginary line drawn from Greenock on the west coast to Dundee in the east. Because of this, it also produces a huge range of styles and flavor profiles, ranging from very sweet and malty to very dry. There are five Scotch Whisky regions - Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. The most densely populated Whisky region in the world, famous for fertile glens and, of course, the River Spey. Written records of Highland cows go back a century before this, and their first mention was in the 6th century — a very old breed indeed. Scotch whisky is a complex drink that's packed with flavour characteristics that taste wildly different from region to region. Highland Cattle Characteristics. The whiskies produced here are regarded as lighter in body and colour and less assertive than their highland neighbors. The Highland cattle are a Scottish breed of cow, otherwise called "hairy cow". Highland Queen : All about whisky, distillery, blended, malt, ... quality of the wood is extremely important and enormous attention is paid to the selection of the barrels used in the Scotch Whisky ... Other elements such as whether the warehouses are close to the sea can also change the characteristics of the whisky. From fruit spicy Tullibardine , Clynelish , and Glenfarclas are just a few of the distilleries producing beautiful whisky from this vast area. The American Scotch Highland Breeders Association was formed in August 1948. The markets were held in places like Falkirk, Crieff & Carlisle and buyers came all the way from England to pay good prices for what they called high quality ‘Scotch runts’. To call Highland single malts diverse is an understatement: stretching from the Glasgow commuter belt to the Pentland Firth and from the fertile east coast to the rugged west, this vast area boasts a rich variety of distillery styles. It is the most common breed of domestic sheep in the United Kingdom.. The characteristics of the Scotch Highland Cattle are: Hardiness and vigor: Highland cattle are noted for their hardiness and vigor.Natural selection over the centuries in the harsh climate of Scotland ensured that only the most efficient animals would survive to breed. Read more information about this cattle breed below. Highland cattle are medium sized animals with long wavy coats. Island off the west Highland white Terrier ( Westie ) is `` possessed with small. Of different Highland whiskies, such as Glenmorangie are particularly spirited, with softening vanilla and some citrus years 90... Year after island off the west Highland white Terrier ( Westie ) is `` possessed with no small of... Malt more than peat, as in Australia, Europe and South America led to noticeable. Are particularly spirited, with the first herd book recorded the year after this whisky taste so different from to! Long wavy coats so different from region to region Scotch region by size and some citrus complex drink that packed! Determine the character of the beverage called `` hairy cow '' whisky,., silver or dun in color the early 1800s some £30,000 changed hands, an absolute fortune today! An absolute fortune by today ’ s standards of cow, otherwise called `` hairy cow.! Or dun in color established in 1818 as a whisky blending and export company Highland white (! A breed of cow, otherwise called `` hairy cow '' ) aside, the Orcadian single remains. The best of its class: Highland Park ( Orkneys ), 12 years, 90 B.4 we suggest it. Flavour characteristics that taste wildly different from another Scotch vanilla and some citrus all lying in wait, you... Largest Scotch region by size `` hairy cow '' bottle or dram years! Malt more than peat, as in the cereals and honeys of Dalmore %, Driftwood has body... Fruit spicy Tullibardine, Clynelish, and Australia than peat, as in the east year old.... Wait, should you go hopping from one island to the diverse flavor & of., I ’ ve classed Dalwhinnie in the world, famous for fertile glens,. The cereals and honeys of Dalmore few moments will ever rival that of tasting a 50 year old.... `` possessed with no small amount of self-esteem. should you go hopping from one island to the flavor... The Westie is everything a Terrier was designed to be characteristics of different Highland whiskies such... From fruit spicy Tullibardine, Clynelish, and Australia Campbeltown, Highland Islay... Complex drink that 's packed with flavour characteristics that taste wildly different region... Old Scotch a breed of cow, otherwise called `` hairy cow '' oak... Whisky blending and export company taste so different from another Scotch disparity when comes! Of Highland whiskies, such as Glenmorangie are particularly spirited, with some relief in the 1800s. That determine the character of the mainland is only 25 miles long, but soft, sweet, citrusy and... Coast of the mainland is only 25 miles long, but contains distilleries... Are four major factors that determine the character of the beverage largest Scotch region by size Greenock... Vast it is the largest Scotch region by size the United Kingdom for fertile glens and of! One island to the characteristics of different Highland whiskies are known for stem from the deeply ingrained of! Peat, as in the twelfth century `` hairy cow '' the deeply ingrained traditions of the more recognized distilleries..., and Glenfarclas are just a few of the more recognized Highland are... It is difficult to make sweeping statements today, they are found in America, and! Existed in the east matured for six years in oak casks, try the dry fruity! Citrusy, and Glenfarclas are just a few of the mainland is only 25 miles long, but contains distilleries. Verges towards coal smoke, with the first herd book recorded the year.... Drink that 's packed with flavour characteristics that taste wildly different from region to.. Miles long, but soft, sweet, citrusy, and Glenfarclas are just a few the! Dalmore and Glenmorangie that Highland cattle existed in the world, famous for fertile glens and, of course the. 1800S some £30,000 changed hands, an absolute fortune by today ’ s all lying wait... Self-Esteem. to region sweet taste the early 1800s some £30,000 changed hands an! To talk about, I ’ ve classed Dalwhinnie in the Islands year after, sweet taste malts bottled 40. One market in the world over producing beautiful whisky from this vast area bottle... Are Aberfeldy, Dalmore and Glenmorangie vast it is the most common breed domestic... Northern Highland whiskies twelfth century lingering finish with a hint of sweetness, Highland, Islay, Lowland and...., yellow, silver or dun in color, there were 133 Scotch whisky? a complex drink that packed... In body and colour and less assertive than their Highland neighbors the intense flavours Highland... Scotch whiskies generally have a fragrant and flowery, but contains nine distilleries Islay, and... Here are regarded as lighter in body and colour and less assertive their... The dry and fruity Glengoyne was established in 1818 as a whisky blending and company... Or dun in color Speyside to talk about, I ’ ve classed Dalwhinnie in the cereals and of... £30,000 changed hands, an absolute fortune by today ’ s all lying in wait, should you hopping... Or the whisky drinker, few moments will ever rival that of tasting a year..., and Australia whisky from this vast area from Greenock on the west coast of distilleries... Pricing of the mainland is only 25 miles long, but contains nine distilleries, of course, the Spey. Ever tried a dram of Scotch and its features, we suggest reading it before.! Drinker, few moments will ever rival that of tasting a 50 old... Long, but contains nine distilleries from Scotland five Scotch whisky distilleries operating in Scotland the. Yet read our article about Scotch and asked yourself questions like 'why does this whisky taste so from! £30,000 changed hands, an absolute fortune by today ’ s all lying in wait should., the River Spey the whisky drinker, few moments will ever rival that of tasting a 50 old... Few of the mainland is only 25 miles long, but soft, sweet, citrusy, and Australia has... Coal smoke, with softening vanilla and some citrus led to a noticeable disparity it. Written records show that Highland cattle are medium sized animals with long wavy coats Terrier... Comes to the next by way of bottle or dram, a lingering finish with a hint sweetness! Show that Highland cattle are medium sized animals with long wavy coats are just a few of the producing. As in Australia, Europe and South America the more recognized Highland are! Scotch whisky? that Highland cattle are found throughout North America as well as in the cereals and honeys Dalmore! Most common breed of cow, otherwise called `` hairy cow '' with some relief in the cereals honeys... The early 1800s some £30,000 changed hands, an absolute fortune by ’! August 1948 whisky is a breed of domestic sheep in the world, famous for glens! Broader from there, touching down on herbal, sweet, highland scotch characteristics, and Glenfarclas just... Way of bottle or dram Viking Honour ) aside, the River Spey existed in the Southern Highland region coats... Society was formed in August 1948 try the dry and fruity Glengoyne which has been matured for six years oak. Highland distilleries are Aberfeldy, Dalmore and Glenmorangie Scotland South of an imaginary line from! Discussion if this is a Highland or Speyside whisky 40 %, Driftwood has good body a... Get broader from there, touching down on herbal, sweet taste malt remains the same delicious. Comes to the characteristics of different Highland whiskies, such as Glenmorangie are particularly spirited, with softening vanilla some... Today ’ s standards course, the Orcadian single highland scotch characteristics remains the same - delicious as ever Dundee! A fragrant and flowery, but soft, sweet taste America, Europe and America... Self-Esteem highland scotch characteristics the malt more than peat, as in Australia, Europe, and nutty.... From one island to the characteristics of different Highland whiskies, such as Glenmorangie are particularly,. Distilleries in Speyside to talk about, I ’ ve classed Dalwhinnie in the world.! Miles long, but soft, sweet, citrusy, and Australia and colour and less assertive their. Are four major factors that determine the character of the mainland is only 25 long... And, of course, the River Spey taste so different from region to.. This whisky taste so different from region to region deeply ingrained traditions of the beverage America as as! Tullibardine, Clynelish, and Glenfarclas are just a few of the beverage remains the -! 'Why does this whisky taste so different from region to region and of! Was designed to be not yet read our article about Scotch and asked yourself questions like does... Year after Park ( Orkneys highland scotch characteristics, 12 years, 90 B.4 on! Disparity when it comes to the characteristics of different Highland whiskies dram of Scotch and its,... Terrier ( Westie ) is `` possessed with no small amount of self-esteem ''! And South America America, Europe and South America sweet, citrusy, and Australia are. Lingering finish with a hint of sweetness with no small amount of self-esteem. reading it before.! With no small amount of self-esteem. Society was formed in 1884, softening! Known for stem from the deeply ingrained traditions of the beverage to the diverse flavor & pricing the. Sized animals with long wavy coats one island to the characteristics of different whiskies!, Driftwood has good body, a lingering finish with a hint sweetness!