The Best Speyside Whiskies
Speyside whiskies are some of the most sought-after whiskies in the world.
The region is known for its many distilleries, which produce a wide variety of whisky styles. From light and fruity to smoky and peaty, there’s a Speyside whisky for everyone.
What makes Speyside whisky so special? There are several factors at play. The water used in the distilling process is some of the purest in Scotland, and the climate is perfect for maturing whisky. The slow-paced lifestyle of the locals also contributes to the unique flavour profiles of Speyside whiskies. So, it's no surprise that there's an incredible number of distilleries operating in the region.
Here is our collection of independent Speyside whiskies from some of the best Speyside distillery names. You're bound to find something you'll love.
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What is Speyside whisky?
Speyside whisky is a type of single malt Scotch whisky that is produced in the Speyside region of Scotland. The region is known for its smooth and complex whiskies, which are made using water from the River Spey and barley grown in the surrounding area.
What distilleries are in Speyside?
Here's a table of nearly 50 distilleries in Speyside. Some of them are active and still producing whisky. Some of them are currently inactive, or "silent".
| Distillery | Status | Year Founded |
|---|---|---|
| Aberfeldy | Active | 1896 |
| Aberlour | Active | 1879 |
| Aultmore | Active | 1896 |
| Allt-a-Bhainne | Inactive | 1975 |
| Balvenie | Active | 1892 |
| BenRiach | Active | 1898 |
| Benrinnes | Active | 1826 |
| Benromach | Active | 1898 |
| Blair Athol | Active | 1798 |
| Cardhu | Active | 1824 |
| Craigellachie | Active | 1891 |
| Caperdonich | Inactive | 1967 |
| Cragganmore | Active | 1869 |
| Dallas Dhu | Inactive | 1899 |
| Dufftown | Active | 1895 |
| Glenallachie | Active | 1967 |
| Glenburgie | Active | 1810 |
| Glenfiddich | Active | 1886 |
| Glenglassaugh | Active | 1875 |
| Glen Grant | Active | 1840 |
| Glen Keith | Active | 1957 |
| Glenlivet | Active | 1824 |
| Glenlossie | Active | 1876 |
| Glen Moray | Active | 1897 |
| Glenrothes | Active | 1878 |
| Glen Spey | Active | 1890 |
| Glen Grant | Active | 1840 |
| Imperial | Inactive | 1898 |
| Inchgower | Active | 1871 |
| Kininvie | Active | 1990 |
| Knockando | Active | 1898 |
| Linkwood | Active | 1821 |
| Longmorn | Active | 1893 |
| Macallan | Active | 1824 |
| Mannochmore | Active | 1971 |
| Miltonduff | Active | 1824 |
| Mortlach | Active | 1823 |
| Mosstowie | Inactive | 1965 |
| Pittyvaich | Inactive | 1975 |
| Royal Lochnagar | Active | 1845 |
| Strathisla | Active | 1786 |
| Strathmill | Active | 1891 |
| Tamdhu | Active | 1897 |
| Tamnavulin | Active | 1966 |
| Teaninich | Active | 1817 |
| Tomatin | Active | 1897 |
| Tomintoul | Active | 1964 |
| Tormore | Active | 1958 |
| Tullibardine | Active | 1949 |
What makes Speyside whisky unique?
Speyside whisky is known for its smooth and complex flavour profile, with notes of fruit, honey, and caramel commonly found in many of the whiskies produced in the region. The flavour of Speyside whisky is influenced by the type of grains used, the production process, the type of barrels used for ageing, and the length of ageing.
How is Speyside whisky made?
Speyside whisky is made using a traditional production process that involves several steps. The process begins with the malting of barley, which involves soaking the grain in water and then allowing it to germinate. The germinated grain is then dried using heat, which helps to release the sugars that will be used to produce alcohol during fermentation. The dried grain is then ground into a fine powder called "grist," which is mixed with water to create a "mash." The mash is then fermented using yeast to produce a liquid called "wash." The wash is then distilled in a still to separate the alcohol from the water, and the resulting spirit is aged in oak barrels to give it flavour and character.
What is the flavour profile of Speyside whisky?
Speyside whisky is known for its smooth and complex flavours, with notes of fruit, honey, and caramel commonly found in many of the whiskies produced in the region. However, the flavour profile of a particular Speyside whisky can vary widely depending on the specific recipe and production methods used by the distillery.
How is Speyside whisky aged?
Speyside whisky is aged in oak barrels, which can contribute to the flavour and character of the whisky. The type of oak and the previous use of the barrels can also impact the flavour of the whisky. The length of ageing can also affect the flavour of the whisky, with longer ageing typically resulting in a smoother and more complex flavour.