Speyside is the heartland of single malt Scotch, home to a greater concentration of distilleries than anywhere else in Scotland. This is the elegant, fruity, honeyed end of whisky: orchard fruit and malt, often lifted by rich sherry-cask depth, and almost always without the peat smoke of Islay. It is the natural place to start with single malt, and a region serious drinkers keep coming back to.
The fruity, honeyed heart of single malt whisky
Set in the northeast around the River Spey, this small corner of Scotland turns out close to half the country's malt whisky. The house style leans elegant and unpeated, with green apple, pear, honey, vanilla and warm malt, sometimes deepening into dried fruit and spice. The famous names live here: Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet, the two best-selling single malts in the world, alongside Balvenie, Aberlour and the prized Macallan. It is a great place to explore Scottish whisky more widely.
Sherry casks and bourbon casks, and the styles they build
Most of the difference in the glass comes down to the cask. Ex-bourbon barrels give the brighter, cleaner side of Speyside, all citrus, vanilla and orchard fruit, the signature of Glenfiddich and much of The Glenlivet range. Sherry casks pull in the other direction, adding raisin, fig, chocolate and gentle spice, which is why Macallan, Aberlour and Glenfarclas are prized by lovers of richer whisky. Plenty of bottlings marry the two. Once you have found your preference here, it carries across the rest of our spirits range.
Speyside whisky FAQ
What does Speyside whisky taste like?
Think elegant and fruity rather than smoky: green apple, pear, honey, vanilla and malt, with dried fruit and spice in the sherried styles. Peat is rare here, so the fruit and sweetness lead.
How should I drink it?
Neat is the classic way, but a few drops of water open up the aromatics and soften the alcohol. Save the ice for a highball, and reach for a tulip-shaped glass to catch all the fruit and honey.
Is Speyside good for beginners?
Very. The soft, unpeated, fruity style is approachable and forgiving, which is why Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet convert so many newcomers, while sherried Macallan keeps seasoned drinkers happy.