Speyside Whisky Characteristics

Speyside whiskies are known for being lighter and relatively sweeter than other Scotch single malts. Speyside malts are notable in general for their complexity of flavour and elegance.

They sometimes have a refined smokiness, but you will more often find a fruitiness that can range from sultanas to ripe pears.

Speyside's secluded glens and beautiful crystal clear waters, together with the slightly warmed climate, combine to create highly smooth and complex whiskies with sweet fruity notes, sometimes with a tinge of caramel.

Aberlour

Found right in the heart of Speyside, this distillery was founded by John and James Grant in 1826. 

The distillery is known for its pristine cleanliness and incredible attention to detail. 

Allt-a'Bhainne

Allt-a'Bhainne distillery was built in 1975 and was the fourth to be constructed by the Chivas Brothers. 

You can find it right on the northern slopes of Ben Rinnes.

Auchroisk/Singleton

Known as a designer whisky distillery, Auchroisk produces The Singleton, a bottled malt released in 1986. 

Auchroisk means 'Ford of the red stream' in Gaelic. The water comes from a natural spring named Dorie's Well.

Aultmore

Constructed in 1896 by Alexander Edward of Forres, Aultmore is close to both the Isla and the Spey. The name means 'Big Burn' and derives from a nearby stream. 

In actuality, the distillery procures their water from the Foggie Moss.

Balmenach

Located in the mountain countryside between the Spey and the Avon, the area is well-known for its production of whisky. The distillery also produces a Celtic gin named Caorunn.

Balvenie

Next door to the Glenfiddich distillery, Balvenie was established in 1892. 

Recently, the distillery has collaborated with musician Questlove to "explore the intersection of creativity and craftsmanship".

Benriach

Founded in 1898, the Benriach distillery stands on the site of an old farm in north Speyside. They draw water from a mineral-rich aquifer, producing a unique flavour.

Benrinnes

Known for their deliciously dark whisky, Benrinnes was founded in the 1820s. They are famous for adding sherry-like attributes to their blends.

Benromach

Taking the water from Chapelton Springs, Benromach produces uniquely rich blends. 

They use the flavours of forest fruits, cracked black pepper, and just a touch of smoke.

Braeval

Not far from Dufftown, Braeval was built in 1973. The distillery was built to be as traditional as possible while still using the most modern production technology. 

Interestingly, the entire plant can be run by just one worker.

Cardhu

Established in 1824, Cardhu is now owned and operated by Johnnie Walker. Cardhu is Walker's smallest distillery. The premises still have a great reputation among locals.

Convalmore

One of the seven Speyside distilleries that are alluded to in the famous quote, "Rome was built on seven hills, Dufftown stands on seven stills". 

Unfortunately, the distillery was dismantled and is now used as a warehouse.

Cragganmore

Cragganmore was founded by John Smith, the most experienced distiller of his time, in 1869. 

Cragganmore uses lightly peated malt, along with long fermentation, strangely shaped stills, and worm tubs to create a rich meaty flavour.

Craigellachie

Originally built in 1891, Craigellachie was rebuilt in a more modern style in 1965, doubling up their stills from one pair to two. 

Their blends have unique flavours incorporating marshmallows, pineapple, and liquorice.

Dailuaine

Located between the bottom of Ben Rinnes and the River Spey. Their name is taken from the Gaelic phrase 'dail uaine', meaning green valley.

Dufftown

Originally known as Dufftown-Glenlivet Distillery, this distillery was founded in 1895. They currently operate six stills and have a capacity of around 4,000,000 litres.

Glen Elgin

Founded just towards the end of the whisky boom in 1898, this small Speyside distillery has been lending its particular flavour to one of the world's most famous blends.

Glen Grant

One of Scotland's most in-demand distilleries producing one of the world's highest-selling malts.

The distillery itself is tucked away in Rothes. The blend itself is smooth and complex. Spicy but with a clean finish.

Glen Keith

A fairly modern distillery opened in 1958. It was actually the first new distillery opened in Speyside since the great whisky crash of 1898. 

Glen Moray

Located in the heart of Speyside, Glen Moray has been producing beverages since 1830. But originally, they were known as a brewery. 

In 1897, they focused this knowledge and energy into creating exceptional aged single malts.

Glenallachie

One of Scotland's few completely independently owned and managed distilleries. 

The premises are tucked away at the foot of Ben Rinnes, with a focus on quality over quantity.

Glenburgie

Located in the wonderful Findhorn, this distillery produces malts that contribute to the Ballantine blends. 

Founded in 1829, the premises were shut down and later revived and extended in 1958.

Glenfarclas

Translating to 'valley of the green grass', Glenfarclas has been active since 1836. 

The premises have approximately 68,000 casks maturing within. They are known for their traditional Highland malt.

Glendullan

One of Dufftown's original distilleries. Glendullan was founded in 1897, and their malts became a favourite of Edward VII. The premises were expanded in 1972.

Glenlivet

The oldest legal distillery found in the parish of Glenlivet, they produce traditional whisky of the same name. 

The distillery has remained active through the Great Depression, and they only closed briefly during World War II.

Glenfiddich

You may recognise Glenfiddich as the world's best-selling single-malt whisky. 

The brand has received huge amounts of critical acclaim for its 15-year whisky.

Linkwood

Found on the Lossie, close to Elgin. The distillery was founded in 1820 and was later rebuilt several times in 1872, 1962, and 1971. 

The last extension made the premises into two separate distilleries, one "old" and one "modern". 

Tamdhu

Deep in the heart of Speyside lies the Tamdhu distillery, just between Knockando and Cardhu. 

Their whisky is better known as a bottled single malt and is a component of The Famous Grouse blend. Tamdhu roughly translates to "The little dark hill".