Speyside

The heart of whisky

Speyside, a region in northern Scotland surrounded by mountains and streaked with rivers, takes its name from the River Spey which crosses it from south to north. This is Britain's fastest and most renowned river for salmon fishing.

Speyside is the heart of the Highlands, and it's also where the one of whisky beats. The region is home to two thirds of Scottish distilleries: some are world-famous, such as The Balvenie, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, The Macallan or Mortlach, others more modest but which definitely deserve more publicity, such as The Benriach, Benromach, Glendronach and Glenfarclas.

An ideal environment

If Speyside concentrates so many distilleries, it is above all thanks to the many rivers that run through it. In addition to the Spey, the Livet (its main tributary), the Fiddich and the Avon to name but a few, provide distilleries with fresh water of exceptional purity. Another significant asset, Speyside benefits from a temperate climate which also contributes to making it a fertile region conducive to the cultivation of barley. Unparalleled conditions that have earned Speyside the nickname "Golden Triangle".

Single Malts from the region are generally described as smooth, complex and elegant. Being mostly aged in Sherry casks, they are distinguished by their power and their fruity notes.