Speyside Scotch Whisky
About two thirds of all the malt whisky produced in Scotland come from the Speyside. Some of the biggest names in the industry come from this region too. Many distilleries use lightly smoked barley to add to the complexity of their spirits.
Prior to the enactment of the Excise Act in 1823, there were only two legal distilleries in the Speyside. One of them still exists: Strathisla. After the Act was passed some 16 farmer distilleries took on licenses. Many of them quickly went under. It wasn't until the mid-1880's that the region really took off. Some 23 distilleries were built and their spirit was sought after by blenders.
When the whisky boom of the late 19th century faded, many Speyside distilleries were mothballed. Some were demolished and others struggled to survive. Many of the were reopened when malt whisky became popular once again in the 1960's. The topography and micro climate of the region makes ideal for barley growing. Although most of the barley used in the production of whisky comes from abroad these days, its rich and fertile soils made it a prime spot for would be distillers during the whisky boom.
Check out our selection of Speyside whiskies.
