Highland Malts

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It would be virtually impossible to list every single malt from the Highland region, we could all be here for days and still come back with more suggestions for a definitive short list. What's follows is more an attempt at a range of malts from Edradour in the South to Old Pulteney in the far North. What distinguishes them all - from the Islays in particular - is their relative sweetness and in totally non technical terms a tendency towards a brandy-like richness. That will inevitably vary - Old Pulteney bears witness to that in particular! - but overall there is a distinctive "Highland" quality to them all

Edradour - the smallest distillery in the world and found in Pitlochry. So small as to be virtually illegal in fact in the sense that the kit would be difficult to find if an enterprising soul saw fit to mis-direct the Excise! Michael Jackson suggests connection with the Mafia during Prohibition when Capone's men came to visit (allegedly) but I seem to remember that story being linked with Glenturret. The 10 year old is a beautiful sweet whisky, quite light on the palate and with a spiciness to it as well

Dalwhinnie - sits on the virtual boundary between the south of Scotland and the Highlands and also between the Highlands and the Spey valley itself on the Drumochter Pass. Dalwhinnie is again a sweet malt but also tends towards a stronger peaty character than most Highland/Speysides. There is also a tang of what might be called sherry quality to it but is probably closer to malt.

The only whisky allowed to call itself "The Glenlivet" is historically the most famous Speyside malt. The appelation "The Glenlivet" is restricted even further in that it appears on only the "official" bottlings from the owning company of the distillery, Seagram. These are branded as The Glenlivet with the legend "Distilled by George & J.G. Smith" in small type at the bottom of the label, referring to the distillery originally set up by a father and son.

Old Pulteney - Undoubtedly the northernmost distillery on the mainland, the distillery is so far North it practically runs out of footing! A particular favourite of mine which can be difficult to get hold of. The malt is smooth with a touch of malt to it, but distinguishes itself with the strong seaweed and saltiness on the palate. Highly enjoyable and very distinct from other malts within the same category.

Glen Turret - Like Edradour, tucked away in the peace of a tourist town (this time Crieff), Glenturret is another small, very old distillery. Glen Turret malts tend towards a very smooth malt - the 12 year old, in particular, has a sense of caramel and maltiness about it. Easy drinking and fairly dry.

Balvenie - Particular favourites of mine are the Founder's Reserve and the Double Wood, introduced a few years ago now. There is an almost honey-like sweetness to them and the 12 year old Double Wood is a beautifully rounded, rich variety. Both deserve special attention.

Tamdhu - Interesting malt with qualities of sweetness and smokiness all at the same time. The whisky is quite dry and the combination makes it one of those whiskies designed for some serious contemplation, in good company. Preferably outdoors, not a million miles from where it is made and at the top of a hill! It strikes a good, satisfying balance between the characteristic sherry quality of a good mainland malt but then throws in a peatyness which adds to the enjoyment

Glemorangie - the famous Glenmorangie, world renowned and once and for all it rhymes with "orangey" Glenmorangie have been particularly innovative with their cask woods - adding Port and Sherry, for instance, alongside its traditional Bourbon. Glenmorangie is a light, sweet whisky, almost flowery, and is very smooth indeed.

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