Lowlands whiskies

The Lowlands cover the south of Scotland, below the Highland Line, and include Edinburgh and Glasgow. They were one of the country’s great producing areas, but many of their distilleries closed in the 20th century, and today the region is enjoying a revival with new projects. They are famous for light, floral and gentle whiskies, and some of their houses, such as Auchentoshan, keep up triple distillation.

In the catalogue
11 whiskies
Distilleries and brands
6
Most common type
Single malt
Peated
0 of 11

History, style and where to startIts distilleries on the world map

11 whiskies

Guide to Lowlands

History

Between the 18th and 19th centuries the Lowlands distilled on a large scale, with different taxes from the north and much of the production bound for England. Continuous-still grain whisky was developed in the region, and it is still home to large grain distilleries such as Cameronbridge, in Fife. The crises of the 20th century left only a few malt distilleries working, among them Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie. Since the beginning of the 21st century several have opened or reopened, bringing variety back to the region.

What the law says

The Lowlands are one of the five regions protected by the 2009 Scotch Whisky Regulations, alongside Speyside, the Highlands, Islay and Campbeltown. A whisky may only state it on the label if it has been distilled entirely there. The boundary with the Highlands broadly follows the tax line drawn in the 18th century.

Style and flavour

The classic style is light and delicate: freshly cut grass, flowers, cereal and lemon, with little or no peat. Auchentoshan’s triple distillation gives a particularly fine spirit, and Glenkinchie is known for its floral profile. The region’s grain whiskies, such as Haig Club Clubman, are smooth and sweet, with plenty of vanilla from the bourbon cask.

Average flavour profile of the 11 Lowlands whiskies in the catalogue

Sweet
3.1
Fresh fruit
2.5
Ripe and dried fruit
1.1
Floral and herbal
1.6
Cereal and malt
1.5
Vanilla and creamy
2.3
Oak
1.5
Spicy
1.4
Toasted
1.2
Smoky
0.0
Maritime
0.0
Body and intensity
1.8

Where to start

Glenkinchie 12 Year Old is a good way to get to know the region’s floral, light side. Auchentoshan American Oak shows triple distillation with vanilla and fruit, and Auchentoshan Three Wood, with sherry, shows a richer version of the same spirit. They are friendly whiskies for beginners.

This text was generated and translated by AI and may contain errors.

Explore more