n3at

Erica Durance

Highland vs. Speyside

Well I unwittingly just did a taste test between Highland single malt Scotch and Speyside Single Malt Scotch. This author prefers....

Well before I tell you:

Highlands
By far the biggest region, the Highlands inevitably embraces wide variations. The western part of the Highlands, at least on the mainland, has only a few, scattered, distilleries, and it is difficult to generalize about their character. If they have anything in common, it is a rounded, firm, dry character, with some peatiness. The far north of the Highlands has several whiskies with a notably heathery, spicy, character which probably derives both from the local soil and the coastal location of the distilleries. The more sheltered East Highlands and the Midlands of Scotland (sometimes described as the South Highlands) have a number of notably fruity whiskies.
Speyside

Speyside
This area is universally acknowledged as the heartland of malt whisky distillation. This area, between the cities of Inverness and Aberdeen, sweeps from granite mountains down to fertile countryside, where barley is among the crops. It is the watershed of a system of rivers, the principal among them is the Spey.

The Speyside single malts are noted in general for their elegance and complexity, and often a refined smokiness. Beyond that, they have two extremes: the big, sherried types, as typified by The Macallan; and the lighter, less colourful style of the "Glens".

So, I compared the Macallan Highland vs. Cragganmore Speyside, what did I find? I much preferred the Highland, and in looking back, even when recommended, I did not enjoy the Speyside. For me, the author, the Spey side is too acidic. Not sure if it's the relation to the sea in which the salt has encroached the land or if there is another factor (I have also never been a fan of Sherrie, could be a the same factor). Give a sample and let n3at know what you have discovered for yourself. When drinking neat there is no wrong answer, it's all to your taste!

a little more: Planning a trip? Stay at the Cragganmore House!

tasting note:
To clarify I did my taste test on 12 year old Single Malt, however in the past I have a had a 15 and 21 year Highland that was in great agreement with my pallet and two different 15 year Speyside that did not agree.

New post are coming...

Sorry for the delay, but keep an eye out for some new postings thru out the week...

Shan

Don't wait...well read this then visit Cartoon Retro and see the work of Shan and the classics that inspire him.

The Macallan

Never I taste a land so grand as Scotland.

A most excellent scotch with a very informative website. Don't hesitate in visiting the Macallan site. Learn about the island and all it's richness. Then purchase a bottle and be ready to taste this beautiful land in every sip.