Speyside
Speyside is located in the Highlands of Scotland. The area is dense with distilleries thanks to its rivers and valleys. Most of Scotland’s best-known whiskies come from this region, known for fruity and floral flavor profiles.
Popular Labels:
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GlenLivet 12Y / 15Y
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Balvenie 12Y DoubleWood / 14Y Caribbean Cask / 21Y PortWood
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Aultmore 12Y / 18Y / 21Y
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Macallan 12Y / 18Y Sherry Oak
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Glenfarclas 105
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GlenAllachie 10Y CS
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Aberlour A'Bunadh
Highland
The Highland region, in northern Scotland, is the largest whisky-producing area by geography. Home to over 30 distilleries, the whiskies here range from full-bodied and sweet to peaty.
Popular Labels:
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GlenMorangie Original / Lasanta / Quinta Ruban / Signet
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GlenDronach 12Y
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Dalmore 12Y / 15Y
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Dalwhinnie 15Y
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Oban 14Y
Islay
Located on Scotland’s west coast, Islay is famous for bold peaty and smoky whiskies. Known for notes of smoke, sea salt, and ocean air.
Popular Labels:
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Laphroaig Select
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Ardbeg 10Y
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Bowmore 12Y
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Lagavulin 8Y
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Kilchoman Sanaig
Lowland
The Lowlands in southern Scotland are known for their light and smooth whiskies. Less smoky, often featuring grassy and fruity notes.
Popular Labels:
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Auchentoshan 12Y
Island
Island whiskies come from various Scottish isles. Each has a unique flavor, often smoky and bold — perfect for whisky lovers seeking character.
Popular Labels:
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Talisker 10Y
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Arran 10Y
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Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength
Blended
Blended whisky combines grain whisky (made from wheat, corn, etc.) and malt whisky (from barley). These are usually smooth and approachable, great for beginners.
Popular Labels:
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Famous Grouse
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Naked Malt
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Monkey Shoulder
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Johnnie Walker Black / Green / Blue Label
Irish
Irish whisky is triple-distilled, giving it a lighter and smoother profile. Produced in Ireland with its own rich tradition.
Popular Labels:
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Jameson Standard
Taiwanese
Despite its short history, Taiwanese whisky (especially Kavalan) gained global attention. Due to Taiwan’s humid climate, most whiskies are NAS (No Age Statement), but they mature quickly and compete with much older Scotch whiskies.
Popular Labels:
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Kavalan Distillery Select
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Kavalan 15Y Edition
Japanese
Japanese whisky began with Masataka Taketsuru, who studied in Scotland and later built Nikka after co-founding Suntory’s Yamazaki distillery. Today, Suntory and Nikka are Japan’s top whisky producers, gaining worldwide acclaim.
Popular Labels:
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The Chita
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Hakushu Distillery’s Reserve
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Yamazaki Distillery’s Reserve / 12Y
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Hibiki Harmony
American (Bourbon)
American whisky, or Bourbon, is made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. It often features sweet cherry and vanilla notes. Unlike Scotch, there’s no minimum aging period required by law.
Pro Tip: Ask for it “neat in a rocks glass” to enjoy like a true bourbon lover
Popular Labels:
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Jim Beam
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Maker's Mark
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Buffalo Trace
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Jack Daniel's
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Knob Creek Rye
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Wild Turkey Rare Breed
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James E. Pepper 1776
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Noah’s Mill