Worldwide, whiskies differ in base product (malt, grain, corn, rye or blends thereof). Scottish single malt whisky, the holy grail for most collectors and connoisseurs, is made from malted barley (malt), and at one single distillery. Scottish Whisky Regulations require anything bearing the legally protected label "Scotch" to be distilled in Scotland and matured for a minimum of three years in oak casks. Scotch whiskies are generally distilled twice in a copper pot still. Many, though not all, Scotch whiskies use peat smoke to treat their malt, giving the spirit a distinctive smoky flavour.

Scotch malt whiskies are divided into five main regions: the Highlands, Lowland, Islay, Speyside and Campbeltown. The Islands are a subregion of the Highlands and include all of the whisky-producing islands save for Islay, which stands alone.

Highland: This broad, diverse region is hard to characterize. The Northern Highlands are often big bodied, sweet and mouth-filling whiskies, while the Southern Highlands produces lighter, fruitier and drier whiskies. The East Highlands generally are full-bodied, dry, well-fruited, and the Western Highlands region is one of full-bodied, powerful single malts, peated and smoky.

Examples: Balblair, Ben Nevis, Dalmore, Dalwhinnie, Glen Garioch, Glenmorangie, Oban.

The Islands: As mentioned above, The Islands are not a recognized region, but a subregion of the Highlands. Islands include Arran, Jura, Mull, Orkney and Skye.

Examples: Arran, Isle of Jura, Tobermory, Highland Park and Scapa, Talisker.

Speyside: Once considered part of the Highlands, this popular region has almost half of the total number of distilleries in Scotland. Typically, Speyside whiskies are lighter and sweeter than other Scotch single malts. As they grow older, they develop body.

Examples: Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, Balvenie, Glenfarclas, Aberlour, Balvenie, Cardhu, Glenfarclas.

Islay: This small island off the west coast is synonymous with peated single malt whiskies, though there are varying degrees of peat-monsters. Often a distinct seaweed character, from the higher use of bog peat.

Examples: Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.

Campbeltown: Campbeltown, once home to over 30 distilleries, currently has only three distilleries operating. Whiskies are said to have a pungent, sea-influenced character.

Examples: Glen Scotia, Glengyle, Springbank.

Lowland: Characterized by more delicate, gentle, floral whiskies.

Examples: Auchentoshan, Bladnoch, and Glenkinchie.

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Scottish Single Malt Whisky