The Duncan Taylor Regional Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Collection

The Collection offers you the chance to discover the typical aromas and flavours found within whiskies from each of Scotland’s diverse whisky producing regions. A Blended Malt Whisky contains a number of specially chosen single malts which, when ‘blended’ or ‘married’ together, serve to enhance each other. Our wealth of experience has enabled us to create truly distinctive malts representative of each of Scotland’s Whisky Region.

ISLAY

Islay is one of the Western Isles of Scotland, situated furthest to the south. The Island is very flat and consists largely of peat. Most of the distilleries use a high proportion of peat when malting the barley used for production. This along with there coastal location produce powerful single malt whiskies which are very often smoky with peaty and seaweed characteristics.

Should this be your favourite region you were probably attracted to this region by its unique smoky character. You can now begin experimenting with whiskies from within the Island of Islay to see where exactly your preferred taste lies. If you prefer a subtle smoky influence, try some of the Duncan Taylor Bunnahabhains or Bruichladdichs. Should you prefer the heavily peated/smoked end of the taste spectrum, try something from Bowmore or Caol Ila. Finally, if you really think you can handle it, try out Duncan Taylor’s Auld Reekie which is a truly big Peat – Monster!

SPEYSIDE

Speyside contains more than half of Scotland's distilleries and is situated in the area around Elgin and the river Spey. Some of the most famous single malts are amongst the many whiskies produced in the Speyside region, such as Macallan and The Glenlivet. Speyside whiskies can generally be broken down into two categories – big rich, fruity sherry cask whiskies or lighter, complex sweet and floral malts.

If Speyside has turned out to be your favourite region you have plenty of whiskies to choose from. As there are over 40 distilleries in this region so you will never tire of trying new whiskies from Speyside. If you preferred the lighter more grassy/ herbal traits of the Speyside regional whiskies then try whiskies such as Duncan Taylor’s Glenlossie, Miltonduff, Glen Elgin or Glenlivet. If on the other hand you prefer the heavier fruitier side of the Speyside region then the whiskies for you would include Duncan Taylor’s Macallans, Aultmores and heavily sherried Glen Grants.

HIGHLAND

Highland is the largest of the malt regions of Scotland comprising most of the Scottish mainland north of an imaginary line between the Forth and Loch Lomond. Due to the sheer size of the region it produces the widest range in styles of whiskies from some fairly coastal and peated whiskies in the north to softer fruitier whiskies in the south.

The Highlands present a wide range of choices all with a similar theme however – if you prefer the more coastal influence why not try whiskies such as Duncan Taylor’s Clynelish, Pulteney or Brora. Alternatively if you preferred the softer highland style then the fruity whiskies such as Glengarioch, Macduff or Royal Brackla would be worth a try.

ISLAND

Island region describes all of the whisky producing Isles apart from Islay, namely Mull, Skye, Orkney, Arran and Jura. Due to their location these whiskies often have a coastal feel to them and often use a high degree of peat. Generally however the peat some in these whiskies is softer and sweeter than the pungent peat reek of Islay malts.

Fans of the Island region generally appreciate the coastal aromas with out the heavy pungency of the Islay malts. Again, the islands can be broken down into the lighter styles such as Duncan Taylor’s Scapas or the heavier fuller style of the Highland Parks

LOWLAND

Lowland describes the Scottish mainland south of the imaginary line between the Forth and Loch Lomond. Only three lowland distilleries are now in production in what was once a busy distilling region. Lowland whiskies are often wrongly overlooked, as they produce a much lighter more delicate style of whisky, however looked at properly they are full of character.

Those who like the Lowland whiskies enjoy the complexities and subtleties that these whiskies offer. Malts to try would be Duncan Taylor’s Auchentoshans and Rosebanks as well as the slightly heavier (by Lowland standards) Linlithgows and Inverlevens.

CAMPBELTOWN

Campbeltown consists of the most southern area of the west coast known as the Kintyre peninsula. This region once contained rivaled Speyside in numbers of distilleries, today there are only three distilleries – Glen Scotia, Springbank and the newly reopened Glengyle. Campbeltown malts usually are rich and full bodied, with a good coastal feel and occasional on a par with Islay for peat.

Little to choose from if you’re a fan of the Campbeltown region! It’s either got to be the renowned Springbank or the lighter sweeter Glen Scotia.

As well as these recommendations we advise you to keep an open mind. Just because you do not tend to like one particular region, does not mean that you will not enjoy a particular single malt from that region. Single Malts can always surprise you and therefore our motto is ‘never say never’ when it comes to enjoying a whisky! This guide is merely recommending the next stage of your whisky journey. However, the most important thing to bear in mind is your enjoyment of the whisky!