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List of whisky distilleries in Scotland facts for kids

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Scotland is famous for its amazing Scotch whisky. A distillery is a special factory where whisky is made. As of March 2023, there were 143 places in Scotland licensed to make Scotch whisky! That's a lot of distilleries, showing how important whisky is to Scotland.

What are Whisky Distilleries?

A whisky distillery is where all the magic happens to turn simple ingredients into delicious Scotch whisky. They use water, barley, and yeast. The process involves malting, mashing, fermentation, and distillation. After that, the whisky ages in wooden barrels for many years. This aging process gives Scotch whisky its unique taste and color.

Scotland's Whisky Regions

Whisky distilleries and regions in Scotland (Updated)
A map showing the main whisky regions in Scotland.

Scotland is divided into different areas, or "regions," for whisky making. Each region often has its own style of whisky. This is because of local traditions, water sources, and even the climate. The main regions are:

  • Speyside: This area has the most distilleries. Whiskies from here are often fruity and sweet.
  • Highland: This is a very large region. Whiskies can be light and floral or rich and smoky.
  • Lowland: These whiskies are usually lighter and smoother.
  • Islay: This island is famous for its very smoky and peaty whiskies.
  • Campbeltown: Once a big whisky town, it now has a few distilleries making full-bodied whiskies.
  • Islands: This unofficial region includes islands like Arran, Jura, and Orkney. Their whiskies are very varied.

Some Operating Distilleries

Many distilleries are busy making whisky right now. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very old, while others are quite new. Here are a few examples of places making different kinds of Scotch whisky:

Malt Whisky Distilleries

Malt whisky is made using only malted barley. It's a very traditional way to make whisky.

Distillery Location Region Founded Owner
Aberfeldy Aberfeldy Highland 1896 Bacardi
Ardbeg Port Ellen Islay 1815 LVMH
Arran Lochranza Island 1995 Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd.
Auchentoshan Dalmuir Lowland 1823 Beam Suntory
Balvenie Dufftown Speyside 1892 William Grant & Sons
Bowmore Bowmore Islay 1779 Beam Suntory
Clydeside Glasgow Lowland 2017 Morrison Glasgow Distillers
Dalmore Alness Highland 1839 Whyte & Mackay
Glenfiddich Dufftown Speyside 1886 William Grant & Sons
Glengoyne Dumgoyne Highland 1833 Ian Macleod Distillers
Glenlivet Ballindalloch Speyside 1824 Chivas Brothers
Glenmorangie Tain Highland 1843 LVMH
Glen Scotia Campbeltown Campbeltown 1832 Loch Lomond Group
Highland Park Kirkwall Island 1798 Edrington
Jura Craighouse, Jura Island 1810 Whyte & Mackay
Lagavulin Port Ellen Islay 1816 Diageo
Macallan Craigellachie Speyside 1824 Edrington
Oban Oban Highland 1794 Diageo
Springbank Campbeltown Campbeltown 1828 J & A Mitchell & Co Ltd.
Talisker Carbost, Isle of Skye Island 1830 Diageo

Grain Whisky Distilleries

Grain whisky is made using a mix of grains, not just barley. It's often used to make blended whiskies.

Distillery Location Founded Owner
Cameronbridge Fife 1824 Diageo
Girvan Girvan 1963 William Grant & Sons
North British Edinburgh 1885 Diageo/Edrington
Strathclyde Glasgow 1927 Chivas Brothers

Closed Distilleries

Over time, some distilleries close down. This can happen for many reasons, like changes in demand or economic challenges. Sometimes, their buildings are used for other things. For example, the Dallas Dhu in Speyside closed in 1983 but is now a museum where you can learn about whisky making!

See also

  • Scotch whisky
  • List of historic whisky distilleries
  • List of whisky brands
  • Outline of whisky
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List of whisky distilleries in Scotland Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.