How many whisky distilleries are there in Scotland? The official answer is finally announced!

Although many whisky lovers have long been familiar with Scotch whisky, there does not seem to be a correct answer to how many whisky distilleries there are in Scotland? Just last week, the Scotch Whisky Association SWA finally gave an official and authoritative answer. As of August 2022, Scotland has a total of 139 whisky distilleries!

In addition to this, SWA has released this high-resolution map of Scotch whisky distilleries (click on the image above), which explains everything clearly. Of the 139 whisky distilleries, 132 are malt whisky distilleries, spread across the five malt whisky producing regions, and seven are grain whisky distilleries.

The Highlands: 50 Malt Whisky Distilleries

The Highlands are the largest Scotch whisky producing regions. With undulating terrain and a harsh climate, Highland whiskies are characterised by roundness, power and lingering, with a hint of smoky peat. Distilleries along the coast have a hint of sea breeze, while in the more distant North Highlands, whiskies have more intense heather aromas and unrestrained character, and whiskies in the more secluded East and Middle Highlands are more fruity. And many wineries located in the island area are officially classified as highland areas.

Speyside: 51 Malt Whisky Distilleries

Speyside is a region along the River Spey in the east of the Scottish Highlands and has more whisky distilleries than anywhere else. The whiskies from this region are known for their elegance and complexity. Speyside's abundant water flows through granite and through peat bogs, giving many single malt whiskies a uniquely soft, delicate character.

Islay: 9 Malt Whisky Distilleries

Islay is a small island off the west coast of Scotland, only 25 miles long and 8 miles wide, but it has nine Scotch malt whisky distilleries. Islay is often hit by strong Atlantic winds. The sea breeze that blows the island year-round, seeps into the peat malt and deep into the distillery cellars, where barrels of whisky are aged on Islay, creating a unique character. Islay whiskies are known for their strong character, with a distinctive peat smoke and sea breeze. There are also distilleries that hide in more secluded locations and use less peat in the brewing process, which is gentler than other Islay whiskies, but still full of character.

Campbelltown: 3 Malt Whisky Distilleries

Campbelltown is a small town on the long and narrow Kintyre Peninsula (Mull of Kintyre) at the southwestern tip of Scotland. In the past, the area around the town used to have as many as 30 distilleries. It was known as the "Whisky Capital of the World". ”, because the whisky produced in this area is very different in taste from other areas and has a large number of distilleries, so it will become an independent production area. Today, there are only three remaining distilleries in Campbelltown, and the sea salt, oily and fruity flavors that characterize Campbelltown whisky.

Lowlands: 19 malt whisky distilleries

Produced in southern Scotland, marked on the map as the area south of the dividing line between Dundee and Greenock, Lowland whiskies reflect the region's peaceful, lush, rural atmosphere, often light and full-bodied.

Grain Whiskey Distillery: 7

Grain whisky is an important part of blending Scotch whisky. Grain whisky distilleries are mostly located in the Lowlands and Highlands. Unlike single malt, grain whisky distilleries use continuous distillation and can also use other grains other than barley malt as raw materials. Most grain whisky is used to blend blended whisky, but a small amount is bottled as a single malt whisky. Grain Whiskey.

In addition to these 139 whisky distilleries, there are still more whisky distilleries under construction and preparations in Scotland. The Scotch whisky boom sweeping the world is still going on! (PS: The update speed of the official data is too fast to keep up with the speed of the new winery)