Scotch Whisky Regions: The Differences Between Highland and Lowland Scotch

A fabricated and not particularly true story about the differences.

Once upon a time, in the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands, there stood a small whisky distillery. The distillery was run by a group of passionate whisky makers who were proud of their craft and the legacy of their ancestors. However, the distillery was also plagued by a problem that had been haunting the whisky makers of Scotland for generations: high taxes.

The British government had imposed a heavy tax on whisky production, which made it difficult for the distillery to compete with larger and more established players in the market. The whisky makers knew that they had to find a way to reduce their tax burden if they were to survive and thrive.

One day, the distillery’s master distiller, Angus, had an idea. He suggested that they build a shorter chimney for the distillery, which would make it less visible to the tax collectors who roamed the countryside looking for illegal distilleries. The other whisky makers were intrigued by Angus’s idea and decided to give it a try.

They built a new, shorter chimney for the distillery and began producing their whisky as usual. The whisky tasted just as good as ever, but something was different. The tax collectors didn’t seem to be paying as much attention to the distillery as they used to. The whisky makers breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed like their plan was working.

However, their newfound sense of security was short-lived. One day, a group of tax collectors arrived at the distillery, demanding to inspect the premises. The whisky makers were caught off guard and didn’t know what to do. They knew that if the tax collectors found out about their shorter chimney, they would be in deep trouble.

In a moment of panic, Angus came up with another idea. He suggested that they distract the tax collectors by offering them a taste of their finest whisky. The other whisky makers were hesitant at first, but they eventually agreed to Angus’s plan.

The tax collectors were led to a small tasting room where they were offered a selection of the distillery’s best whiskies. The whisky makers watched nervously as the tax collectors sampled their wares. To their surprise, the tax collectors seemed to be enjoying the whisky and even asked for seconds.

As the tax collectors became more and more intoxicated, the whisky makers began to relax. They knew that they had successfully diverted the tax collectors’ attention away from their shorter chimney and towards the whisky itself.

Finally, after several hours of drinking and conversation, the tax collectors stumbled out of the distillery, completely unaware of the whisky makers’ secret. The whisky makers breathed a sigh of relief and toasted to Angus’s quick thinking.

From that day forward, the distillery continued to produce their whisky in peace, using their shorter chimney to evade the prying eyes of the tax collectors. The whisky makers were proud of their clever solution and knew that they were carrying on the legacy of their ancestors, who had also found ways to circumvent the government’s taxes and regulations.

Years went by, and the distillery became known far and wide for its exceptional whisky. People came from all over Scotland and beyond to taste the whisky and hear the story of how the distillery had outsmarted the tax collectors.

SOME FACTS THAT ARE TRUE…

Scotch whisky is one of the most popular spirits in the world, and it is known for its unique taste and aroma. The different regions of Scotland produce whiskies with distinct characteristics, and two of the most famous regions are the Highlands and the Lowlands. In this blog, we will explore the differences between Highland and Lowland Scotch whiskies.

The Distinct Characteristics of Highland and Lowland Scotch Whiskies

The Scottish Lowlands are less rugged and more agricultural, with rolling green pastures and a gentler landscape. The Lowland whiskies are known for being light, sweet, floral, and gentle. They often show notes of honeysuckle, cream, ginger, toast, coffee, and cinnamon[1][2]. On the other hand, Highland distilleries primarily produce single malt, which is made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery. Highland single malt is usually made on a pot still, a less complex distilling apparatus that produces a heavier, more robust flavor. Highland whiskies are known for their sometimes smoky, peaty, and spicy notes[3].

The Taxation System of Highland and Lowland Distilleries

The distinction between the Lowlands and the Highlands was originally drawn by the 1784 Wash Act. Highland distilleries were taxed based upon the size of their still, while Lowland distilleries were taxed per gallon in the wash. This led to outrage from Lowland distillers, who were granted more lenient taxes based on the volume produced and permitted to use smaller stills of a minimum 91 litres[2].

The Impact of Taxes on Scotch Whisky Production

The English Malt Tax of 1725 seriously threatened the production of whisky, and led the majority of Scottish distilleries to head underground and begin illicit distilling. The increasing popularity of Scotch attracted the attention of the Scottish Parliament, looking to profit from the fledgling industry. The first taxes on Scotch were introduced in 1644 which led to an increase in illicit whisky distilling across Scotland. By the 1820s, as many as 14,000 illicit stills were being confiscated every year, and more than half the whisky consumed in Scotland was being enjoyed without the taxman taking his cut. The illicit spirit was even transported by coffin to avoid the taxman! [3]

Conclusion

In conclusion, the differences between Highland and Lowland Scotch whiskies are significant. While both regions have produced whisky for generations, their approach and styles differ. Highland whiskies are known for their smoky, peaty, and spicy notes, while Lowland whiskies are known for being light, sweet, floral, and gentle. The taxation system of Highland and Lowland distilleries also played a significant role in the development of the Scotch whisky industry. Despite the differences, both Highland and Lowland Scotch whiskies are beloved by whisky enthusiasts around the world.

Citations:
[1] https://www.liquor.com/scotch-whisky-regional-guide-6747144
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowland_single_malts
[3] https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-styles/scotch-whiskey/whats-difference-highland-lowland-scotch/

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I am Anders Molin, a DipWSET certified sommelier educator specializing in wine and spirits. Expert in Italian and Spanish wines. I received my DipWSET certification from the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust in London — the most prestigious wine educations in the world. I own a vineyard in Italy and am a lecturer at Scandinavian Wine Academy in Sweden — the largest sommelier school in Scandinavia. Find more information at www.molinvin.com and our beloved AirBnB house in Piedmont at www.lacasavola.com