Lowlands Scotch whisky is a type of whisky that is produced in the Lowlands of Scotland, an area that stretches from the border with England down to the Firth of Clyde. The Lowlands is home to a number of distilleries that produce a range of whiskies, including light and floral single malt whiskies, as well as more robust and full-bodied blends.

In this article, we will delve into the history and flavors of Lowland Scotch whisky, as well as provide some tips for bartenders and mixologists looking to incorporate this delicious spirit into their training and courses.

Wait! There’s Different Types of Scotch whisky?!

Yes, and no. It’s not that they are different types. But they are made in different regions of Scotland that have flavors that each region are known for. There’s actually six main Scotch whisky-producing regions in Scotland:

Lowlands: This region includes the southern part of Scotland, from the River Clyde to the border with England. Lowland whiskies tend to be light and floral in character, with a subtle, malty flavor.

Highlands: This is the largest whisky-producing region in Scotland, covering the northern and central parts of the country. Highland whiskies can be quite varied in character, but they are generally known for their rich, full-bodied flavors and aromas.

Speyside: This region is located in the heart of the Highlands and is home to many of Scotland’s most famous whisky distilleries. Speyside whiskies are often rich and fruity, with a smooth, mellow character.

Islay: This island off the west coast of Scotland is known for its peaty, smoky whiskies. Islay whiskies are often described as having a “medicinal” character, with flavors of seaweed and salt.

Campbeltown: This region, located on the Kintyre Peninsula in southwestern Scotland, was once a major whisky-producing area, but now only a few distilleries remain. Campbeltown whiskies are known for their salty, briny character.

Islands: This region includes the whisky-producing islands off the coast of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland, and Skye. Island whiskies tend to be light and coastal in character, with a hint of peat smoke.

It’s worth noting that these regions are not strictly defined, and there is some overlap in the styles of whisky produced in different areas. Many distilleries also produce whiskies that are a blend of malt and grain whiskies from different regions, resulting in a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.

The Lowlands region of Scotland is a historic and cultural region located in the south of the country. It is known for its rolling hills, green pastures, and rich agricultural land. The region is bordered by the Scottish Highlands to the north and the Firth of Forth to the south.

In terms of whisky production, the Lowlands region is defined by the Scotch Whisky Association as the area south of a line running from Greenock on the west coast to Dundee on the east coast. This includes the entire regions of Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders, and Lothian, as well as parts of Ayrshire, Stirlingshire, and Perthshire.

Some of the distilleries located in the Lowlands region include Auchentoshan, Glenkinchie, Bladnoch, Annandale, and Dalwhinnie. These distilleries are known for producing single malt whiskies with a light and delicate flavor profile, characterized by flavors of fruit, honey, and heather.

History of Lowland Scotch whisky

Lowland Scotch whisky has a long and storied history dating back to the 15th century. It is believed that the first whisky distillery in Scotland was established in the Lowlands in 1494, and by the 17th century, the region was home to a number of distilleries producing whisky for both domestic and export markets.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Lowland whisky became increasingly popular and was exported to countries all over the world. However, the industry was hit hard by the introduction of prohibition in the United States and the subsequent economic depression, which led to the closure of many distilleries.

Despite these challenges, the Lowland whisky industry has managed to recover and thrive in the modern era, with a number of distilleries reopening and new ones being established. Today, Lowland whisky is once again enjoyed by whisky lovers all over the world, and the region is home to some of the most highly regarded and sought-after whiskies in the world.

One of the reasons for the resurgence of Lowland whisky in recent years is the increasing interest in single malt whiskies. Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley and is produced by a single distillery, as opposed to blended whisky, which is made from a combination of malt and grain whiskies from multiple distilleries. Single malt whisky is often considered to be of higher quality than blended whisky and has gained a reputation for being more complex and nuanced in flavor.

Lowland single malt whiskies are particularly prized for their light, floral, and delicate flavors, which are often attributed to the use of unpeated barley and the presence of sea air in the region. The whiskies produced in the Lowlands are typically triple distilled, which results in a smoother and more refined flavor profile.

Flavors of Lowland Scotch whisky

Lowland Scotch whisky is known for its light, floral, and delicate flavors, which are often attributed to the use of unpeated barley and the presence of sea air in the region. The whiskies produced in the Lowlands are typically triple distilled, which results in a smoother and more refined flavor profile.

Some of the flavors that you might find in a Lowland whisky include:

Citrus and fruit notes, such as lemon, orange, and apple

Floral notes, such as rose and heather

Sweet and honeyed flavors

Spices, such as vanilla and cinnamon

In addition to these flavors, you may also find some hints of oak, toffee, and vanilla in Lowland whisky, which can be attributed to the aging process.

Lowland single malt whiskies are often aged in oak barrels, which imparts flavors of vanilla, toffee, and spice to the whisky. The length of time that the whisky is aged can also have an impact on its flavor profile, with longer aging times tending to result in more complex and nuanced flavors.

Lowland Scotch Whisky Brands

Lowland whisky is a type of Scotch whisky that is produced in the Lowlands region of Scotland. The Lowlands are known for producing lighter, more delicate whiskies with flavors of fruit, honey, and heather. Some popular Lowland whisky brands include:

Auchentoshan: Auchentoshan is a triple distilled single malt whisky with a light and floral flavor profile. It is known for its smooth and delicate taste, with notes of citrus, vanilla, and oak.

Glenkinchie: Glenkinchie is a single malt whisky produced in the East Lothian region of the Lowlands. It has a light and fruity flavor profile, with notes of green apples, pear, and vanilla.

Bladnoch: Bladnoch is a single malt whisky produced in the southern Lowlands. It has a light and floral flavor profile, with notes of heather, honey, and citrus.

Annandale: Annandale is a single malt whisky produced in the Dumfries and Galloway region of the Lowlands. It has a light and fruity flavor profile, with notes of citrus, vanilla, and oak.

Dalwhinnie: Dalwhinnie is a single malt whisky produced in the Scottish Highlands, but it is often considered part of the Lowland style due to its light and delicate flavor profile. It has a fruity and floral flavor, with notes of heather, honey, and citrus.

Overall, Lowland whiskies are known for their light and delicate flavors, and are often considered a good choice for those who are new to whisky or prefer a more subtle flavor profile. Since Scotland has different whisky regions, (even though it’s a smaller country), it’s important to know the differences between the different areas and their flavor profiles. When you’re recommending to a guest or attempting to mix it with another ingredient, Scotch whisky flavors can really vary.

Tips for bartenders and mixologists

As a bartender or mixologist, incorporating Lowland Scotch whisky into your training and bartender courses can be a great way to expand your knowledge and skills. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Experiment with different Lowland whiskies to find the ones that you like best. There are many different distilleries in the Lowlands producing a wide range of whiskies, so take the time to try as many as you can to find the ones that best suit your taste.

Get to know the flavors and characteristics of Lowland whisky. As we mentioned above, Lowland whisky is known for its light and floral flavors, so consider incorporating these flavors into your cocktails and mixes.

As a bartender or mixology enthusiast, it is important to be knowledgeable about the different types of whisky and the unique characteristics of each one. Understanding the differences between different Scotch whiskies versus American Bourbon whiskey for example can help you choose the right whiskey for a particular occasion or cocktail. Whether you are a bartender or simply enjoy drinking whiskey at home, having a solid understanding of the different types of whiskey available can enhance your overall whiskey-drinking experience. Completing bartender courses or mixology training can also help to increase your knowledge and understanding of whiskey and other types of spirits.

It’s pretty “Neat”

Most often Scotches are served neat, with some ice; “on the rocks” or with a splash of water. The addition of a little water helps mix with the whisky and brings out the flavor. Much like when you aerate a wine, by swirling it, the air mixes into the wine and brings out more flavors.

What do you mean by served “Neat” by the way?

Neat and a shot of alcohol are terms that are often used to describe the way in which a particular type of alcohol is served. Here is the difference between the two:

Neat:

Neat refers to a serving of alcohol that is served undiluted, without any ice or mixers. When a drink is served neat, it is typically poured into a small glass or shot glass, and is meant to be sipped and savored rather than quickly consumed.

Shot: A shot refers to a small serving of alcohol, typically served in a shot glass or small tumbler. A shot is typically consumed quickly, in one or two gulps, and is often served as a way to quickly get a dose of alcohol. Both neat and shots are commonly used to serve a variety of different types of alcohol, including whisky, bourbon, vodka, tequila, and more. The choice between neat or a shot will often depend on personal preference and the specific type of alcohol being consumed.

Some people prefer to sip their alcohol neat, while others prefer to take a shot as a quick and efficient way to consume it. But I don’t recommend you take a shot of Scotch whisky. It’s meant to be savored and enjoyed. If you can’t appreciate it for what it is; which took me along time to do myself. Then I suggest you try a shot of something else. And I’m sure the great people of Scotland would appreciate it too.

Moving on…

You can use Lowland whisky in cocktails that showcase its delicate flavors. Some classic cocktail variations that work well with Lowland whisky include the Glasgow Mule and the Lowland Sour.

Glasgow Mule: A variation of the Moscow mule, but in this version we use Scotch whisky with the ginger beer, lemon juice, a dash of bitters and some versions of the recipe call for St. Germain Elderflower liqueur.

Lowland Sour: Another variation here of classic Whiskey sour but using Lowland Scotch whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white or aquafaba.

And here are a few classic Scotch whisky cocktails that you might enjoy:

Rob Roy: The Rob Roy is a variation on the Manhattan cocktail, made with Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It is typically served up in a cocktail glass and garnished with a cherry.

Rusty Nail: The Rusty Nail is a simple cocktail made with Scotch whisky and Drambuie, a sweet liqueur made with Scotch whisky, honey, and herbs. It is typically served over ice and garnished with a twist of lemon peel.

Penicillin: The Penicillin is a modern cocktail made with Scotch whisky, honey syrup, lemon juice, and a smoky Islay whisky such as Laphroaig or Lagavulin. It is typically served over ice and garnished with a cherry.

These are just a few examples of the many cocktails that can be made with Scotch whisky. Whether you prefer classic cocktails or more modern twists, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can always do a Scotch and soda. But that sounds kinda boring now doesn’t it?

Don’t be afraid to mix Lowland whisky with other ingredients. While Lowland whisky can be enjoyed on its own, it also pairs well with a variety of ingredients, including citrus, honey, and spices.

Lastly…

Consider offering tastings or flights of Lowland whisky to your customers. This is a great way to introduce them to the unique flavors and characteristics of Lowland whisky, and can also be a fun and educational experience for both you and your customers.

Pairing

When it comes to pairing Lowland whisky with food, it works well with lighter dishes such as seafood and grilled vegetables. It can also be a great accompaniment to desserts, particularly those with fruit or honey flavors.

Conclusion

Overall, Lowland Scotch whisky is a versatile and delicious spirit that is well worth exploring for any bartender or mixologist. Whether you are just starting out in your training or are an experienced professional, incorporating Lowland whisky into your courses and menus is a great way to expand your knowledge and skills and offer your customers a new and exciting experience. So, it is a great idea to consider adding mixology courses that focus on Lowland Scotch whisky to your training repertoire. Take our Whisky Course here!

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