Whisky comes in more shapes and sizes than you can wave a stick at — and believe us, we’ve tried.
Scotland may hog the limelight, but it’s not the whole story. Think honeyed Speysides, smoky Islays, sturdy Highlanders, smooth Irish drams, refined Japanese sippers and big, sweet bourbons. It’s quite the line-up. It’s a spirit that refuses to sit in one box, which is why we’ve pulled together a whistle-stop guide to some of our favourites. And because it’s not all about solemn contemplation over a tumbler, we’ve thrown in a few cracking cocktail recipes too.
Speyside Single Malt
Speyside is seen as the “heartland” of Scotch, with whiskies famed for their elegance and balance. Expect orchard fruits, honey, floral notes and a gentle touch of oak. From approachable, easy-drinking styles to richer, sherried malts, Speyside offers the quintessential single malt character that defines Scotland’s whisky tradition.
Classic examples: Glen Elgin 12 Year Old, Knockando 12 Year Old
Islay Single Malt
You could call Islay Scotch whisky’s “Marmite” region. Its single malts are famous for bold peat smoke, sea spray, iodine and tar — flavours that split opinion. For fans, nothing else compares; for others, it’s a step too far. Either way, Islay defines Scotch at its most distinctive.
Classic examples: Caol Ila 12 Year Old, Ardbeg 10 Year Old
Highland Single Malt
Highland single malts sit down the middle of the Scotch spectrum. They’re generally bolder and more savoury than Speyside, showing malt richness, spice and a touch of coastal salt, yet without the intense peat of Islay. It’s a region defined by diversity, but rooted in robust, balanced whisky character.
Classic examples: Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old, Blair Athol 12 Year Old, Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey — with its telling extra “e” — is known for smoothness and approachability. Usually triple-distilled, it shows soft fruit, honey, vanilla and gentle grain notes, with far less peat than Scotch single malt. The style is lighter, rounder and often more easy-going, yet still full of character.
Classic examples: Bushmills Black Bush, Redbreast 12 Year Old
Japanese Whisky
Japanese whisky takes inspiration from Scotch but with its own precision and restraint. Generally lighter and more refined, it often shows delicate fruit, floral notes, subtle oak and a clean, balanced finish. Peat is used sparingly, if at all, with the focus on harmony, elegance and meticulous craftsmanship.
Classic examples: Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt, Nikka from the Barrel
Bourbon
Bourbon stands apart from Scotch single malt with its richer sweetness and fuller body. Made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak, it brims with caramel, vanilla, toffee and warming spice. Where Scotch can be subtle and varied, bourbon is bold, rounded and unmistakably generous in flavour.
Classic examples: Four Roses Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight, Four Roses Small Batch
Cocktails
Whisky Sour
Recipe:
- 60ml Speyside or Highland Single Malt
- 25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 20ml Sugar Syrup
- Optional: 1 Egg White
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker without ice and dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Irish Coffee
Recipe:
- 45ml Irish Whiskey
- 150ml Hot Black Coffee
- 1-2tsp Brown Sugar
- Fresh Cream, lightly whipped
Method: Warm a heatproof glass. Add the whiskey and brown sugar, then stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour in the hot coffee and stir. Gently pour the lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon onto the top of the drink.
Old Fashioned
Recipe:
- 60ml Japanese Whisky (like Nikka from the Barrel)
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 Sugar Cube (or 5ml Sugar Syrup)
- A splash of water
Method: Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass with the bitters and a splash of water. Muddle until dissolved. Fill the glass with a large ice cube. Add the whisky and stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
Manhattan
Recipe:
- 60ml Bourbon
- 30ml Sweet Red Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Garnish: A Maraschino cherry
Method: Combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with a cherry
