Lowland Whisky Distilleries, Scotland

This evening, I am continuing my visit to the various whisky regions of Scotland and this time focusing on the Lowland region.

The Lowland region is south of a dividing line between the Forth (west) and the Tay (east) and encompasses a small number of distilleries, viz:

Auchentoshan, near Glasgow
Bladnoch, Bladnoch Bridge.
Cameronbridge, Windygates, Fife
Glenkinchie, Pencaitland

Traditionally, lowland malts are distinguished from the rest due to a practice of triple distillation vs.double distillation elsewhere in Scotland. However, this does not apply to Glenkinchie where the spirit is double distilled, albeit in two very large stills.

Auxhentoshan, which dates back to 1823, still triple distills its malts which contain no hint of peat. A light, elegant whisky sometimes used as a light apertif.



Stills at Auchentoshan


Photography is restricted at Glenkinchie so I have only the bar in the visitor centre (below) to display. The standard distillery tour here is of good quality. Being just south of Edinburgh, the distillery readily attracts large numbers of tourists. Principal products are the 10 year old at 43pct and the 1986 Distiller's Edition at 43pct.

Cameronbridge is a massive operation geared to the production of grain whisky for use in blending to produce the likes of Bells, J&B and Johnnie Walker. The spirit is also use for making gin and vodka. The product retails as Cameron Brig 12 year old single grain whisky.

Bladnoch, which dates from 1817, is Scotland's most southerly distillery and produces a very modest output. Now in private hands, this distillery has always been at the outer fringes of financial viability and has experienced many ownership changes. There is a visitor centre and tours can be arranged. I will definitely put this one on my tour agenda when next in the area.