The whisky from the Lowlands is changing more than almost any other type of whisky in Scotland. The Scots once jokingly (or seriously?) referred to Lowland whisky as "breakfast whisky". That's how light and mild the single malts from Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie appear in the glass. But the renaissance of Lowland whisky is in full swing. Exciting new bottlings from the numerous new distilleries are regularly coming onto the market. Many of these are first-class single malts that deserve a second or third look (and sip). Take a look at our range of Lowland whiskies and discover the different facets of the Lowlands. The easiest way is to get our Tasting Selection Lowlands Whisky. Here you will get an enjoyable overview of the Lowlands. Have fun!

Lowland whisky - Please discover!

The Lowlands have an image problem. "Low" just sounds less exciting than "high". And there is no famous film called "Lowlander". But there is a lot more to the southern part of Scotland than many people think. In terms of landscape, the Lowlands inspire with lush green meadows and picturesque coasts. The Scottish Lowlands also produced Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. He came from Ayrshire. The historic Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 is indelibly burned into the collective memory of Scots.

But what does the region have to offer in terms of whisky? The fact that Lowland whisky is still considered a minority division in Scotch whisky is probably due to its history. Because until a few years ago there was only a small selection for fans of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. A total of three distilleries made their single malt available to the market. In some places, single malt was only available from Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie. The third traditional distillery Bladnoch allowed itself a slumber, but is active again today.

Grain whisky distilleries, however, abound in Lowland history. This is not least due to the good infrastructure that the Lowlands offer to the whisky industry and the proximity to the metropolises of Glasgow and Edinburgh. For example, Cameronbridge, North British, Strathclyde, Girvan and Starlaw now produce plenty of grain whisky for the Blended Scotch whisky industry in the Scottish Lowlands.

But the lowlands' dry spell is over. Something has been stirring in the Lowlands since 2005. With the founding of the small farm distillery Daftmill in 2005, we heard the first sign of life in this sleepy whisky region. In 2007, Ailsa Bay followed from William Grant & Sons to relieve the single malt Glendfiddich and Balvenie of blend production. The Lowlands have seen a real distillery boom since the 2010s. This was followed in 2014 by Annandale in Dumfries & Galloway, who for the first time launched standard smoky Lowland whisky with their Man O' Swords. There is also a lot going on in the Kingdom of Fife. Here Kingsbarns and Eden Mill near St. Andrews were built in the same year. With Inchdairnie 2015 and Lindores Abbey and Aberargie 2017 they got more neighbors. The two major Scottish cities were not left stranded either. In Glasgow, Glasgow Distillery began production in 2013. She had preempted the name due to startup problems of The Clydeside Distillery, which opened in 2017. In Edinburgh, the Holyrood Distillery opened its doors to visitors and was joined in 2020 by the Bonnington Distillery by drinks brand Crabbie. With The Borders Distillery, the Scottish Borders now have their own distillery. The Lochlea Farm Distillery, which opened in 2018, is already on the market and we are eagerly awaiting the whisky from Falkirk.

How does Lowlands whisky taste like

Lowlands single malts are light, smooth, well-bodied whiskys with often floral, appetizing aromas. Grass, hay, lemon, herbs and nuts - these are notes that have often been found in Lowland whiskys. Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie fall within this flavor profile. With the many "young guns" in the Lowlands, however, one can no longer speak of a uniform style. But you know: the proof of the pudding is in the eating!

Tasting tips: Lowland classics

Glenkinchie and Auchentoshan are the most popular Lowland malt whiskys today. Fortunately, both are in excellent health and should definitely be tried. Both are smooth, delicate whiskys that are ideal for beginners.

Our Lowland whisky insider tips:

The new distilleries in the Lowlands have a lot to offer. We recommend you try the smoky single malts from the Glasgow Distillery. If you like it more classic, fruity and soft, then reach for Kingsbarns. If you ever get the chance to taste the single malt from the small craft distillery Eden Mill, we can warmly recommend that too.