The Wine Reference🍷 SupportLowlands: Scotch malt whisky
The south of Scotland, known for light, gentle malts and some triple distillation.
How it's made
Scotch rules apply. Auchentoshan triple distils all its spirit, giving a particularly light style.
Malted barley, usually unpeated, is mashed, fermented and distilled in copper pot stills. Triple distillation was once common in the Lowlands and survives at Auchentoshan, giving a lighter, purer spirit.
History
Lowland distilleries near Edinburgh and Glasgow once supplied much of the spirit sent to England, and the big grain distilleries of Scotland still sit in the south. A record from Lindores Abbey in Fife, dated 1494, is often quoted as the earliest written mention of Scotch distilling.
Ageing and label terms
Scotch must age at least 3 years in oak in Scotland; Lowland malts are commonly sold at 10 to 12 years, mostly from ex-bourbon casks with some sherry and wine finishes.
Styles
Light, grassy and floral malts (Glenkinchie, Auchentoshan, Bladnoch), plus the newer farm and estate distilleries such as Daftmill, Kingsbarns and Lindores Abbey.
Rules and protected names
Lowland is one of the five protected Scotch whisky regions. All Scotch must be distilled and aged in Scotland and bottled at a minimum of 40% abv.
How to serve and classic cocktails
Lowland malts suit an aperitif, served chilled or with soda. They work well in a whisky highball, a Rob Roy or a Whisky Sour.
With food
Light starters and seafood: smoked trout, crab, goat's cheese salads and lemon desserts.
Good to know
Lowland malts are often recommended as a first single malt, because they are light and rarely smoky.
Producers
- Auchentoshan
- Glenkinchie
- Bladnoch
Bottles to try
Auchentoshan American Oak
Light and creamy: vanilla, coconut, citrus and toasted grain.
Strength: 40% · Age and cask: No age statement, first-fill ex-bourbon casks
Made near Glasgow and one of the few Scotch distilleries that triple-distils all its spirit, Irish-style, for a lighter, smoother malt.
Serve: Neat, in a highball or in cocktails
Glenkinchie 12 Year Old
Fresh grass, lemon, honeysuckle and light malt.
Strength: 43% · Age and cask: 12 years in oak casks
Made in East Lothian, a short drive from Edinburgh, Glenkinchie has one of the largest wash stills in Scotland and cools its spirit in traditional worm tubs. A classic light, floral Lowland malt.
Serve: Neat, chilled or in a highball
Auchentoshan Three Wood
Dark sugar, raisin, blackcurrant and hazelnut on a light, creamy malt.
Strength: 43% · Age and cask: No age statement, ex-bourbon, then Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks
Auchentoshan, near Glasgow, is the only Scottish distillery that triple distils all of its spirit. Three Wood passes through three different cask types in turn, giving unusual richness to a light Lowland malt.
Serve: Neat after dinner, or with a little water
Kingsbarns Dream to Dram
Light and fresh: pear, apricot, vanilla, lemon and a hint of red fruit.
Strength: 46% · Age and cask: No age statement, first-fill ex-bourbon and shaved, toasted and re-charred red wine casks
The first core whisky from the Kingsbarns distillery near St Andrews in Fife, run by the Wemyss family, which opened in 2014. It shows a fruity, unpeated Lowland style from a young distillery.
Serve: Neat or in a highball
Bladnoch 10 Year Old
Fresh and fruity: green apple, lemon, vanilla, honey and a little spice.
Strength: 46.7% · Age and cask: 10 years, ex-bourbon casks
Bladnoch, near Wigtown, was founded in 1817 and is the most southerly distillery in Scotland. After several closures it was revived under new owners in 2015.
Serve: Neat or in a highball
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old
Light and nutty: toasted almonds, crème brûlée, citrus and a soft, sweet finish.
Strength: 40% · Age and cask: 12 years, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks
Auchentoshan, on the edge of Glasgow, triple-distils all its spirit, an old Lowland practice that is now rare in Scotland. The third still gives a very light, clean new make.
Serve: Neat, or in a whisky highball
More whisky regions
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