The famous Whisky river, the Spey runs from the Cairngorm mountains near Kingussie to the Moray Firth in the North Sea near Buckie. It is the 9th longest river in the UK, stretching 107 miles (172km).
It gives us the name of one of Whisky's most famous names, Speyside. Speyside isn't actually a recognised region, instead, it has the title of "Protected Locality", and has done since 2014.
Speyside, located in the northeast of Scotland, is considered the heart of Scotch whisky production. The region's illicit whisky history dates back to the early 18th century, while whisky distilling in Scotland has ancient roots, Speyside's rise as a whisky hub began after the 1823 Excise Act, which legalised distilling and allowed for more regulation and taxation. This period saw many distilleries in the region open, with the availability of abundant natural resources, including pure water from the River Spey and a favourable climate, making it an ideal location.
By the mid-1800s, the region began to develop a distinct style of whisky, typically lighter and fruitier than those from other areas of Scotland, often with a signature smoothness. Speyside’s whisky industry grew rapidly in the 20th century, driven by demand from global markets, particularly the U.S. and Europe.
Today, Speyside is home to over 50 of Scotland's distilleries, including iconic names like Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet. The region’s rich whisky heritage continues to be celebrated, with its diverse range of single malts attracting enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. Speyside has firmly established itself as a premier whisky-producing region with a deep cultural and economic impact on Scotland’s whisky industry.
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