Scotch Whisky Regions: Distilleries Worth Your Wallet

Elle Rex
Jul 11
7 min read

Updated: Aug 22

As diverse as the landscapes from which it hails, drams from each of the five Scotch whisky regions (recognized by the Scotch Whisky Association’s scotch whisky map) offer distinct flavors, traditions, and innovations. From the peaty powerhouses of Islay to the fruity elegance of the Lowlands, Scotch whisky distilleries weave their story into a creation that ensnares collectors, obsessives, and profit-eyed pragmatists in equal measure.

But which distilleries should you be watching right now?

5 Scotch Whisky Regions: Investment Picks

If you’re not already investing in whisky with us at Angelshare DAO, these picks might convince you to take the plunge before the next wave of rare casks vanish into the vaults of other lucky collectors.

Campbeltown: The Phoenix of Scotch Whisky

Once the "Whisky Capital of the World" with over 30 distilleries, Campbeltown now has just three survivors. Springbank, with its cult following and handcrafted approach, is a darling of collectors, while Glen Scotia offers undervalued gems with rich, maritime complexity. Glengyle produces Kilkerran Single Malt, and contributed to the Campbeltown’s operational distillery count and its ability to secure a place in history as a recognized region.

For investors, Campbeltown’s scarcity and artisanal reputation make it a high-reward (if limited-availability) bet. But changes are in the air as an approaching shift in supply may be on the horizon. Newcomers will have an uphill climb to match the respected production of the area’s forefathers, in 2024 Whisky Magazine reported that there are “three new distilleries planned for the region — Dal Riata (South Star Spirits), Witchburn (Brave New Spirits), and Machrihanish (R&B Distillers).”

This tiny coastal region produces whiskies with a bold, briny character, often layered with oily texture, citrus zest, and a whiff of sea spray.

Campbeltown Scotch Whisky Distilleries to Watch

Springbank - Standard for investors and collectors, Springbank is one of the few Scottish distilleries that makes whisky in-house, from floor malting to bottling, ensuring quality and authenticity. The traditional, hands-on technique and limited annual output generate real scarcity, making bottles and casks popular on the secondary market. The distillery's integrity, unique flavour profiles, and award-winning releases, like the Local Barley series, have made it a fan favourite and an investment. Springbank whiskies' rare bottlings and casks command high auction and collector prices, resulting in exceptional price appreciation.

Glengyle - Springbank owners J&A Mitchell revived Glengyle (Kilkerran) distillery in Campbeltown in 2004 after it had been closed since 1925. Kilkerran single malt, gently peated, fatty, and malty, is matured in bourbon and sherry casks that provide vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, and spice. The distillery creates complex spirits using long fermentation and customised stills. Kilkerran's unique flavour and 700,000-litre annual production make it popular with collectors and barrel investors. The 12-year-old and 8-year-old cask strength are available, as are 2019 strongly peated special editions.

Highland: Where Diversity Reigns

While many whisky investors take a hands-off approach, purchasing casks through brokers and selling them at maturity without ever seeing or tasting their investment, a growing number of enthusiasts treat cask ownership as an immersive experience. These investors visit their casks periodically, sample the evolving spirit, and forge personal connections with distillery teams, transforming a financial venture into a passionate journey through Scotch whisky's craft and heritage.

For those seeking to combine whisky cask investment with breathtaking Highland scenery, two distilleries stand out as magnificent destinations. Edradour, Scotland's smallest traditional distillery tucked in the dramatic hills of Pitlochry, offers an intimate glimpse into handcrafted whisky production with its charming stone buildings and waterfall setting. Its temporary closure to the public in 2025 could make it a hot destination upon reopening.

Or, take National Geographic’s suggestion from the publication’s recent roundup of scotch whisky distilleries to visit this summer. They point out that Deanston Distillery is “small in size, but big on character,” and by booking the Warehouse No 4 experience, visitors can enjoy direct-from-cask tastings.

The region’s wild terrain translates into whiskies of remarkable range. From windswept coastal cliffs to heather-clad moors, the Highlands, Scotland’s largest whisky region, defies easy categorization. Expect everything from honeyed, floral drams to robust, spicy powerhouses.

Highland Scotch Whisky Distilleries to Watch

Aberfeldy - Aberfeldy is our pick among Highland distilleries due to its consistent production of smooth, honeyed single malts that balance rich fruity and vanilla notes. Its strong reputation and role in Dewar’s blends, combined with traditional methods and reliable quality, make Aberfeldy a compelling choice for whisky cask investment with solid growth potential.

Glengoyne - Due to its lengthy distillation and unpeated spirit, Glengoyne, on the Highland-Lowland boundary, produces a delicate, fruity whisky with rich malt and oak flavours. Traditional craftsmanship and sherry and bourbon cask maturation give the whisky a smooth, well-rounded flavour with toffee, nut, and citrus overtones. Collectors and investors seeking high-quality Highland whisky like Glengoyne's limited releases and core range.

Islay: Peaty Scotch Whisky Gold

This island’s 10 distilleries, including heavyweights like Ardbeg and Lagavulin, have turned peat into profit, with limited editions selling out in minutes. Laphroaig’s loyal fanbase and Bruichladdich’s experimental spirit (see: Octomore) make Islay a hotspot for cask investors.

The reopening of closed distilleries in Scotland by large corporations like Diageo sparks mixed feelings among locals, whisky enthusiasts, and industry insiders. Islay saw the spirits giant reopen Caol Ila in 2022, and most recently Port Ellen in 2024. Whisky’s customer base may tolerate the revival of closed distilleries, if done respectfully. The fear is that corporate ownership could sanitize Scotland’s whisky heritage, turning legendary names into marketing tools. For whisky investors, reopened distilleries present opportunities to collect newly filled casks with yet to be discovered return potential, but purists may favor independent bottlings of original stocks.

Islay’s peaty scotch whisky doesn't whisper, they roar of bonfire smoke, medicinal punch, and salty ocean air. Younger, heavily peated casks are trending as global demand for bold flavors grows.

Islay Scotch Whisky Distilleries to Watch

Caol Ila - Caol Ila offers one of the most compelling entry points into the whisky cask market. With its signature Islay character: smoky, complex, and highly sought after, it balances collectibility with affordability. Over 95% of Caol Ila’s output is used in blends, including Johnnie Walker, highlighting the brand’s critical role in global whisky production and long-term demand. These casks represent an accessible yet high-potential asset for investors seeking reliable growth, backed by industry demand and the rising popularity of peated Scotch worldwide.

Laphroaig - Laphroaig is distinguished from other Islay distilleries by its peaty, robust single malts and its more than 200-year history. Laphroaig's whiskies are renowned for their unique smoky, medicinal character, which is primarily achieved by maturing them in ex-bourbon barrels. This process results in the development of intricate flavours that have garnered a devoted global following. It guarantees genuine scarcity and ongoing demand from both collectors and investors due to its dedication to traditional, hands-on production methods and the restricted use of containers.

Lowland: The Understated Elegance Play

The Lowlands feature gentle, rolling farmland with fertile soils, mild coastal air, and minimal peat, creating ideal conditions for smoother whiskies. The region’s soft water (filtered through limestone and clay) and triple distillation produce graceful, floral spirits with notes of honey, citrus, and fresh herbs, appealing to those who prefer refined, approachable Scotch.

Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland’s capital and cultural hub, fall into the Lowlands classification, but it's The Kingdom of Fife that is emerging as one of Scotland's most exciting whisky frontiers, not by rejecting tradition, but by reinterpreting it with coastal audacity. This peninsula, just across the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh, offers a unique microclimate where salty North Sea winds collide with fertile farmland, creating a soil influence unlike any other Scotch whisky region.

The best Lowland expressions showcase a remarkable tension between their inherent delicacy and surprising depth, with fermentations creating complex cereal notes that evolve into whispers of green apple, wet stone, and toasted oats. While often overlooked for bolder regional styles, connoisseurs prize these whiskies for their textural precision - a silky weightlessness that carries flavors with crystalline clarity.

Lowland Scotch Whisky Distilleries to Watch

Auchentoshan - Located near Glasgow, Auchentoshan is famous for its unique triple distillation process, yielding smooth, delicate whiskies with rich vanilla and citrus notes. As one of the most widely available Lowland malts, it combines tradition with consistent quality, appealing to both new drinkers and collectors.

Glenkinchie - Also referred to as "The Edinburgh Malt," Glenkinchie provides single malts that are floral, mellow, and possess flavours of buttercream, vanilla, and citrus. It is a dependable option for both investors and whisky enthusiasts who appreciate its lengthy history.

Speyside: The Sweetheart of Whisky Investors

Home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries, Speyside is the epicenter of single malt luxury. The region’s global prestige means casks from top names are applauded for record setting auctions and private sales. Notably, a Macallan 1926 vintage bottle sold for $2.7 million in 2023. But astute investors often eye smaller players, where exceptional sherry-cask maturation leaves room for appreciation.

This Scotch whisky region’s magic lies in its diverse wood. Spanish oak sherry casks produce rich, Christmas-cake flavors that increase in value dramatically after 15+ years, while American oak bourbon barrels create versatile malts favored by blenders. Experimental finishes in wine, port, and rum casks routinely yield satisfying returns on secondary markets. With distilleries like Tamdhu offering exceptional returns relative to their sherry-cask pedigree, Speyside remains whisky’s most reliable investment landscape.

Think lush, sherried drams, honeyed fruit, and accessible crowd-pleasers, but also the subtle heather-and-beeswax undertones that emerge when Speyside spirit meets some of Scotland’s purest spring water.

Speyside Scotch Whisky Distilleries to Watch

The Macallan - Macallan is considered one of the most highly sought-after single malt Scotch whiskies in the world, consistently garnering premium prices. Its reputation is founded on a history of rare, long-aged releases, meticulous production methods, and rich, sherried expressions, including the Fine & Rare and Red Collections. For those who are in search of both prestige and a strong investment potential in the Scotch whisky market, Macallan is a standout choice due to its iconic status and limited releases, which date back to 1824.

Glenrothes - Glenrothes is a prestigious Speyside distillery that is renowned for its production of single malts that are rich and complex, predominantly aged in oak casks that have been seasoned with sherry. Glenrothes, which is owned by the Edrington Group and has a history dating back to 1878, is gaining recognition for its rich tapestry of flavors and uncommon vintage bottlings. Glenrothes is an appealing and investible option for whisky cask investors who are interested in strong long-term potential, particularly for older expressions.