The Whiskey Regions You Need to Know (And What Makes Them Different)

Noah Kurz

Noah Kurz

— 2 min read
The Whiskey Regions You Need to Know (And What Makes Them Different)
Photo by Matt Hoffman / Unsplash

Whiskey’s flavor isn’t random—it’s tied to where it’s made, from Kentucky’s rolling hills to Scotland’s rugged isles. Each region has rules, climates, and tricks that shape what’s in your glass, and understanding them turns you into a whiskey mapmaster. Here’s the rundown on the big five, their real differences, and bottles that prove it.

Kentucky, USA, is bourbon central—95% of it comes from here, per the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (2022). Limestone water cuts acidity, and hot summers age whiskey fast in new charred oak (U.S. law, 27 CFR § 5.22). Maker’s Mark ($25) uses 70% corn, 16% wheat for vanilla and softness—aged 6 years, per Bourbon Culture (2022). In 2022, Kentucky filled 2.6 million barrels, dwarfing others.

Scotland’s five regions split Scotch. Speyside, with 50% of distilleries (e.g., Glenlivet), uses reused oak for light, fruity malts—Glenlivet 12 ($40) offers apple and honey, aged 12 years, per Distiller.com (2022). Islay’s peat bogs smoke barley—Laphroaig 10 ($50) hits with peat and salt, per The Whiskey Wash (2022). Scotch exports hit $6 billion in 2023, per Whisky Auctioneer.

Ireland blends tradition and smoothness. Triple distillation—unlike Scotland’s double—softens it; Jameson ($28) mixes pot and column stills for citrus and spice, per The Whiskey Shelf (2020). Exports grew 17% in 2022 (Irish Whiskey Association), with 40+ distilleries since 2010, per The Spirits Business (2023). Most use ex-bourbon oak, not new.

Tennessee, USA, filters bourbon through charcoal—Lincoln County Process, per Difford’s Guide. Jack Daniel’s ($25) uses 80% corn for caramel and oak, aged 4-6 years, per Breaking Bourbon (2021). It’s 7% of U.S. whiskey output, per Distilled Spirits Council (2022), distinct from Kentucky’s unfiltered style.

Japan mirrors Scotland but tweaks it. Mountain water and varied stills shape Suntory Toki ($40)—grain and malt blend for citrus and vanilla, per Whisky Advocate (2022). Exports topped $400 million in 2023 (Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers), with 20+ distilleries since 1923, per Forbes (2023).

Kentucky’s bold, Scotland’s diverse, Ireland’s smooth, Tennessee’s filtered, Japan’s precise—regions rule the glass. Want to taste the difference? Check out NEAT: Whiskey Finder—it’ll help you find these regional stars near you.

Read more