Scotland counts the largest number of distilleries in the world. With over 97 active malt distilleries in the country, it offers an absolutely unmatched diversity of characters and aromas in the finished whiskies put on the market. Five main terroirs make up the greatest proportion of its commercialised whiskies: the Lowlands (very light, floral, citrus and baked aromas), the Highlands, Speyside (subtle, elegant, generous), Campbeltown, the Islands (dry and mineral) and Islay (peated whiskies with a strong smoky flavour). This “nomenclature” has some flexibility and only applies to malt distilleries. Scotland is unquestionably the mother of single malt whisky and a pioneer of its elevation to an art form. Scottish whiskies are among the best and most renowned on the world market. Its production is heavily regulated.