How to Pronounce Scotch Whisky Distilleries Without Sounding Like a Tourist
Ever found yourself at a whisky tasting, staring at a menu of distillery names that look like a secret code? You’re not alone! Pronouncing Scottish distillery names can be a challenge, even for native Scots. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a fun, region-by-region guide to help you sound like a whisky pro. Each region has an accompanying video with one of our whisky lecturers Vic Cameron providing the audio.
Campbeltown: Small but Mighty
Campbeltown may be home to only a few distilleries, but it packs a punch in flavour and history. Here’s how to nail their names:
Glengyle (glen-gajl)
Glen Scotia (glen sko-sha)
Springbank (spring-bank)
Easy enough, right? Onward!
Islay: The Island of Smoke and Mystery
Islay is famous for its peaty, smoky drams and its tongue-twisting distillery names. Here’s how to say them without hesitation:
Ardbeg (ard-beg) – Short and punchy, like its bold flavours.
Ardnahoe (ard-na-hoe) – A relatively new kid on the block but worth remembering.
Bowmore (bow-moor) – Bow as in bow tie, not bow down!
Bruichladdich (brook-lad-dee) – The ultimate whisky lover’s tongue twister!
Bunnahabhain (buh-nah-hav-enn) – Say that five times fast.
Caol Ila (cull eel-a) – Looks tricky, sounds smooth.
Kilchoman (kil-ho-man) – Don’t let the ‘ch’ scare you!
Lagavulin (lah-gah-voo-lin) – As iconic as Ron Swanson’s favourite dram.
Laphroaig (lah-froyg) – Love it or hate it, at least pronounce it right!
Highlands: The Land of Legends
The Highlands are vast, and so is the list of distilleries! Here are some key ones to remember:
GlenDronach (glen-dro-nack) – Rich in sherry and syllables.
Glen Garioch (glen gee-ree) – That ‘ch’ isn’t what you think!
Glenmorangie (glen-mor-run-jee) – Not glen-more-angie! We're looking at you, Harrison Ford.
Oban (oa-ban) – Short and sweet.
Nc’nean (nook-knee-ann) – A newer distillery with an ancient-sounding name.
Tomatin (to-mat-in) – Not "to-may-tin".
Wolfburn (wolf-burn) – Just like it looks, thankfully!
Lowlands: The Smooth Talkers
The Lowlands are known for light, floral whiskies, and their names aren’t too intimidating:
Auchentoshan (ock-en-tosh-an) – A triple-distilled tongue twister.
Bladnoch (blad-nock) – Keep it simple.
Glenkinchie (glen-kin-chee) – Say it like you’re ordering tea.
Lochlea (lock-lee) – Rhymes with "easy."
Speyside: The Whisky Heartland
Home to the highest number of distilleries, Speyside is whisky heaven, but the names? Not so heavenly for beginners!
Aberlour (ah-bur-lower) – Rolls off the tongue, just like its smooth sherry notes.
Benriach (ben-ree-ack) – Don't be fooled by the ‘ch’.
Craigellachie (craig-ell-ack-ee) – A classic with a rugged name.
Glenfarclas (glen-fark-lass) – No need to overcomplicate it.
The Macallan (mack-al-un) – Keep it simple, like the whisky itself.
Tomintoul (tom-in-towel) – Sounds like something you'd find in your bathroom, but it’s a dram worth knowing!
Time to Order with Confidence!
There you have it, a crash course in pronouncing some of Scotland’s most beloved whisky distilleries. No more awkward pointing at the menu or mumbling your order. Next time you’re at a whisky bar, order like a pro and impress your friends.
Now, the real challenge... saying them all after a few drams. Slàinte mhath! (Slan-cha va!)
