Located in the Eastern Highlands, Speyside boasts the largest number of distilleries in Scotland. The area takes its name from the River Spey which runs through it, although the area has expanded far beyond its banks. The rise of Speyside as the whisky making capital of Scotland owes much of its success to the Strathspey Railway. Completed in 1853, ahead of schedule and under budget, the Strathspey Railway enabled coal and barley to be easily transported into this area of the Highlands, and whisky to be exported out. This opened the doors for distilleries in Speyside. Speyside is home to some of the most well-known distilleries in Scotland, many of which are famous for heir use of sherry casks for maturation. Distilleries such as Macallan, Mortlach, Glenfarclas, and Balvenie all have long associations with sherry casks. Other whiskies that favour a lighter style include the world-renowned distilleries of The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant, and Cragganmore. View The Single Cask Speyside Whiskies.