The are two basic classes of whisky:

• Malt Whisky - more expensive, this is the product of a single distillery.
• Blended Whisky - cheaper and more popular, this comes from several distilleries and is mixed, often with some proportion of industrial spirit, to give a standard flavour.

The whisky-producing areas of Scotland include some of the most beautiful areas of the country. The most notable areas are along the River Spey, in the Highlands, west of Aberdeen and on the island of Islay, off the west coast.

Many of the distilleries lie along "Whisky Trails" and welcome visitors. These tend to offer free guided tours and exhibitions and, inevitably, a tasting of their product.