The Speyside area is a region with an extraordinary concentration of distilleries. It is named after the river Spey, which waters the area, together with the other important river, the Livet. The temperate climate and the many rivers made from this fertile area an ideal region for the production of barley. The surrounding mountains were historically very important, as they were considered as a safety place for the moonshine distillers when the clandestine distillery was still important.
Some of the most famous distilleries from this area are Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfarclas, Cardhuand Strathisla(well known for its famous blend called Chivas Regal).