best whiskey tour scotland

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

10 of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland

Dreaming of a dram? These distilleries offer an insight into one of the world’s great drinks, and are often in stunning locations, too

Nc’nean, Morvern

It’s an adventure in itself just reaching Nc’nean, a remote and free-spirited whisky startup 12 (slow) miles down a single-track road on the Morvern peninsula on Scotland’s stunning west coast. For those that do make it, tours (with coffee and a slice of organic cake) are less about stats and more about the soul of this exciting, sustainably-minded enterprise. The team here is experimenting with different strains of yeast, curiously-shaped stills and longer mash times. To what end? We’ll find out next year when its first whisky is released. Walks in any direction offer the chance to spot otters, pine martens and sea eagles. Stay Achnacriche , doubles from £95 B&B Tours from £15pp, Lochaline , ncnean.com

Dewar’s, Perthshire

Perth’s Tommy Dewar understood the power of marketing. A globetrotting brand ambassador before that title had really been established, in the early years of the 20th century Dewar enlisted Thomas Edison to direct a film commercial for his White Label blend. It’s possibly why Dewar’s remains among the best-selling blends in the US. The remarkable story forms the heart of the interactive heritage museum at the visitor centre for Aberfeldy, the malt at the heart of Dewar’s blend. The distillery is on the banks of the Upper Tay, just outside Aberfeldy itself. Stay Brae House , doubles from £125 B&B Tours £10.50pp , Aberfeldy, dewars.com

Deanston, Perthshire

A steady supply of water doesn’t automatically lead to whisky production. In Deanston, it once meant textile manufacturing. Which is why this distillery wouldn’t look out of place along the Rochdale canal. A Richard Arkwright-designed textile mill, Deanston was transformed into a distillery in 1966. Thanks to the River Teith, the distillery, as with the mill before it, generates its own power. Tour guides point out the ghostly remains of what was claimed to be the largest waterwheel in Europe – now replaced by turbines. Deanston is the location for film director Ken Loach’s affectionate whisky romp, The Angel’s Share. Stay Creity Hall , doubles from £90 B&B Tours from £9pp, near Doune, deanstonmalt.com

GlenDronach, Aberdeenshire

The stars and stripes flying high above the Aberdeenshire countryside is a clue that GlenDronach is now owned by the same American company behind Jack Daniel’s. With its row of workers’ houses and 250-year-old master distiller’s mansion, this is a thrilling distillery experience – more than 50 people lived and worked here in the early 19th century. In fertile farming country (the Valley of the Brambles responsible for its Gaelic name), you can pick a blackberries in the grounds for an appropriately sweet amuse-bouche before a tour of this Victorian whisky village and a tasting of its juicy, sherry-matured whisky in the darkly inviting tasting bar. Stay Netherdale House , doubles from £110 B&B Tours from £10pp, Forgue By Huntly , glendronachdistillery.com

Clynelish, Sutherland

So discreet is its setting in farmland above the coast road, that many who pass en route to John o’Groats assume Clynelish is a hydro-electric plant. You can see their point. The 1960s-built distillery eschewed the traditional pagoda-style skyline of the malting roof (which is now mostly a distillery affectation anyhow, as barley is malted off site). However, the 200-year-old distillery buildings – home to the holy grail of lost malts: Brora – are being recommissioned by beverage multinational Diageo. The distillery has a dark past: it was built by one of the chief architects of the Highland clearances, the Duke of Sutherland. His hill-top statue looms over this coast, although slabs of its footing are regularly chipped away by those determined to see it tumble. Stay Clynelish Farm , doubles from £80 B&B (£70 a night for two or more nights) Tours from £12pp , Brora , malts.com

Strathisla, Moray

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a master blender? The Chivas Blending Experience (£60) at Strathisla, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Highlands, will put you to the test. Now owned by Pernod Ricard, whose portfolio includes Chivas Regal, the distillery’s cobbled courtyard leads to a mad professor-style blending lab, complete with bulbous burettes filled with fine malt whisky. Tours make it possible to mix (and keep) your own unique blend. The two-pagoda distillery is atmospheric, with many of its stones snatched from neighbouring 15th-century Milton Castle. Stay Isla Bank House , doubles from £130 B&B Tours from £15pp, Keith , maltwhiskydistilleries.com

Ardbeg, Argyll and Bute

When burned as fuel to dry the malted barley, the seaweed and sea salt-infused peat of Islay produces the island’s signature whiskies. Ardbeg’s tours include a yomp over Islay’s peat-cloaked hills (perhaps by way of the eighth-century Kildalton Cross, one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland), with an outdoor tasting and a picnic lunch prepared by the team at the distillery’s restaurant. Round a visit off with a stay at Seaview Cottage, the former home to the distillery manager. Sipping an Ardbeg Supernova with a view of the Atlantic breakers outside your window, peat fire roaring in the stove – might that be the ultimate Islay whisky experience? Stay Seaview Cottage , sleeps six, from £200 a night (minimum two-night stay) Tours from £8pp, Ardbeg, Port Ellen , Islay, ardbeg.com

Oban, Argyll and Bute

Squeezed between the coast and the cliff that separates the harbour from the suburbs above, the Oban distillery is a tight huddle of grey granite buildings. When the distillery was built in the 1790s, Oban was little more than a scatter of herring storehouses, but since then the busy port has grown around it. This pocket-size distillery’s tours offer a rare chance to sample a west-coast style (somewhere between a sweet Speysider and the smokey islands). When the drizzle descends, the lively dramming bar is the place to settle in and see it out before catching a ferry to recently reopened Tobermory distillery on Mull. Stay Alltavona guesthouse, doubles from £115 B&B Tours from £12pp, Oban, malts.com

Springbank, Argyll and Bute

In its prime, Campbeltown (a distinct whisky region in its own right at the end of the Kintyre peninsula) saw more than 30 distilleries pump their waste back into Campbeltown Loch, giving rise to the Andy Stewart eponymous song: “Campbeltown Loch/ I wish you were whisky”. Of the three remaining distilleries, Springbank is the oldest, producing its complex maritime dram on the same fortress-like site in the centre of town since 1828. As tours go, Springbank has more to see than most, as the entire production line takes place here, from the malting floor to the bottling plant. Stay Grammar Lodge , doubles from £90 B&B Tours from £10pp, Campbeltown, springbank.scot

Kingsbarns, Fife

Easy-drinking Lowland whiskies can find it it hard to shout above the peaty monsters of Islay or the romance of the Highland drams, and a decade or so ago there were only a couple of distilleries clinging on. But a cluster of new Fife-based ventures point to a resurgence. Kingsbarns’ new visitor centre and restaurant sit within meticulously restored farmsteadings and a 200-year-old dovecot. It’s surrounded by golden fields of barley: the same stuff that you’ll see frothing away in the mash tun. Its first release, Dream to Dram, is a perfect distillation of Fife’s farming heritage, one that’s even managing to lure golfers away from St Andrews’ Old Course, just eight miles away. Stay The Old Station , doubles from £90 B&B Tours from £10pp, Kingsbarns, kingsbarnsdistillery.com

Looking for a holiday with a difference? Browse Guardian Holidays to see a range of fantastic trips

• Scotland holidays
• Food and drink
• Cultural trips
• United Kingdom holidays

Most viewed

7 of the best Scottish whisky distillery tours

Few things are guaranteed to get a whisky fan more  giddy than a trip to a distillery. In Scotland we are spoiled for options when it comes to these wonderful locations- there are more than 50 in the Speyside region alone - and most are readily accessible from our major cities.

Here are our pick of seven of the best distillery tours in Scotland:

Auchentoshan , lowlands

(Dalmuir, Clydebank, G81 4SJ, 01389 878561)

Auchentoshan Distillery. Picture: TSPL

The closest distillery to Glasgow and readily accessible by train from the city's Central station, Auchentoshan is a great little distillery to visit and produces some of the country's lightest whiskies.

On the tour, you’ll get to take in the whole process of making their whisky, including a look at that fascinating triple distillation process. You'll also be given the chance to sample three of Auchentoshan's own range as well as one from one of their stablemates - Bowmore or Glen Garioch.

Classic tour - 60 min tour with one whisky sample - price: £10 per person.

Auchentoshan experience* - 90 min tour with 4 Auchentoshan whiskies - price: £35 per person

Plus, when you’ve decided on a favourite you can purchase a 70cl bottle and they’ll personalise it with a name, an occasion or in any other way you desire.

Ultimate Auchentoshan experience - 135 min tour with a master class in 3 of the core range whiskies, as well as a sample of 2 of the archive whiskies and a chance to sample whisky straight from the cask - price: £55 per person

*For an additional £80, you can fill your own bottle direct from the cask.

Edradour , Highlands

(Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5JP, 01796 472095)

Edradour distillery. Picture: Wikimedia

Renowned as the smallest and most picturesque distillery in Scotland, Edradour is also one of the most visited, and for good reason.

Situated roughly two hours away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, you'll be given the chance to tour this beautiful little distillery seeing the processes that haven't changed since Victorian times before being given a few drams in the distillery's old Malt Barn.

Also make sure and take advantage of the distillery shop to get access some of the limited amounts of  excellent bottlings.

Classic tour - 60 mins plus two drams of Edradour in the old Malt Barn. Price:  Adults - £7.50, Children - (12-17 years): £2.50.

READ MORE:  6 of Scotland’s best gin distillery tours

Springbank , campbeltown.

(85 Longrow, Campbeltown, PA28 6EX, 01586 552085)

Picture: audrey_sel\Flickr

Not the easiest distillery to get to but as they always say the best things are worth working hard for. One of the most traditional distilleries in Scotland, a trip to Springbank will give you the chance to take in not one but two distilleries.

On the tour you'll bear witness to 100 per cent of the whisky making process (including floor maltings) - one of the only distilleries to offer this - as well as a dram of the distillery's excellent (and unique malt). If you haven't heard of - or tasted - Springbank before, you're in for a treat.

Springbank & Glengyle Tour - Tour of both distilleries with a dram of both Springbank 10 year old and Kilkerran whisky as well as a complimentary miniature to take home. Price: £10 per person.

Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting - A sample a selection of the finest Cadenhead whiskies hand drawn from the cask. Price:  £25 per person

Premier Tour -  A walking tour of Campbeltown, a visit to three distilleries, a sample of whisky drawn from the cask and lunch. Price: £75 per person

Frank McHardy Tour - Four hours with whisky industry legend Frank McHardy, tour of both Glengyle and Springbank, and a selection of Frank's favourite whiskies from each distillery. Price: £100 per person

Arran distillery , Isle of Arran

(Lochranza. Isle of Arran KA27 8HJ, 01770 830 264)

From the classic to the modern; Arran distillery's visitor centre is brand new and was opened in 1997.

Situated on the beautiful Isle of Arran - lovingly referred to as 'Scotland in miniature' - Arran distillery has one of the most picturesque surroundings of our selections. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the pair of golden eagles who nest in the near by hills.

Easily accessible by train and ferry from Glasgow, the distillery offers an excellent day trip and is well worth a visit.

Distillery Tour -  45 min includes the tour, a welcome dram of 14 year-old and a taste of the Arran Gold Cream Liqueur.  Price:  £8 per person (children go free)

Drop Inn Tour -  The mini tour takes 20 mins and includes the tour with a wee dram. Price: £4

Tutored Tasting - Those who are only interested in the whisky can enjoy a tutored tasting of four Arran whiskies.  Price: £15.50 per person

• READ MORE:  15 of the funniest whisky memes that are sure to raise a smile

Benromach , speyside.

(Invererne Rd, Forres, Morayshire, IV36 3EB, 01309 675968)

Picture: Billy Abbott\Flickr

Benromach is a distillery that everyone should have heard of and if they haven’t already then they probably soon will. Recently taken over by Gordon and MacPhail, Benromach continues to win awards for its excellent core range of malts. 

Situated in Forres and drawing its water from the foot of the Romach hills, the distillery is the smallest in Speyside and isn't too far from Elgin.

The Classic Tour - A 30 min guided tour followed by a tasting of our award-winning Benromach 10 Years Old. Price: £6 per person

The Contrast Tour -  An in-depth tour followed by a tutored tasting of four drams from Benromach's whisky collection. Price:  £15 per person

Personal Distillery Manager’s Experience & Bottle - A guided tour with Anecdotes and insights from Distillery manager Keith Cruickshank, followed by an attempt to recreate the 10 Year Old using hand-drawn cask samples. Finally, you'll be given and Exclusive Distillery bottling to take home. Price:  £125.00 per person

Ardbeg , Islay

(Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7EA, 01496 302244)

Picture: Youtube

Ask anyone to name you an Islay whisky and the chances are Ardbeg will be within the top three mentioned, in fact ask anyone to name you a peaty whisky and you’ll more than likely find Ardbeg there too.

Islay is a wonderful place to visit and more of a pilgrimage than a trip, the unofficial spiritual home of whisky, Islay truly is beautiful.

Ardbeg, along with fellow Islay distilleries Laphroig and Lagavulin, is one of Scotland’s peatiest malts, with a ppm (Phenol parts per million) of around 55. However, it’s lighter spirit and distillation style means that Ardbeg has subtler, fruitier tones when compared to its bigger, smokier Kidalton cousins.

Ardbeg tour and tasting - 1 hour tour of the distillery and a taste of the distillery's wonderful whisky. Price: £6 per person

Ardbeg Full range tour  - A comprehensive tour of the Distillery followed by a tasting of all three expressions from their main range plus two of their limited editions. Price: £20 per person

The Ardbig Tour - An exceptional distillery tour including a tasting of some unusual samples and old favourites in Warehouse Three. Price:   £40 per person

The Ardbog Bog Off Walk -  Take a hike up and over the hills with story teller. Includes a picnic lunch, some great wee drams and a short tour of the Distillery. Price:  £50 (adequate foot wear required).

Laphroaig , Islay

(Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, PA42 7DU, 01496 302418)

Picture: Ayack\Wikimedia

Take a trip to one of the most famous distilleries around, Laphroaig, on the beautiful island of Islay.

Celebrating its 200th birthday, the distillery produces one of the best known spirits in the world. Laphroaig is peaty to the extreme (coming in at around 55 ppm).

Situated close to both Ardbeg and Lagavulin, there's a great opportunity to visit all three.

Experience tour -  1 hour tour with a taste of 3 favourite Laphroaig expressions. Price: £10 per person

Distiller's wares - Enjoy a tour of the distillery from the malting through to maturation stages. Also included is a sample straight from a selection of casks a chance to use a valinch to bottle your favourite to take home and enjoy. Price:  £70 per person (Includes a glass and a 250ml bottle of selected cask).

Water to whisky experience -  This experience includes a distillery tour, a picnic lunch, peat cutting, a visit to the Laphroaig water source and a taste from a selection of casks before using a valinch to bottle your favourite. Price: £85 per person

The Scotsman

Get in touch.

The Top 15 Scottish Distilleries to Visit in Scotland

If you love a wee dram of the good stuff, then you’re in the right place because Scotland is the undisputed home of whisky. For centuries (records date back to at least the 15th century), the Scots have been distilling, refining, and drinking barrel after barrel of whisky. 

From the Scottish Highlands to the remote islands, whisky distillation is an art form that’s been shaped by the sea, the weather, the peat, and even the bog of Scotland. Without a doubt, whisky is the national drink of Scotland, and there are hundreds of distilleries to visit across the country.

But with so many beautiful whiskies to try, you might not know where to begin. That’s why I decided to compile our list of the best distilleries in Scotland. Visit these excellent distilleries, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time tasting the best whisky in Scotland!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Scottish Distilleries to Visit in Scotland

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Top 15 Distilleries in Scotland

1. the scotch whisky experience.

Okay, so Edinburgh ’s Scotch Whisky Experience isn’t technically a distillery – no whisky is distilled on the site – but it is the best place in Scotland for an introduction to all things whisky!

The Scotch Whisky Experience takes pride in its place on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, and if it’s your first time in Scotland, there’s no better place to learn about the ancient art of distillation before sampling the best scotch from around the country. 

This unique experience is home to a replica whisky distillery, where you’ll learn about the centuries-old processes that go into making the finest blends and malts. You’ll learn about the different ingredients, the different whisky-producing regions in Scotland, and the different flavors, tastes, and aromas that different types of whisky are known for. Oh, and there’s a fun theme-park style “barrel ride” through the experience!

You can also see the unique Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection, which is safely stored away in the vaults of The Scotch Whisky Experience. This is the largest collection of scotch whisky in the world, with the last count putting the number of bottles at 3,384. Once you’ve perused the extensive collection, you’ll be invited for a tasting session in the Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar.

2. Glenfiddich Distillery

One of the most famous whisky brands in Scotland is Glenfiddich, and you can visit their family-owned distillery in the beautiful surrounds of remote Moray, in northeast Scotland. 

Glenfiddich Distillery is unusual in a number of ways. First of all, no other distillery has won quite as many awards as this distillery for their single malts – proving the quality of their whiskies. Second, no other distillery has remained family-owned for so long, with a continuous history dating back to 1886, when the Glenfiddich Distillery was founded by William Grant. 

The distillery sources its water from the Fiddich River and employs generations worth of whisky-making experience to produce an excellent single malt. This is the classic Speyside Single Malt, and if you’re partial to a dram of this iconic tipple, then this is the best place to enjoy it!

You can tour the distillery to learn more about the family’s history of whisky production and how they’ve evolved and developed their brand over the years, surviving hardships and economic forces that put many more family-owned distilleries out of business. 

The tour ends with a tasting, where you’ll be able to sample the delectable Glennfiddich 12-year, 15-year, and 18-year aged bottles before finishing with the Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, which is aged for 21 years in old rum casks from the Caribbean. 

3. Glenlivet Distillery

Another classic Speyside distillery is the Glenlivet Distillery , where Scotch whisky has been produced going back as far as 1822. Intriguingly, the distillery itself was founded in 1824, but George Smith, the founder, had been distilling his whisky illicitly in the Livet Valley for at least two years prior to this. 

Legend has it King George IV tried the illicit whisky, loved it. When the government rules changed to allow more liberal distillation, Glenlivet Distillery instantly shot to fame once they could legally produce their excellent whisky. 

You’ll be able to delve into this fascinating history with a tour of the Glenlivet Distillery, which is located in Ballindalloch, close to the River Spey in Moray. You’ll love the remote, rural location in the midst of a beautiful Scottish glen, and you’ll love tasting the single malts, the oldest of which have been aged for decades. 

4. Highland Park Whisky Distillery

One of the best Scottish distilleries is found in one of the country’s most remote and difficult-to-reach destinations. The Highland Park Whisky Distillery is the most northerly distillery in Scotland, and you’ll need to make your way all the way to Kirkwall, on the island of Orkney, to enjoy a dram of this whisky at its source.

Highland Park Whisky Distillery dates back to 1798, and the master distillers draw on this long history, as well as the wild, untamable nature of Orkney, to produce a truly distinct array of whiskies. You might be intrigued to discover that the original distillery established here was an illicit one, but then again, given Orkney’s remote location (it’s closer to Norway than to London!), the islanders here have always done things their own way.

The whiskies here are single malt, and they are produced using barley that’s slowly smoked over peat that’s 4,000 years old (we did say this was a historic distillery). This unusual, ancient peat gives Highland Park’s whisky a characteristic taste and aroma, which few single malts from the mainland can ever match. 

5. Laphroaig Distillery

Islay is highly regarded for its single malt whisky, and if you’re looking for Islay distilleries, there are as many as nine different distilleries producing high-quality products across the island! Islay whisky has a characteristically peaty, smoky flavor, and no other Islay whisky enshrines this more than Laphroaig. 

The Laphroaig Distillery is one of the best whisky distilleries in Scotland (not just on Islay!), and we know you’re going to love exploring their visitors center and learning about the history and production process. 

The distillery was founded in 1815 by members of Clan Donald, and they made use of the abundance of peat on Islay to smoke the barley before distillation. This is where that unique peaty aroma comes from, and the tradition continues today, with much of the peat and barley being locally sourced from Islay and smoked on-site. 

The most popular Laphroaig is aged for at least 10 years, but there are many much older bottles available too. Make your way to Islay, and you can take a tour of the distillery, learning the process from the master distillers before trying the impressive range of peaty whiskies in an expert-led tasting session. If you only have time for one Islay distillery tour, this is the one!

6. Auchentoshan Distillery

You’ll find the Auchentoshan Distillery in the Glaswegian suburbs, next to the banks of the River Clyde in the Kilpatricks Hills to the west of the city. It’s a beautiful yet convenient location for a distillery, and it’s perfect for anyone who only has fleeting time to explore Scotland!

But convenience isn’t the only reason to visit because the Auchentoshan Distillery has whisky to rival any highland single malt or peaty barrel of island brew. Auchentoshan is very different from its rivals, too, given that this whisky is known for its sweeter aromas and flavors rather than the peaty, boggy, smoky whiskies found elsewhere.

The Auchentoshan Distillery is historic, too, being founded back in 1823. They’ve always had a unique approach to whisky distillation, and the unusual overtones are in part the result of a triple distillation process that few other whisky producers employ. Take a tour, enjoy a few tastings, and see what the Auchentoshan fuss is all about during your trip to Glasgow!

7. The Clydeside Distillery

It’s the Highland and island distilleries that take all the glory and fame when it comes to scotch, but did you know that some of the best whisky in Scotland is produced in Glasgow ?

This unique Scottish distillery overlooks the old Queens Docks in Clydeside, Glasgow, where whisky from Scotland was once exported around the globe. The distillery is located within the former Pump House Building, which supplied the necessary power to operate the docks during the Victorian era.

The Clydeside Distillery , though, is relatively new to the whisky game. They only opened in 2017, but rest assured, the owners and distillers draw upon generations of whisky distillation experience. The owners previously owned Auchentoshan Distillery, Bowmore, and Glen Garioch Distilleries and they were inspired to create a dedicated single malt distillery (The Clydeside Distillery) that could return Glasgow to its former whisky-distilling glory. 

The owners’ family were former whisky brokers, and they worked here at Clydeside in days past, forging a whisky trading empire. Now, their descendants are forging a new single malt empire in Scotland’s most innovative and exciting city. You can learn more about the unique story and regeneration project on a tour of The Clydeside Distillery, which obviously includes plenty of tastings. 

8. Ben Nevis Distillery

Travel to Fort William, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, and you can hike to the summit of the tallest mountain in Britain. Looming over the town is Ben Nevis, which rises to a height of 1,345 meters.

On your way down the mountain, you can stop off at the Ben Nevis Distillery , which sits in the shadow of this iconic natural attraction. Alternatively, if you’re not in the mood for a long hike to the summit, why not spend the day tasting the excellent whisky instead of climbing a mountain?

This is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, with a distinguished history dating back to 1825 when it was founded by “Long John” McDonald, a descendent of rulers of the old Highland clans. The whisky was prepared using fresh water from the mountains, a tradition that continues to this day. 

The Ben Nevis Distillery produces a single malt whisky that typically is aged for 10 years. You can learn more at the distillery’s visitors center, where of course, you can also try their best whisky. 

9. Jura Distillery

The Inner Hebrides is home to many distilleries, but one of the most famous is the Jura Distillery . You’ll find the distillery on the island of Jura, which for most of the year, has a permanent population of less than 200, although numbers swell in the summer when the tourists arrive from the mainland. 

This isolation has always given Jura whisky a certain allure, and it’s an allure that’s matched by the whisky’s unique island-inspired flavors. Jura whiskies can be peaty, non-peaty, smoky, and even spicy, and there are a number of different varieties that you’ll need to try when you visit the distillery.

Actually reaching the Jura Distillery is all part of the experience, with the island being notoriously difficult to travel to, even when the waves are calm and the summer ferries are running. In the summer, you’ll first need to travel to Tayvallich, from where you can catch the community ferry. If that ferry isn’t running, you’ll need to travel to the island of Islay, then onto Jura. 

It’s well worth it to experience one of Scotland’s best and oldest whiskies, with the Jura Distillery having a long history dating back to 1810. 

10. Talisker Distillery

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations. It’s an almost mythical island where you can hike to spectacular, natural chimney stacks and swim in Fairy Pools. But as beautiful as the island is, the real reason you’re here is for the Isle of Skye whisky at Talisker. 

The fabled Talisker Distillery is the Isle of Skye’s oldest distillery, with a history that can be traced back to the 1830s. The distinctive Talisker whisky with its peaty flavors is produced using much the same process as the founders, Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, used almost 200 years ago. The stills are replicas of the originals, and although the distillery was destroyed by a fire in 1960, it was restored as faithfully as possible. 

The Talisker Distillery produces a number of different malts, with the classic 10-year-aged being the most popular (and it’s won awards). If you visit the distillery, you’ll be able to tour through the old production areas and see the impressive vaults, where much older barrels (some aged 35 years) are kept in the cool.  

11. Cardhu Distillery

If you love a dram of whisky with a side of history, then you have to visit the Cardhu Distillery in Moray. This is one of Scotland’s most fascinating whisky stories, and unlike many other distilleries, this narrative is dominated by women. 

The Cardhu Distillery was founded by whisky smuggling duo Helen and John Cumming in 1824. As the story goes, Helen would produce whisky, run the distillery, and sell the bottles from their farmhouse – all while avoiding the police. Their daughter, Elizabeth, took over the family business (by now, it was a legitimate whisky producer) and greatly expanded their production levels. 

In 1893, they were bought out by Johnnie Walker, who continues to own the distillery today. Cardhu Whisky remains a distinct product, although you may recognize the aromas if you’re a Johnnie Walker fan because Cardhu is one of the whiskies used in classic Johnnie Walker blends! 

You can learn about this fascinating past on a distillery tour before sampling a few wee drams of the Cardhu Distillery’s excellent Speyside single malt whiskies, which are aged from 12 to 18 years. 

12. Glenmorangie Distillery

Up north in Ross-shire, they know how to make an excellent whisky, and nowhere else is quite so famous as the Glenmorangie Distillery . 

This is highland distillation at its finest. The Glenmorangie Distillery believes that their whisky has been produced using a similar recipe since as early as the 1730s, when the first recorded distillery was established on the Morangie Farm. They still use the same Tarlogie Spring, located up in the hills, as a source of freshwater for the distillation process today. 

Glenmorangie is classified as a single malt whisky, and uniquely, the copper stills where the whisky is produced are the tallest such stills to be found anywhere in Scotland. The distillery recently constructed a 20-meter-high, glass-covered still named the “Lighthouse,” as it aims to be at the forefront of distillation for many years to come.  

The Glenmorangie Distillery is an impressive sight indeed, where modern architecture blends with 18th-century stone walls. You can see it all in person when you take a tour of the distillery, finished off with, of course, a tasting that includes a few wee drams of their signature 18- and 25-year whiskies. 

13. Old Pulteney Distillery

The small, coastal town of Wick lies just 15 miles to the south of John O’Groats, the most northerly point in mainland Britain. That makes the Old Pulteney Distillery one of the most northerly (and windswept) in Scotland, and we know you’re going to love venturing here in search of their famous “maritime malt.”

Old Pulteney Whisky has been shaped by the sea salt and sea spray from the rough North Seas that whips through Wick, and for much of its long history, this was one of the most inaccessible places on the mainland. You don’t need to arrive here by boat as you did when the distillery was first founded in 1826, but you will feel the keen sense of isolation that lingers throughout the town as you head for a tasting. 

Old Pulteney whiskies are characterized by their salty, almost briny aromas, and the taste of this malt really is unique. The classic 12 years aged whisky is a beautiful whisky, but you can step it up with a dram of the 15 years, 18 years, and much rarer 25-year-aged barrels. 

14. Wolfburn Distillery

If you’d love to visit the most northerly distillery on the mainland (not counting the Orkney Islands further to the north!), then you need to take a trip to the Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso. 

The Wolfburn Distillery first opened in 1821 and soon became known for its smooth blends distilled at the end of Britain. But the distillery was forced to close in the 1860s, and for over a century and a half, Wolfburn Whisky was all but forgotten. 

But in 2013, the distillery was resurrected, and the name and brand were brought back to life in Thurso. The distillers at Old Pulteney weren’t too happy, though, as they could no longer claim to be the most northerly distillery on the mainland!

Wolfburn Whisky has more to its name than its location, though. True to their, at one point, lost heritage, the distillery takes a slow, methodical approach to distillation. Everything here is done by hand, including the bottling, and you’ll appreciate every sip when you see how much work and expertise goes into the process during your distillery tour.

15. The Isle of Harris Distillery

The Isle of Harris Distillery is the most unusual addition to our list of the best distilleries to visit in Scotland because their most famous product isn’t whisky, but gin. Yes, gin is distilled in Scotland, too (not just whisky!), and if you make your way to Tarbert on the remote Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, you can see how it’s done!

The Isle of Harris Distillery only opened in 2015, but its products draw on centuries of community, culture, and history on the island. The distillery was founded not just as a way to produce a delectable bottle of gin but to save the local islander community, which was slowly declining as the younger generations left due to a lack of work in the isolated region. 

The distillery now provides many locals with an opportunity to stay and also provides visitors with a fascinating tour through the gin distillation process. 

Isle of Harris gin is prepared using local seaweed, as well as other (more traditional) gin botanicals, including junipers and coriander. Every bottle is labeled by hand and quality checked by the master gin makers, so you can rest assured that this unique gin is of the finest quality. 

If you are more of a whisky drinker, though, then don’t worry because the Isle of Harris Distillery also has you covered. While gin is their most famous product, they do also distill a single malt whisky named The Hearach .

There you have it! The 15 best Scottish distilleries to visit in Scotland. What’s your favorite distillery in Scotland?

Share this on pinterest.

About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

View all posts

Related Posts

The 15 Best Things to do in Innsbruck, Austria

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Capri, Italy

The 25 Best Things to do in Italy

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE 10 BEST Scotland Distillery Tours

Distillery tours in scotland.

• Private Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Walking Tours
• Distillery Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• City Centre
• Merchant City
• Stockbridge & Dean Village
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Kids
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Happy Tours

2. Eat Walk Edinburgh

3. Inverness Day Tours

4. Auchentoshan Distillery

5. Speyside Tours

6. Edinburgh Black Cab Tours

7. Lagavulin Distillery

8. Isle of Raasay Distillery

9. Scottish Whisky Tours

10. Once Upon A Whisky

11. Trike Tours Scotland

12. Highlander Private Tours

13. Eat Walk Glasgow

14. Avril's Travels

15. Scottish Terrier Tours - Day Tours

16. Arbikie Distillery

17. Highland Tours Inverness

18. Highland-Excursions

19. Aye Tours Scotland

20. GoOrkney

21. Skye Local Tours

22. Speyside Whisky Experience

23. Lizzie's Orkney Tours

24. Eat Walk St Andrews

25. Uile-bheist Brewery & Distillery

26. Once Upon a Whisky

27. Go Highlands

28. Bothies & Bannocks

29. Above and Beyond Tours of Caithness

30. Grampian Escapes & Tours

What travelers are saying

~ The Rabbie's Blog ~

The 10 Best Scottish Whisky Distilleries to Visit All Year Round

What would a visit to the birthplace of Scotch be without sampling a wee dram or two? But how do you navigate the vast array of Scottish whisky distilleries this country is proud to house? Look no further. We have categorised the best whisky distilleries you can visit in Scotland all year round, allowing you to focus on what's really important: deciding which bottle you want to take home with you from a tour. Within this article:

Scottish Whisky Distilleries - 10 Of the Best to Visit on a Tour

Where is the best whisky area in scotland, cardhu distillery, lindores abbey distillery, glen moray distillery, dalwhinnie distillery, glengoyne distillery, clydeside distillery, tomatin distillery, deanston distillery, dewar’s aberfeldy distillery, speyside cooperage.

Joining a Scottish whisky tour can be the best way to experience the liquid gold, lovingly crafted for centuries in Scotland. With over 140 malt and grain distilleries calling Scotland their home, your options are not limited. However it's always best to remember that out of season (November - April) some of the best distilleries may be closed or have restricted times. Our guide highlights our top 10 Scotch distilleries that we personally visit on our range of Scotland tours all year round. Which one will you decide to visit with us first?

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Moa, aka Swedish Whisky Girl (@swedishwhiskygirl)

Region : Speyside Founded : 1824 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : Speyside Whisky Trail 1 Day Tour From Aberdeen Successfully run by two generations of pioneering women, Cardhu Distillery in the Speyside region was one of the first legal whisky distilleries in this area. Now known internationally as a world leading single malt provider, the distillery's history actually starts with it being previously named ‘Cardow’. It wasn’t until 1981 that the distillery was renamed to match its product. Uncover more about the history of this legendary producer when on a small-group tour . The small details are what matter most to us, so we’re sure to quench your thirst for knowledge.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Rajmund (@slainte88)

Region : Lowlands Founded : 1494 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : Whisky & Castles 2 Day Tour From Edinburgh An abbey, religious monks, and historic monarchs. Not your typical back story to a present day Scottish whisky distillery, but it’s true. Dating back as early as 1494, Lindores Abbey Distillery has links to the earliest written reference of Scotch whisky, once known as ‘Aqua Vitae’. Combining tradition with more modern methods, and attention to their sustainability practices, is how we know and love the distiller today. Sip and appreciate each element within this unique blend, with friends, family, or on a solo travel tour . It's with careful consideration to the holistic whisky distillery practice that allows each flavour to be appreciated in every sip.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Vladimir Georgiev /Vlad/ (@whiskeytemple_vladimir)

Region : Speyside Founded : 1897 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : A Whisky Journey: Drams & Distilleries 1 Day Tour From Inverness Small and authentic, the Glen Moray Distillery enchants its guests who are touring the Speyside whisky region. Taking you in detail through the six steps of their craft, you could leave with a new sense of skill and appreciation for the art of distilling whisky. What makes this particular Speyside distiller one of the best in Scotland is their authentic methods and passion for what they do. Because when you love what you do, it shines through to your guests and that affection hums within the group, leaving them wanting more.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Trev Circlestudios (@circlerecordingstudios)

Region : Highlands Founded : 1897 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : Speyside Whisky Trail 3 Day Tour From Edinburgh Located in the heart of the Highlands, Dalwhinnie Distillery is a remote producer, providing what they like to call ‘the gentle spirit’. Although, from the extreme weather conditions they battle, the process of formulating the liquid gold is anything but gentle. Sourcing the water from a loch at 2,000 feet, to being made in the highest and coldest distillery in Scotland, doing things by half measures are not found in this vicinity. You might consider touring during autumn or maybe exploring while on your winter travels ? It’s always best to check opening times or weather restrictions due to the remote, but accessible location.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Personal account (@ec_whisky)

Region : Highlands Founded : 1833 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : Discover Malt Whisky 1 Day Tour From Edinburgh Proudly standing on Glasgow's doorstep, Glengoyne Distillery is a family-owned producer, who distils their malt whisky slower than others. Taking the time to appreciate the complex structure and flavours, the team nurses the whisky into what we can taste today. And why not try it for yourself? Join the family when you depart on a tour from Edinburgh and let your taste buds do the talking. This is one family reunion you don’t want to miss.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by John Apostol (@john_apostol)

Region : Lowlands Founded : 2017 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : Whisky & Loch Lomond 1 Day Tour From Glasgow Celebrating Glasgow’s dockside heritage and the roots of Scotch whisky, Clydeside Distillery produces a delicate Lowland style spirit. Touring from the centre of Glasgow , you can tick this best Scottish distillery off your list, while finding a new appreciation of the region. As a fairly new contender compared to the rest of our list, it’s no less worthy of having a space in the top 10. Infact, Clydeside is proud to be producing Glasgow’s first single malt whisky in over a century. Uncover more history behind this producer and learn of their full circle moments when booking a whisky tour.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Tomatin Whisky (@tomatinwhisky)

Region : Highlands Founded : 1897 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : Cairngorms National Park & Whisky 1 Day Tour from Inverness Just 16 miles south of Inverness lies our next best whisky distillery in Scotland, Tomatin Distillery . Located within the beautiful Scottish Highlands , Tomatin dates back generations and makes a toast to the very landscape which surrounds it. Proudly producing high-quality single malt and blended Scotch whisky, their traditional methods date back to the 1500s. But that's not where the history lesson finishes, discover the depths of this whisky by participating on a tour from Inverness .

Region : Highlands Founded : 1965 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : Discover Malt Whisky 1 Day Tour From Edinburgh Honouring its success to the powerful River Teith, Deanston Distillery is not your average whisky producer. What makes it one of the best in Scotland is the strong sense of community, locally sourced ingredients, and its ethical upbringing. So much so, once powering its whole whisky distillery, offices, coffee bothy, and visitor centre, they have 75% of their electricity (river-powered turbines) to sell back to the National Grid. Join us for a Scottish one day tour from Edinburgh and be a part of the action yourself.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery (@dewarsaberfeldy)

Region : Highlands Founded : 1896 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky 1 Day Tour From Edinburgh Nestled in the foot of the Scottish Highlands is another strong contender for the best whisky distillery in Scotland. Continuing with their heritage, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery uses the same practices once established by the founding family, but now they mature the spirit elsewhere in Scotland. The secret to this whisky’s smoothness? Double ageing, with a secondary resting in oak barrels. Walk through the process and gain a feel for what it's like to be a whisky distiller when touring the vicinity.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Flo Dehn (@katzefudder)

Region : Speyside Founded : 1947 Featured Rabbie’s Tour : Speyside Whisky Trail 3 Day Tour From Edinburgh While not strictly a whisky distillery, Speyside Cooperage is an interesting whisky barrel manufacturer that any fan of the spirit can enjoy. Joining a Scottish three day tour from Edinburgh , guests can experience the expertise needed to hone this craft, while learning the importance of the relationship between the cask and its contents. It’s also fascinating to watch first hand how the coopers’s attention to detail is poured over every stage of the process.

Speyside is often considered the best whisky area of Scotland, and a factor to that may be due to its size. As the largest of the five whisky regions, the area of Speyside houses nearly half of all Scotland’s whisky distilleries. Fans of the liquid gold will find themselves right at home in this region. Scotland is proud to provide five top whisky regions:

• Campbeltown

Enjoy a Wee Dram With Rabbie’s Tours

With the best whisky distilleries in Scotland found, all that's left to do is find your seat on one of our comfortable mini-coaches . Having one of our expert driver-guides behind the wheel, you can sit back and enjoy the flavours on offer with no arguments as to who is driving home. So whether you’re a beginner connoisseur looking to expand their palette, or a seasoned whisky enthusiast, a tour within Scotland’s five whisky regions can be the best experience for all.

Popular Posts

Mclean Scotland Whisky Tours

Guided whisky tours in scotland.

With over thirty years-experience and our extensive contacts in the whisky industry, we ensure you enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality, from the moment you arrive until your final dram. We believe the wonders of Scotland should be experienced by all, which is why we carefully design tours to meet all budgets.

Please do not compare us to the big tour companies. We have the competitively priced customised tours at good prices that create lasting impressions.

Scottish Whisky Tour Ideas

Find Out More . . .

Scottish Distilleries

Mclean Scotland

Scottish whisky tours tailored to your taste, experience the very best of scottish whisky.

We take you to distilleries, arranging tours from beginners and connoisseurs. All transport and accommodation is prearranged, from lovely local guest houses, to hotels – booked by us, with care. There are nearly 150 active whisky distilleries in Scotland and growing, split into five regions:

• Campbeltown

Our Journal

Loch Lomond Whiskies

Barley – What You Need to Know to Make a Good Dram.

Peated whisky, love it or hate it, it’s here to stay.

Customer testimonials.

Thank you McLean Scotland for creating and delivering the Tour of a Lifetime!!

I HIGHLY and STRONGLY recommend this company for your Scotch tour!! 

This comment might seem strange, but to be honest, we didn’t really believe the quote we got for Liz and Paul. It was around 5-6k. We actually replied, 5k per person, right? We were surprised to find that was the total. The going rate for a week(ish) tour with big box (non-bespoke) companies in 2021 were 3-4k per person. If the price seems too low, it might raise red flags. It did with us, which is why we asked Liz and Paul to video chat to make sure it was real! I’m not suggesting that you jack up prices, but maybe address your pricing philosophy face up?

“We believe the wonders of Scotland should be experienced by all, which is why we carefully design tours to meet every budget. Please don’t compare us to the big tour companies. We have the flexibility to offer very competitively priced customized tours at reasonable prices that will create lasting memories."

Hi Paul. Back in Sweden and delighted to find my wonderful lab still recognises me (as does my wife). I think we had a brilliant tour, in fact the best ever, and as always it's a pleasure being on the roads with you. Apart from being a great companion, you share so much about Scottish history and culture which you know I'm always keen to learn more about.

I liked in particular the scenery going from Ballachulish to Tyndrum in Glencoe – a road I'd never travelled before. The best views I've ever had in Scotland. I think we have a solid plan for next year so let´s keep in touch about that.

First time we used MCLEANSCOTLAND.  They were honest about what we would be able to see. It truly was a vacation of a lifetime. It was everything we dreamed about! And we saw as much of Scotland that we could possibly fit in 10 days. Forward five years – we decided to do a whisky tour with them.

They did all the driving, so many distilleries, so many laughs, drank so much whisky and had the time of our lives. Our whole trip was truly magical!  There are not enough stars to give them rating they deserve.

MCLEANSCOTLAND are an absolute joy to communicate with. Professional, knowledgeable, courteous, friendly, and awesome with communication. The way they communicate is vastly different from the other 7 companies that I contacted for the tour. The tour schedule was WOW!! So detailed, well planned, organised and thought out.

You guys truly listened and tried your hardest to schedule events tailored to our wants and it definitely showed! Once again, totally different from the 7 other companies I contacted. The price was great! You scheduled an incredible tour to the budget that I gave.

Your long experience was evident and we very much enjoyed stories about Scotland such as details about the clans and other information he provided along the way. One hotel you chose was fantastic for us. Quirky and fun, the host seemed very energetic. The dining room and bar were surprisingly busy for mid-week and the food was excellent. It was nice to take a bit of a rest in such a peaceful place and we stood in a field looking at stars for a good hour. Breakfast was excellent. We loved every bit of Islay.  Our walk on the beach was wonderful. We were happy to catch the standing stones on the mainland, definitely worth the stop at least for us. After switching drivers we were able to make a detour to the Glen Coe area and stopped at a pull-in to take some pictures...a highlight of the trip for us...it was quite impressive.  Overall, we had an absolutely incredible time and made a ton of new memories. I would write more about it how wonderful it was, but I have to be off to work now!!! Thanks again, and we really are excited about our next trip...which would have to include the Isle of Skye.

Contact Mclean Whisky Tours

If you're looking for local, Scottish Whisky experts who also share a love for Scottish whisky then look no further than Mclean Scotland Whisky Tours.

For more information please email: [email protected]

Check out our brand new 5-day Islay & Campbeltown Tour!

SCOTTISH ROUTES

Small group whisky tours in scotland, our most popular tours.

• MOST POPULAR
• Map Marker Islay
• Hour Glass 4 days

Four-Day Islay Whisky Tour

This tour takes you to a Scottish island paradise. Islay is home to stunning scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and nine of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries.

• Hour Glass 5 days

Five-Day Islay Whisky Tour

The ultimate Islay tour is for those who want to experience as much of Islay as possible. We visit every distillery on the island, taste a range of drams and explore its secret spots.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Heart We love what we do : We all love being able to show our guests around the incredible country we call home.

We take you off the beaten track : If you want to meet, eat and drink with the locals, a Scottish Routes tour is for you.

Star Outline Local knowledge and expertise : We are a small Scottish family-owned company with over 25 years’ experience, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Users Our guides : We believe our local guides are second to none. Our team is always ready to go the extra mile to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.

Checkmark All tours and tastings are included : We’ve designed extra special and unique experiences at each of the distilleries we visit and it’s all included in the cost of your tour.

Wine It’s all taken care of : We’ve organized everything to be as low stress as possible. You can relax, enjoy the whisky and let us do the driving.

GIVE YOUR LOVED ONES AN UNFORGETTABLE WHISKY TOUR IN SCOTLAND

Top-rated scotch tours in scotland on tripadvisor.

I am a return customer to Scottish routes…I have just returned from a 5 day break which I really enjoyed. Mark the tour guide was great he made sure everyone had a good time... What can you say about Islay, peaceful quiet and stunningly beautiful. The weather gods looked down on us favourably. The whisky was great, the Bowmore guest house is terrific, all Covid-19 precautions were adhered to, the breakfast was as usual excellent and the room very comfortable. Everyone on the trip had a great time, here's to the next time

Just wanted to thank you and all the team for such a wonderful tour across beautiful Scotland and onto Islay. Despite the Covid restrictions, you managed to organise a really lovely trip of tours and tastings. Our expert driver and guide, Moray, gave us a fantastically interesting trip, with Scottish music and commentary, also frequent stops for a "wee dram" too. Our hotel too was excellent, with good sized rooms that were very clean and well-appointed. Alison and Andrew gave us all a warm welcome and looked after us very well during our stay. All in all, an extremely memorable trip to a lovely peaceful island. I can't wait to visit again. Thanks once again.

We just finished the 4 day Islay tour. It was such a great experience! Great people on the tour to share our time with, very happy with the accommodations at the Bowmore Inn, and our tour guide Robert, well he just made the whole trip the absolute best!!! Learned so much about Scottish history and saw some really beautiful sights on the way to Islay and back. Very unique trip, definitely worth the cost and the trek to get there. Even if you're not a whisky drinker, but someone in your life is, highly recommend. Thank you Scottish Routes and especially Rob, for a wonderful experience.

We have just completed this tour - to celebrate husband’s 60th birthday. The whole trip was a wonderful experience. It included an incredibly scenic journey to catch the ferry at Kennacraig. Our stay at Bowmore House included fortifying breakfasts which are best described as banquets! Apart from sampling some incredible whiskey, we were thoroughly entertained by our knowledgeable hosts at each distillery. Our group included travelers from Sweden and the USA and were all great company. Our tour guide and driver, Duncan, made the traveling unforgettable with his amazing knowledge, humor, and perfect accompanying soundtrack!

It’s been 3 weeks since our Whisky tour and I have to say, not a day goes by that I don’t think about our fantastic “history book and driver”, Jamie, and the wonderful group we were blessed to hang with! We started our 2 week Scotland vacation with Scottish Routes and that was the best decision we could have ever made!! It went above and beyond my expectations!! Andrew and Allison from the Bowmore House were awesome and made sure that we were prepared for the day!! Jamie was a wealth of knowledge and a great storyteller. I’m looking forward to coming back to Scotland!! Thank you! Kathy.

I just finished the 4 day Islay whisky tour, and I loved it! The island is gorgeous, the people friendly, and the whisky delicious. Would love to go back another time. Our driver and tour guide, Jamie, was awesome, full of knowledge and facts, and a great driver. Especially considering the twisty unpredictable roads on Islay. No matter what, he handled it all. I hope that I'll get the pleasure of his expertise another time. Also a big shout out to The Bowmore House, the place was really nice, and the hosts Andrew and Alison extremely sweet and accommodating.

15 OF THE BEST WHISKEY DISTILLERIES TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND

The magic of distilleries has never ceased to capture the imagination of the world over and over; and invoke a sense of the mystical and the unknown, even though the process remains largely the same today as it was over a thousand years ago.

Scotch whiskey is one of Scotland’s most famous products and there are over 120 whiskey distilleries in Scotland.  Most of our visitors to Scotland and Ireland make time for a distillery visit during their stay here and whether they are bottling, blending or creating their own labels, each and every one shares the same delight in one of the Scot’s most traditional of practices.  The main whiskey regions of Scotland are The Highlands, The Lowlands, Islay and Campbeltown.

There are two main types of Scotch whiskey, single malt and single grain.  Malt whiskey is produced from 100% malted barley and blended whiskies are made from a mixture of malt and grain whiskey.

Most importantly, enjoying and sampling some of the best whisky that Scotland produces is a lot of fun and educational too.  These are some of my favorite distilleries, and best distilleries to visit in Scotland, in no particular order, they also offer the best whiskey tours in scotland :

1. TALISKER, ISLE OF SKYE

Found underneath the Cuillin hills of Skye, this distillery boasts a very peaty and full-bodied malt from their copper stills.  The dramatic coastal scenery and wildlife are part  of  Talisker’s  charm and they offer a decent tour too.  Even better, it’s close by to the Kinloch Lodge and wonderful Three Chimneys, a particular favorite of mine.

2. EDRADOUR, PITLOCHRY

Possibly the smallest distillery in Scotland.  Edradour is famous for it’s Highland single malt whiskey.  Found in 1825 and tucked away in the heart of Pitlochry, it also has a delightful shop and visitor experience and remains a bit of a hidden gem for me.  If you’re staying at  Kinross House , this is an ideal distillery to visit.

3. HIGHLAND PARK, ORKNEY

This is well worth the trip.  Orkney may be almost 310 miles from Edinburgh and  Highland Park  is certainly the most northerly distillery in Scotland but it really does produce the most fabulous whiskey.  Their 12 year old with a touch of peat and smokey tones is divine and the tasting makes visiting this distillery a real delight.  It is also a stone’s throw from the fabulous Balfour Castle on Shapinsay.  We can organize some fabulous Orkney whiskey tours.

4. LINDORES ABBEY, FIFE

Steeped in rich history,  Lindores Abbey  is known as the “Spriritual home of Scotch Whiskey” – believed to be the first recorded distillery to produce what is known today as whiskey.  The Abbey has housed Kings, Princes – even William Wallace, and in September 2017, they throw open their doors to the public for the very first time, bringing whiskey home.  This is the brainchild of dear friends of mine, Helen and Drew MacKenzie Smith and at LTR we wish them all the best.  Guests of Birkhill Castle will be able to easily make a trip to Lindores Abbey.

5. GLENMORANGIE, TAIN

On the southern bank of the Moray Firth comes the golden nectar that has been crafted by the men of Tain for centuries.  The Glenmorangie Distillery tour is a gentle amble through time and shows off the distillery and warehouses with rare access.  If you overindulge, don’t worry because Glenmorangie House, next door, offers a very comfortable stay.

6. ARDBEG, PORT ELLEN, ISLAY

In common with the rest of the famous Islay family of distilleries,  Ardbeg  stands out, for me, as one of the greatest distilleries on earth.  As good on its own or splashed over oysters, Ardbeg whiskey evokes an unsurpassed flavor and the stillery offers a fascinating insight into their secret world.

7. BALVENIE, DUFFTOWN

This special Speyside distillery not only offers visitors behind-the-scenes insight but also a vast range of tastings crafted from in-house floor maltings and locally hand-cut peat.   Balvenie  is a true delight and a fun trip to make if you’re staying at Gordon Castle which is just 1/2 hours drive away.

8. BRUICHLADDICH, ISLAY

I have very fond memories of visiting this  distillery  with a client some years ago for a very personal tour conducted by the owner.  We arrived by helicopter, blended, bottled and labelled our own whiskey and, after an excellent lobster lunch, we were very sorry to leave.  My client had ordered a cask which is still sitting there and he visits from time to time to check that the Angel’s share has not completely evaporated.  A really magic place.

9. GLENLIVET, BALLINDALLOCH

Nestled deep in the wild and beautiful Speyside valley,  Glenlivet Distillery is home to the production of its namesake and has grown to become one of the biggest single malt distilleries in order to keep up with global demand.  Their single malt whisky is the biggest selling in US and their distillery doesn’t disappoint.  The intimate tours are both educational and inspiring.  Kincardine Castle is next door and offers first class exclusive accommodation to the weary reveler.

10. GLENKINCHIE, PENCAITLAND

This is a great little distillery, just south of Edinburgh, offering the best of lowland malts.  An exceptional visitor experience kicking off with an exhibition on the Malting Floors, a tour of the distillery production areas and finishing with more tasting.  The stunning, Adam-designed  Gilmerton House  is a 10 minute drive and well worth a stay either before or after a visit to  Glenkinchie .

11. KNOCKANDO, SPEYSIDE

As Knockando say themselves, they do whiskey “a little differently”.  Their award winning anCnoc (meaning “the hill”) is a refreshingly modern take on the traditional production methods and the result is a lighter-tasting single malt. Despite being a small distillery, Knockando is forward-thinking and the perfect embodiment of a modern establishment.  Kids get down there now.

12. LAPHROAIG, PORT ELLEN, ISLAY

Laphroaig , for me, offers one of the best distillery tours in Scotland.  Expertly run, the staff at Laphroaig are informative and passionate about their craft.  Check out the gift shop and make sure you grab your national flag and map, set out onto the bogs and claim your very own plot in a fun twist to the day.  Modern and up-scale, Laphroaig ticks all the boxes for the present day whiskey lover.

13. LAGAVULIN, PORT ELLEN, ISLAY

Possibly one of my favorite distilleries.  The sheer name conjures up such wonderful images of the world-famous whiskey and the distillery more than lives up to its reputation.  Rich, smoky and full bodied,  Lagavulin  is hard to beat.  The Queen of the Hebrides, as Islay is often referred to, doesn’t disappoint with this gem as it is set fairly and squarely at the heart of it.

14. DALWHINNIE, HIGHLANDS

One of the highest distilleries in Scotland, the fabulously remote  Dalwhinnie  does whisky with a twist – combining their 15 year old single malt with … handmade chocolates!  If you don’t have time for a tour of the distillery, make sure you have time for a dram and a chocolate before you leave.  A distillery with real charm and a great pit-stop of your’re on your way north.

15. THE MACALLAN, CRAIGELLACHIE

The Macallan is the last distillery on my list of Scottish distilleries, but by no means the least.  Its reputation proceeds it and, for most of my clients outside of the UK, is the most well-known.  Set in the heart of Speyside, the  Macallan  use uniquely shaped copper stills in order to have maximum contact with the whiskey.  This, alongside many other Macallan secrets learnt on their exclusive tour, combines to make the world-famous flavor that we all know so well.  It is very well worth taking a Macallan distillery tour if you’re staying nearby.

As you can see we are passionate about the whiskey produced in this wonderful country.  We get great pleasure and satisfaction from planning wonderful vacations round Scotland for our clients and including visits to some of the best distilleries in Scotland.  Please get in touch with us by email at  [email protected]  or phone  + 44 (0) 1835 824642  to see how we can help plan a really fabulous trip for you and your family or friends so that you can visit some of the best whiskey distilleries in Scotland.

Annabel started out her working life in the youth development and adventure travel industry.  She planned and organised for many groups of school children to take part in expeditions to developing countries around the world.  In 2008, she started working for Loyd & Townsend Rose and is now responsible for the smooth running and development of the website and other marketing aspects of the company.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share by Mail

O THER  P OSTS  Y OU  M IGHT  L IKE

15 of the Best Whiskey Distilleries to Visit in Scotland

The 8 Best Castles to Visit in England

The 8 Most Famous Castles in Scotland

Andrew’s day trip exploring the architecture of Bath

Boris Bites: Best UK Restaurants for Eat Out to Help Out

Club Tropical – Six Exotic Gardens to Visit Across the UK

Covid Code of Practice

Venison Wellington Recipe from Corrour Lodge

These Are the Best Private Dining Rooms in London

L eave a  r eply, leave a reply, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Luxury Travel Adviser – Work for Us

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

POPULAR PAGES

Rent a Castle

Golfing Vacations

Luxury Birthday Parties

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Email Address *

LTR, Tweed Horizons, Newtown St Boswells, Roxburghshire, Scotland, TD6 0SG

5 of the Best Whisky Distillery Tours in Scotland

Immerse yourself in some of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland , on your pilgrimage to our spirtual lands. Scotland has over 130 malt whisky distilleries and many of them offer fantastic guided tours. We have listed some of the best tours below where each distillery offers a unique experience or special tastings for the real whisky connoisseurs.

A Treasure Trove of the Top Scotland Whisky Tour Experiences

When you think of Scotland, what images come flooding into your mind? It may be our bonnie hairy heilan’ coos, or the rolling hills. Perhaps your mind drifts off to the magnificent mountains and lochs, Scots pipe bands or the history laden castles and rugged coastlines. I’d bet my centuries old sporran though, that our golden nectar, our famous national drink, Whisky comes near, if not top, of that list of images and associations of Scotland.

So whether you like a wee dram of a good malt, or just curious as to how it is distilled and produced, we have selected for you, what is arguably the best whisky tours available in Scotland, created for you by a true Scot, who also enjoys the occasional wee nip o’ the guid stuff. Pour yerself a wee dram, sit back, and let us take you on a virtual tour of these braw distilleries.

Auchentoshan Whisky Distillery, Lowlands

Auchentoshan Distillery Tour

Auchentoshan is considered one of the best lowland whisky distillery tours in the west of Scotland. The distillery, on the outskirts of Clydebank, is known as “Glasgow’s Malt Whisky” due to its close proximity to Glasgow.

You can discover the Unique Auchentoshan Triple Distilling Process on a whisky tour out of Glasgow. This local malt, has often been described as the “the breakfast whisky” due to it’s sweet, smooth and delicate flavours.

The Auchentoshan Ultimate Experience tour is £55 per person, taking you on a journey to parts of the distillery, not normally accessible to the general public. During the 2-hour ultimate distillery experience, you will sample whisky straight from the cask, and taste a variety of exclusive Auchentoshan whiskies.

As an added bonus, you also have the opportunity to sample the amazing Auchentoshan Whisky Cocktail. It’s a real imaginative twist, with a local Glasgow theme combining whisky and ale. Ask for a ‘hauf an’ a hauf’ in any Glasgow licensed premises and you will be served a whisky with an ale chaser. Find out more about the Auchentoshan cocktails and other Auchentoshan whisky recipes here. 

Alternative Auchentoshan Origin Tours are available, including the Classic Tour (60 mins with one whisky sample at £18 pp), and the Auchentoshan Essence Tour (90 mins with 4 whiskies to taste at £45 pp).

For an additional £90 you can fill your own bottle of Single Malt Whisky straight from the cask, making this an ultimate souvenir or perfect gift to take home from your memorable Auchentoshan whisky distillery tour.

Ballindalloch Whisky Distillery, Speyside

Ballindalloch Single Malt Whisky Distillery Tour

The Ballindalloch Single Malt Distillery in the Speyside whiskey region, offers far more than most distillery tours. True whisky connoisseurs can indulge themselves in a real ‘hands on’ whisky experience, allowing them to be involved in the art of distilling whisky for the entire day. This amazing, not to be missed 5-Star experience, must be pre-booked well in advance. This whisky tour is for a maximum of 2 people and the price is £195 per person for the full day.

Alternatively, the Ballindalloch Distillery, offers another superb shorter tour, lasting approximately 3 hours. This option is available at £35 per person. This top rated distillery tour takes place in the renovated farm steading next to the golf course, on the Macpherson-Grant ancestral family estate.

Balvenie Whisky Distillery, Speyside

Balvenie Whisky Distillery Tour

Immerse yourself in the old worldly charm of the Balvenie Whisky Distillery in Dufftown, Speyside. The Balvenie whisky distillery tour offers visitors a completely unique experience. It is the only traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands, which still has their own working floor maltings and active cooperage onsite.

There are only 3 whisky distillery tours each day, which are limited to a maximum of 8 people. It is a truly intimate small group experience, which pays attention to fine detail on an exceptional whisky distilling master class.  

This in depth whisky distillery tour, lasts approximately 3 hours, lasting longer than most other distillery tours. The cost is £50 per person, and pre-booking is advisable to avoid disappointment.

You can take advantage of bottling your own Balvenie direct from the whisky cask in Warehouse 24. This exclusive part of the Balvenie Distillery Tour, costs an additional £30 per person.

The Balvenie offers whisky connoisseurs from all around the world one of the most informative, and arguably one of the best whisky distillery tour experiences available in Scotland. For more information on booking a Balvenie Whisky Distillery Tour click here .

Bowmore Whisky Distillery, Isle of Islay

Bowmore Whisky Distillery Tour

The Bowmore Craftsman’s Tour on the magical ‘whisky’ Island of Islay is an absolute must visit for the peaty whisky lover. 

The Craftsman’s tour is a fabulous fun, memory making experience. This tour offers you the opportunity of participating in turning and raking the barley, shovelling peat into the kiln and of course, tasting the best of the Bowmore

Unlock Bowmore’s whisky secrets , in the hidden depths of the world’s oldest stone maturation warehouses, aptly named the No. 1 Vaults.

Discover the fascinating onsite kiln, where peat fuels the furnace, enhancing the smoky flavours of the Bowmore whisky.  

Extract your own dram of whisky straight from the cask, using a special device known as a ‘whisky thief’. You can then bottle and name your own unique bottle of Bowmore.

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest distillery on Islay. It’s Gaelic motto, ‘Fioghinn agus Soir Bhuanaghadh’ means ‘full and excellent quality’, just like its engaging whisky distillery tour.

You may even wish to further expand on this amazing distillery experience, and book yourself into one of their onsite,19th century authentic self-catering Bowmore cottages.

Dating from the 1840s, these unique cottages are luxurious and highly sought after. Therefore, pre booking is highly recommended. The accommodation ranges from the Distillery House, once home to the Distillery Cooper, to the old Maltman’s Cottage, thus offering you a glimpse at the lives of the Bowmore distillery workers and their families.

The Craftsman tour costs £55 per person and lasts approximately 3 hours.

Springbank Whisky Distillery, Campbelltown

Springbank Whisky Distillery Tour

The Springbank Distillery in Campbelltown, offers a quintessential whisky experience aptly named the “Wee Toon Walking & Warehouse Tour”.

This fantastic whisky tour incorporates a walk through the town, visiting both the Springbank and Glengyle whisky distilleries.

Discover fascinating stories with your whisky tour guide,as you learn how Campbeltown was considered the Whisky Capital of the World,and the origins of the famous Scottish song ‘ Campbeltown Loch’. 

This unique experience includes a delicious Scottish Platter Lunch in the tasting room, whisky tastings direct from the cask, a complimentary glass and a miniature whisky bottle to take home from each distillery. This spiritual tour costs £85 per person, requires a minimum of 4 people, and must be booked in advance.

Alternative Springbank Whisky Tours are also available. You can find more information here. 

The distillery also offers a unique opportunity to experience whisky distilling first hand in their Springbank Whisky School. Over 5 fascinating days, you can participate in all aspects of crafting whisky from floor maltings, distilling, filling casks and bottling single malt whisky. This is arguably one of the finest whisky experiences available to lovers of the finest amber liquid, available in Scotland.

Visit Scotland’s Best Whisky Distilleries

We hope you have enjoyed your wee virtual jaunt around Scotland’s most famous and popular whisky distilleries.We welcome your thoughts on our article, and be happy to include suggestions of other distilleries which offer whisky tours that go above and beyond the norm.

We would also be delighted to offer you our services, and take your group on a whisky tour to your favourite distilleries from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

You may also be interested in our Speyside whisky distillery itineraries . These tours can be tailor made for you and your group to maximise your whole whisky tour experience. These could be from a one day event, or multi day, incorporating the islands and off the beaten path locations. A wee bonus, you will have your very own kilted piper as your guide and chauffeur.

9 of the Best Whisky Distillery Tours in Scotland

With over 120 active distilleries, Scotland is a whisky lover’s paradise. Discover, taste and enjoy Scotland’s national drink with a distillery tour on your next trip to Scotland.

One of Scotland’s largest exports, the never-ending passion for single malt whisky is evident as many whisky fans from around the world make the pilgrimage to Scotland to uncover what goes into making their favourite golden dram. Take a distillery tour and discover everything about the whisky making process, from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation. And don’t forget tasting! No visit would be complete without experiencing Scotland’s most popular produce .

1. The Macallan, Aberlour

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is not only one of the most iconic whiskies in the world, but it is also now famed for its spectacular distillery visitor centre. Thanks to a £140m revamp in 2018, the building is a stunning piece of architecture celebrated with many design awards. Cut into the slope of the land, the distillery’s grass topped roof and futuristic curves merge into the Scottish landscape. Visitors can learn about the history of the brand and the production journey. After that, don’t forget to visit the Macallan Bar and browse over 950 of the rarest Macallan.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cameron Ross Ewen (@thescotchcam)

2. Glengoyne Distillery, Glasgow

Situated only 40 minutes from Glasgow, the Glengoyne distillery feels worlds away from the bustling city . Established in 1833, the picturesque distillery sits at the foot of Dumgoyne hill on the edge of the Campsie Fells and is surrounded by beautiful Scottish countryside. Glengoyne offers several types of tours to suit any level of knowledge, as well as masterclasses and one-off events.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Jamie Mercer (@jamie_m_75)

3. Glenmorangie, Tain

Located about one-hours’ drive north of Inverness , Glenmorangie is a popular distillery to visit in the Highlands of Scotland. Established in 1843, the distillery features some of the tallest stills in Scotland. With a wide range of tours, discover everything there is to know about this popular brand, before enjoying a tasting of the award-winning liquid.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Joella Doobrow (@rovingjo)

4. Auchentoshan, Glasgow

Situated just 20 minutes from Glasgow, Auchentoshan is easy to reach by car or public transport. One of the few lowland malts left in the region, this distillery produces some of the lightest whisky in Scotland and is known for its smooth and delicate taste. A wide range of tour packages are available, the most popular being a 60-minute tour and tasting. In addition, the distillery also offers special tours where you can go behind the scenes, have private access, or bottle your very own whisky.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by OngewoonLekker (@ongewoonlekker)

5. Laphroig, Isle of Islay

Islay is a beautiful Scottish island famed for its whisky production and currently home to nine working distilleries. Established in 1825, Laphroig is one of the most famous Islay scotches. A must-visit for anyone who loves peated whisky. With various tour packages available, one of the most popular is a four-and-a-half-hour adventure that takes you through the distillery, out to the peat bogs and over to the distillery’s water source. In addition, the visitor centre also has a lounge bar where you can relax and unwind with your favourite dram or cocktail.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Islay Drone Photography (@islaydronephotography)

6. Highland Park, Orkney Mainland

Set in the remote isle of Orkney, Highland Park was founded in 1798 and is the most northerly large whisky distillery in Scotland. An insightful trip for any whisky die-hards, the distillery still retains a lot of its traditional processes, including 100-year-old kilns and a traditional malting floor, one of the few distilleries still to do this on site. The brand places a firm emphasis on its Nordic Viking roots, clearly seen in its product names, packaging and daily tours.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Myles Campbell 🇬🇧 (@smiilesm)

7. Old Pulteney, Wick

Founded in 1826, the Pulteney Distillery is located in the town of Wick and is one of the most northerly distilleries on the British mainland. Situated near Scotland’s popular North Coast 500 route , Wick is a popular stopping point due to the ancient ruins, historic castles and stunning scenery and wildlife in the area. Make a stop at the distillery to discover more about this ‘maritime malt’, which is said to take inspiration and flavours from the coast. A wide range of tours are available, covering the distillery’s history and buildings, and also include an enticing complimentary sample.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Old Pulteney Whisky (@oldpulteneymalt)

8. Talisker, Isle of Skye

The oldest working distillery on the breath-taking Isle of Skye , Talisker is set on the shores of Loch Harport in the village of Carbost. Founded in 1830, the distillery is set amongst the most extreme Scottish landscape with the rugged Black Cuillin mountain range visible in the distance. The Isle of Skye and the distillery can get very busy with tourists in summer months, so it is advised to book a tour in advance.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by l u c y c o l l i n s (@lucyeacollins)

9. Jura, Isle of Jura

A small remote island found off the West Coast of Scotland is home to the Jura Distillery. Only 60 miles from the mainland, the island feels otherworldly. Once described by George Orwell as ‘the most un-get-atable place’, it was on Jura where he completed his famous novel ‘1984’. Founded in 1810, the distillery endured various periods of misuse, until it was relaunched in 1963. With daily distillery tours, tasting packages and an annual summer whisky festival, you won’t regret making the journey to this unique island.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Timur Valiev (@zloitimur)

Discover the best of Scotland’s whisky for yourself:

You may also like, 15 unmissable places in germany, 8 things to do in paris with the kids, around the world in 12 colorful cities, 5 instagram accounts that will make you want to visit the emirates, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Challenge me
• Enlighten me
• Take me away
• Uncategorized @us
• Wine and dine me
• Afternoon Tea
• Aix-en-Provence
• Alessandria
• Alnwick Castle
• Amalfi Coast
• Amazon Rainforest
• Adele Barnau
• Alessandro Santoro
• Alex Skinner
• Alyssa Fowler
• Amanda Coletta
• Ana Olivia Fiol
• Andrea Barragan
• Angelo Tarallo
• Anna Boshdemont
• Annalice Furfari
• Arianna Serra
• Bryan Shelmon

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Scotland travel update | New tours of the UK!

• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self-Drive i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Privately Guided i
• Multi-Day i
• Scotland & Ireland i
• Scotland, England & Wales i
• Honeymoon i
• Highlands i
• Solo Travel i
• All types & themes
• All Scotland Tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Book With Confidence i
• Scotland Travel Update i
• Why book with us i
• Travel Update
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Scotland at a Glance i
• Useful Information i
• Scotland Attractions i
• Scotland Blog i
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Whisky Tour Packages in Scotland

Embark on a flavourful journey with these Scotland whisky tours. Discover the rugged Highlands, visit Celtic castles and savour the finest Scotch. Trips include accommodation, local transport, 24/7 support, and more.

Try malt whisky on a tour of Scotland

Experience Scotland’s national drink at the source on a Scottish adventure. Explore your way, with the option to tour whisky distilleries on all travel styles.

Discover top Scotland distilleries with an expert local guide on a small group trip or private tour . Alternatively, you could travel at your own pace on a self-drive road trip .

Or, if you’re interested in spending more time in the Scottish capital, venture out on multi-day tours with Edinburgh as your base.

Read on for trip ideas and inspiration for your Scottish getaway.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible tour options
• Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 on our helpline
• Professional service from Edinburgh-based experts

Visit a distillery on these small group tours

Enjoy a whisky tour and tasting as part of these guided group trips. Learn about the “water of life” and see Scotland’s top attractions in a group of up to just 15 like-minded travellers.

Wonders of Scotland

Highlights of Scotland

Try whisky on a privately guided trip.

Embark on a Celtic journey with your own private guide. Explore captivating landscapes, historic sites and vibrant cities with the option to add a distillery visit.

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

Classic scotland - private, complete scotland - private, tour a distillery on a self-drive trip.

Take the wheel on a self-drive trip across Scotland's scenic landscapes. Enjoy the freedom to travel at your leisure and try locally made whisky on a distillery tour.

Classic Scotland

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, grand tour of scotland, scottish highlands & north coast 500, complete scotland, savour whisky on a multi-day tour.

See the best of Scotland on multi-day trips from Edinburgh. Uncover the city's top sights, venture into the Highlands and customise your adventure with optional stops at whisky distilleries.

Best of Edinburgh - Loch Ness & Highlands

Edinburgh complete - loch ness, highlands & glasgow, edinburgh complete - loch ness, highlands & glasgow - winter, best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands - winter, explore scotland your way.

No matter how you decide to experience Scotland, you’ll have a memorable stay. Pick the travel theme that works best for you.

Best sellers

Castles & royalty, culinary experience, culture & history, honeymoon & romance, north coast 500, off the beaten path, scottish heritage tours, solo travel, staycation holidays, the scottish highlands, all travel styles, about scotland whisky tours.

If you're looking for an insight into Scotland whisky trips, you're in the right place. We've gathered expert advice to help you plan your journey. Uncover all the useful information to make sure you have a memorable and enjoyable exploration of Scotland's rich whisky heritage.

Go on a small group tour complete with a distillery visit

If you’d like an introduction to whisky, join a guided small group tour that includes a visit to a distillery.

You’ll soon find out that this honey-hued tipple is more than just a drink to the Scots. In fact, it’s been an important part of Scotland’s culture for centuries. Although the oldest licensed distilleries here date from the late 1700s, the locals have been producing whisky from malted barley since the 15th century.

During your distillery visit, a local tour guide will show you how Scotland’s malt whiskies are made and talk you through a tasting experience.

Throughout the rest of your tour, you’ll explore Scotland’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and top attractions with your knowledgeable guide. Plus, in a group of no more than 15 guests, you’ll get to know your fellow travellers and have opportunities to ask your guide questions.

As well as being an unforgettable way to uncover Scotland without taking the wheel yourself, small group tours are perfect if you’re travelling solo . So why not embark on a tasting adventure with like-minded whisky lovers from around the world?

All guided small group tours in Scotland include: • Stays in handpicked accommodation • Transport in a comfortable minibus • Professional English-speaking guide • Daily breakfast and some meals • Welcome pack with our Scotland travel guide • Your own detailed itinerary and a map of Scotland

Add a whisky-tasting or distillery tour to your travel package

If you’d like to discover Scotland differently, there are other ways to appreciate the local whisky. For instance, you could add a visit to the highly recommended Scotch Whisky Experience to your tour package as an optional extra.

For the freedom to go at your own pace, opt for a self-drive tour of Scotland . Being able to stop whenever you like means you could check out distilleries you pass along the way.

Do bear in mind that Scotland’s drink-drive limit is zero. So, if you plan to do more travelling that day, make sure to ask the distillery you’re visiting if you can get a takeaway tasting pack. This will let the designated driver try the warming whisky samples once you get to your accommodation.

Head out on a road trip of a lifetime. Uncover scenic routes and iconic sights in this round-up of the best road trips in Scotland .

On the other hand, pick a Scotland private tour , and you’ll benefit from the services of your own driver-guide. If you have a favourite whisky, they'll advise you on the best itinerary that incorporates the distillery. Plus, with someone else at the wheel, you can sit back and listen to local insights as you soak up the beautiful scenery.

Alternatively, base yourself in Edinburgh on one of these multi-day trips in Scotland , where you’ll take day tours into the countryside. With a combination of handpicked excursions and free time in Edinburgh, they’re ideal for getting a flavour of Scotland.

Discover the capital city of Scotland. Make your visit unforgettable with this curated list of the top things to do in Edinburgh .

Scotland’s whisky regions

In Scotland, distilleries are everywhere. Or that’s what it feels like once you know there are over 130 active distilleries. You’ll find them dotted throughout the country’s 5 whisky regions: Speyside, the Lowlands, the Highlands, Islay and Campbeltown.

On these guided small group trips, your whisky-tasting tour in Scotland will be at either a Lowland or Speyside distillery. If you’d like to visit other areas for a Scotch tour, Scotland self-drive packages give you opportunities to stop at whisky distilleries in the Highlands as well. This includes iconic west coast distilleries such as Talisker on the Isle of Skye.

If you already know a little about whisky, you’ve probably heard that each region is known for its characteristic flavours. But go on a Scotland distillery tour, and you’ll soon find out that there’s also lots of variation between brands.

Venture to Speyside – home to the Malt Whisky Trail – and you could try whiskies with light, fruity or rich sherry notes. Tour Highland distilleries and you can expect spicy or maritime drams.

Then there’s Islay, where some of the world’s most famous whiskies come from. Here, you’ll find peaty, smoky single malts from distilleries like Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Bowmore.

Get a taste of Scottish cuisine

If you’re interested in Scottish whisky, there’s a chance you’ll also want to delve into the local food scene . Scotland has plenty of top-notch eateries dishing up mouthwatering plates.

Look for refined tasting menus at Michelin guide-listed restaurants, noteworthy seafood shacks, and cosy cafés with platters of delicious home baking. Not to mention the traditional pub serving hearty favourites like haggis, along with a selection of ales and well-stocked whisky shelves.

Plus, with restaurant picks from Nordic Visitor's travel consultants, you’ll sample the best local cuisine along the way.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

William, United States

Wonders of scotland, july 2023, well-organised tour.

Great communication, well-organised, very knowledgeable and personable guide, overall a great tour with no negatives whatsoever!

Barbara, United States

Best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands, june 2023, we were in good hands.

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Voula, United States

Classic scotland - private, may 2023, our guide was exceptional.

Our overall experience was very good, minus some accommodation that we did not like as much as the others. What made the tour exceptional was our guide, Dave. His knowledge of Scotland and professionalism made the trip. He was awesome about tailoring each day's itinerary to our likes and taking us off the beaten path to experiences and sights that we would never have found on our own.

Andrew, United States

Classic scotland, june 2023.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

James, United States

Outlander experience, june 2023, one of the best trips we have ever taken.

The entire experience was excellent. Nordic Visitor made it easy for us, although we are amateur travellers. Our guide was the absolute best, we couldn't have asked for a better person. He was able to convey his experience and amazing knowledge to make the trip both fun and educational. One of the best trips we have ever taken, thank you!

Frederic, United States

Scottish highlands & the west coast, may 2023, our travel consultant was a delight to work with.

Rebecca was always prompt with responses to questions and always informative, always patient. We're first time (and older) travellers and her professional manner was a delight to work with.

Mary, United States

Classic scotland - private, june 2023, our experience was so special.

Airport transfers were excellent. Drivers were on time and friendly. Accommodation was all good. You couldn't have paired our family with a better guide/driver than Dave. He made our Scotland experience so special by taking us off the beaten path and showing us some of the most beautiful natural sites and places in Scotland. We covered 1000 miles in distance in our 7 days. We learned so much from Dave.

Diane, Canada

Wonders of scotland, june 2023, we loved every day.

This was our first travel outside of North America and we loved every day! We toured around Scotland, starting in Edinburgh, to the Highlands, Isle of Skye and finishing in Glasgow. It was a busy tour, and we didn't see all of Scotland, but we saw so many interesting places, met a lot of wonderful people, ate haggis, drank whisky and had such a fantastic time that we did not want to leave. We are already saving for our next trip!

Kelsie, United States

Highlights of scotland, may 2023, the most magical trip.

From communicating with Nordic Visitor, booking my trip, arriving at the airport and be welcomed by our driver Paul, each hotel, every meal, our amazing tour guide, Anita, our drivers, Gary and Stevie… everything was so perfect! It was the most magical trip! 

Shavonne, United States

Classic scotland & the orkney islands, june 2023, seamless process.

We did a self-drive tour including the Orkney islands. The entire process from booking to flying home was seamless. Our accommodation was all amazing, especially the B&Bs. Our daily itineraries were great starting points for activities, and none of our days felt rushed or slow. We also appreciated the restaurant and travel guides. Scotland is amazing, and Nordic Visitor made the entire vacation worry-free.

Kristen, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, june 2023, enjoyed my tour so much.

I enjoyed my tour of Scotland so much! Booking with Nordic Visitor was so easy. Their itinerary showcased highlights across the country, so I feel like I experienced the best of the best! The communication from our tour consultant, Duncan, was prompt and detailed. It was so comforting knowing that Nordic Visitor was only a phone call away 24/7.

Jennifer, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - private, may 2023.

Our private tour guide, Pete, was phenomenal, and all of our accommodation was great! My husband is disabled and Nordic Visitor took every needed step to ensure our B&Bs could take care of his needs.

Research Your Vacation

Start preparing for your trip by doing some research before your Scottish adventure.

The starting point of most Scottish adventures is Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where the...

This is one spot where you’ll definitely want to pull the car over for a photo. The Quiraing is...

Trossachs National Park

This is the first established national park in Scotland, offering a great variety of scenery,...

What to bring

Come prepared for all seasons and activities with ..

Find out more about the British currency and commo..

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Scotla..

From single malt whisky to traditional delicacies,..

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Get in touch with us to start planning your Scotland whisky tour package, or to ask about adding a tasting experience to your itinerary. Our Edinburgh-based travel experts are eager to share their local insight with you.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Scotland

Places to eat on the outlander trail in scotland, why scotland is perfect for romantic breaks and getaways, 12 best castles in scotland that you should visit, best time to visit scotland: your complete guide.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

• Hotels & Experiences
• Travel Trade
• Gift Vouchers
• Information
• Terms & Conditions
• T: 01786 821 860
• E: [email protected]

Receive our latest and most inspirational content.

• Belmond Royal Scotsman

Crinan Hotel

Crossbasket castle.

• Douneside House

Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa

Glenapp castle.

• Glencoe House

Glenmorangie House

• Hebridean Island Cruises
• Inverlochy Castle Hotel
• Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island

Kinloch Lodge

• Knockinaam Lodge
• The Machrie Hotel
• Murrayshall Country Estate

Rocpool Reserve Hotel

• Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa

The Torridon

Whisky tours in scotland, grab yourself a wee dram for our guide to the ultimate scottish whisky tours.

Whisky making is serious business in Scotland; there are more than 120 active distilleries, spread across five whisky regions. The 'water of life', as it's known, is Scotland's largest export and, it's safe to say, we've been known to enjoy a dram or two ourselves.

Crafting the golden elixir is a fascinating, but lengthy process. For a whisky to officially be called 'Scotch', it must have been aged in Scotland for at least three years and made in a manner strictly specified by the 'Scotch Whisky Regulations'. There's no half measures here!

Many distilleries offer tours and tastings so you can sample their whisky's flavours, hear from their passionate team and see where the whisky's themselves are born.

And of course, in addition to being perfectly-placed to enjoy a distillery tour, many of our Luxury Scotland member properties have spectacular and well-stocked whisky bars where you can enjoy this wonderful spirit during your stay.

So, pour a wee dram and join us on a virtual tour of the five whisky regions and some of the best distilleries to visit in Scotland.

Highland Whisky Tours

We start with the largest and most northerly region, the Highlands, which boasts a wide range of whisky distilleries including some of the famous names you'll no doubt already be familiar with. Rich in diversity, flavour and style, whiskies from this region certainly reward those who venture north.

Regional highlights

The Deanston Distillery , located close to Luxury Scotland Member, Cromlix , was originally a cotton mill, which opened its doors in 1785. It was at the forefront of new beginnings as Scotland moved from agriculture to industrialisation. When the cotton industry went into decline, the mill was converted into a distillery and the first bottle of Deanston Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky was produced in 1974. The process begins with water from the River Teith, which flows over granite, making it very soft and perfect for making whisky. In 2012 the Deanston Distillery proudly opened its doors to its brand new visitor centre, offering tours, tastings, and access to exclusive limited editions.

Tullibardine Distillery stands proudly in the village of Blackford, also home to Luxury Scotland Member, Highland Spring . The iconic hotel,  Gleneagles , is located just 3 miles away. In 1947 William Delmé-Evans began converting what had previously been a brewery into The Tullibardine Distillery. Upon testing the water from the nearby springs, Delmé-Evans knew he had found the perfect location for distilling whisky. In 1979 Highland Spring began bottling the same water.

Blair Athol Distillery is one of the oldest whisky distilleries in Scotland. It stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, also home to Luxury Scotland Member Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa . Blair Athol’s ancient source of water – the Allt Dour – flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, contributing to the whisky’s quality and smooth finish.

Glen Garioch Distillery (Garioch pronounced Geery), is Scotland’s most easterly distillery and is situated in the historic old town of Oldmeldrum, near Aberdeen. It was established in 1797. Only ever produced in small, precious batches, Glen Garioch is a rare find indeed, but warmly appreciated by those who like a hearty Highland malt. The perfect base for a visit, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is just a 40 minute drive away.

On the West coast, you'll find The Torridon in its spectacular setting at the head of a spectacular sea loch. It's also home to a whisky Bar with a superb array of 365 whiskies, and their whisky tasting experiences are, quite rightly, a favourite of their guests. 

A little further West, on the Isle of Skye,  Talisker , is set on the shores of Loch Harport, with dramatic views of the Cuillins. This alluring, full-bodied single malt whisky is so easy to enjoy, and like Skye itself, so hard to leave. Kinloch Lodge , on the shore of Loch-Na-Dal, is just under an hour away and offers both whisky tasting as well as whisky and food pairing experiences.

Moving more central, 15 miles outside of Inverness, you'll find  Glen Ord Distillery , Scotland’s oldest distillery and the last remaining one on the Black Isle. Barley from the Black Isle meets water from the White Burn to make a Scotch of vibrant colour – The Singleton of Glen Ord. A beautifully renovated, Georgian mansion house, Rocpool Reserve , is ideally located nearby.

About 40 miles North of Inverness, you'll find Glenmorangie , the acclaimed distillery famed for smooth, rich whiskies with intriguing, complex flavours. They offer a range of tasting experiences, ideal for whisky connoisseurs. Guests of Glenmorangie House also receive a complimentary tour of the Glenmorangie Distillery visitor centre. Their Brand Home Manager, Stuart Smith, discusses the famous brand in more detail in our recent interview here.  

Lowland Whisky Tours

The Lowland region includes Edinburgh and the Lothians as well as Glasgow and the Clyde Valley, and therefore some of the more easily accessible distilleries in Scotland. Known for being light-bodied with sweeter and almost floral tones, malts from this region are considered an ideal introduction for those new to whisky drinking.

At the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you can visit The Scotch Whisky Experience , a five star visitor attraction where you can take a tour and indulge in a tasting or blending session. For a more in depth experience you can sign up to their one day Scotch Whisky Training School.

In 2021 whisky giant, Diageo, will be opening The Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh’s West End. The detailed plans for inside this eight-storey building are being kept a closely guarded secret, but will include a multi-sensory, immersive visitor experience, guiding people throughout the 200 year history and the flavours of Scotland. You can pre-register to visit  here .

The Dunstane Houses , is a family-run, five-star boutique hotel in the west end, where you can enjoy the spirit of Orkney in Edinburgh. The owners, Shirley & Derek Mowat, grew up on Orkney and they have one of the most extensive rare-whisky selections in the city, with more than 70 varieties in their vintage wall cabinet, including a rare Highland Park. They can also arrange some great whisky tasting experiences.

Edinburgh's no. 1 hotel on TripAdvisor, Fingal , is a 5-star luxury floating hotel, berthed on the vibrant waterfront. You may well choose to tour the distilleries from the comfort of the spectacular on-board bar, The Lighthouse, that houses a single cask collection with some of the finest whiskies from around the country.

Head a little further north and you'll find  Eden Mill , in St Andrews. Based on the site of a historic distillery, on the banks of the River Eden, Eden Mill was the first to make spirits in the region for 150 years and in 2018 they released the first Single Malt Whisky to be distilled in St Andrews in over 150 years. The iconic golf resort, the Old Course Hotel , is just a short 10 minute drive away.

Kingsbarns distillery , about 15 minutes’ drive from St Andrews, is a family owned and operated distillery located in a restored historic farm steading, offering tours and tastings.

Finally, you have Kinross House , an exclusive use venue that has a whisky room where you can sample a wide range of premium whiskies including their own Kinross House whisky, produced by Macallan in Speyside. A whisky expert can also be arranged to take guests through a fascinating whisky tasting experience.

On Scotland's West coast, you'll find another Luxury Scotland Member, well-placed for a whisky tour in both the Campbeltown, Islay and Lowland regions. Crossbasket Castle's French-inspired Scottish cuisine and bar (with 30 whisky blends and malts) is just 20 minutes from Glasgow.

Campbeltown Whisky Tours

Scotland's smallest whisky region has just three distilleries, but still warrants a visit for those who value a malt whisky that some describe as 'fiercely enduring and distinctive'. 

Glen Scotia is one of Scotland's smallest distilleries, while Springbank Whisky Distillers is the oldest independently and family owned distillery in Scotland.

The Crinan Hotel , on Argyll's rugged coastline, is very well placed to visit both Glen Scotia and Springbank Whisky Distillers at just a 1 hour and 20 minutes drive.

Speyside Whisky Tours

World-renowned, the Speyside whisky region in the North East of Scotland is home to over half of all distilleries in Scotland as well as the UK's only working cooperage ( Speyside Cooperidge ) where they craft American Oak casks that help mature whiskies in Scotland and around the world. Whiskies from Speyside tend to have smooth and refined flavours, often lighter and sweeter than other Scotch single malts.

Glenlivet and Aberlour distilleries offer wonderfully in-depth tasting sessions, while Macallan offers a very modern tour of their incredible distillery and visitor centre.

Glenfiddich's Spirit of Innovation Tour takes visitors on a journey through every step in the whisky making process including their innovative and experimental releases.

Islay Whisky Tours

Islay, the island known affectionately as 'the whisky island', lies just off the Argyll coast in the West of Scotland. Despite its relatively small size, it's home to nine distilleries producing whisky with a characteristic peaty, smoky flavour.

Today, Islay’s distilleries are spread across the island; Bowmore ,  Bruichladdich and Kilchoman can be found right in the heart of the island and there are three more located next to each other, collectively known as the Kildalton Distilleries . The most recently opened  Ardnahoe Distillery  launched in April 2019 and Bowmore is said to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, dating back to 1779.

Luxury Scotland Member, The Machrie , have organised a special whisky experience with Lagavulin Distillery . Guests can enjoy a trip to Lagavulin Distillery where they can enjoy a Core Range Tasting. Their 3-course lunch is paired with some of Islay’s famous malts to provide a variance of flavours and aromas to enhance the menu.

Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, regularly takes guests over to Islay or the Mull of Kintyre by boat to experience the whisky distilleries. Closer to Glenapp, in nearby Kirkoswald, the whisky bottlers, A.D. Rattray, have established a whisky experience where visitors can test the blends that they bottle.

Chauffer-Driven Whisky Tours with Little

Sightseeing by chauffeur-driven car is undoubtedly the best way to see Scotland. Luxury sightseeing tours are a speciality of Little’s , a Luxury Scotland Partner. From bespoke tour design services to the remarkable knowledge of their touring chauffeurs, the Little’s team is dedicated to creating a memorable experience for you or your clients. And with your own driver, you can enjoy your whisky tasting to the full.

Slainte Mhath!

All that remains from us is to wish you Slainte Mhath (pronounced Slanj-a-va), the traditional toast to say ‘Good Health’ in Gaelic, during your whisky tour of Scotland.

First published 22 September 2020. Information correct at time of going to press.

Selected for you…

Loch Crinan

Isle of Skye

The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links

Wester Ross

Whisky Distilleries in Scotland

There are nearly 150 active whisky distilleries spread across Scotland, which are split into five whisky-producing regions: Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. Where a whisky is made can have a huge bearing on its flavour, everything from the source of the water to the presence of peat in the local area. Browse the listings in our Scotland's Whisky Distillery Map below to learn more or find a behind-the-scenes whisky tour near you.

Whisky samples at the Clydeside Distillery.

© Digital Tourism Scotland / Matt Davis

Map of Whisky Distilleries in Scotland

Explore distilleries.

Javascript is needed to show this map.

Whisky Distillery Regions in Scotland

Scotland is home to many whisky distilleries and experiences, as well as dedicated whisky regions; the Highlands, the Lowlands, Isle of Islay, Campbeltown, and Speyside. Each boast their own unique flavours in their whiskies, all of which reflect the landscapes and surroundings in that region. Have a dram of them all to see which is your favourite!

Lagavulin Distillery, Islay

Regarded by many as 'whisky island', Islay lies in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. It might be just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, but Islay punches well above its weight for producing single malt Scotch whisky. There are nine whisky distilleries on the island, including the most recently opened Ardnahoe Distillery . 

Most of Islay's original distilleries - some long since lost to history - started as farm distilleries and retreated to secluded glens and caves during the 17th century when the excise man came calling. You'll find distillery staff much more welcoming these days and it's well worth taking a tour around all of Islay's whisky distilleries.

Number of distilleries: 9 Oldest distillery: Bowmore (1779) Most popular distillery: Ardbeg Flavour profile: powerful, peaty, smoky, sweet, salty

Whisky barrels at the Springbank Distillery, Campbeltown

Campbeltown

Although Campbeltown is Scotland's smallest whisky-producing region, consisting of just three distilleries (in its heyday there were more than 30), its single malts boast unique characteristics that are considered by serious malt lovers to represent a distinct region in its own right. The distilleries that survive today produce some of the finest malts you're likely to find.

Springbank malts are robust and smoky with hints of their maritime roots. Glen Scotia malts are lighter with grassy notes. Glengyle's Kilkerran malts are lighter and sweeter, but with the distinctive oily and salty notes you'd expect from a Campbeltown whisky. 

Number of distilleries: 3 Oldest distillery: Springbank (1828) Most popular distillery: Springbank Flavour profile: fruity, peaty, sweet, smoky

Glenfiddich Distillery

Speyside is whisky heaven! This breathtaking area sits in a fertile valley of rivers and secluded glens and accounts for half of Scotland's whisky production. 

Speyside is arguably the driest and warmest part of Scotland and the fertile farmlands in and around the region are ideal for growing barley, which when combined with soft local water tumbling down off the mountains, produces some of Scotland's best-loved malt whiskies.

Sample the remarkable flavours of Speyside's fine malts as you explore the region, and follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail™ - the world's ultimate Scotch whisky experience - comprising of nine 'must-visit' sites including seven working distilleries, Dallas Dhu historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage - the only working cooperage in the UK.

Number of distilleries: 52 Oldest distillery: Strathisla (1786) Most popular distillery: Glenfiddich Flavour profile: fruity, sweet, spicy, vanilla

Glenkinchie Distillery & Visitor Experience

The distilleries of the Lowland region can be found picturesquely set amongst the lush, rolling countryside of southern Scotland. Reflecting the gentle, rolling hillscapes and fertile farmlands, Lowland Scotch whiskies offer the perfect introduction to single malts if you have never tried this tipple before, due to their lighter, sweet and floral tones. As a result, malts from this region have earned themselves the collective nickname of the 'Lowland Ladies'.

The area has long, historic associations with whisky, with Friar John Cor producing whisky here in 1494 for King James IV. Although you'll find fewer distilleries here than regions further north, this is an area growing in whisky production. For example, whisky production returned to Glasgow in 2017 with the opening of the Clydeside Distillery and Glasgow Distillery Company . 

Number of distilleries: 22 (+6 grain distilleries) Oldest distillery: Bladnoch (1817) Most popular distillery: Glenkinchie Flavour profile: light, unpeated, floral, citrusy, sweet

Isle of Raasay Distillery

The largest of Scotland’s whisky regions, the Highlands do not disappoint. With a vast range of changing landscapes, the whiskies you can find in this area of Scotland feature many aromas, both strong and gentles, fragrant notes, and tantalising tones.

There are many ways to experience the unique elements of the Highlands, from age old distilleries, educational tours, tastings and more, you’ve got plenty to get stuck into.

Explore the Highland whisky region

Scottish Whisky Distillery Tours

The Strathisla Distillery

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Find a tour

There are many fantastic Scottish whisky tours to enjoy. Discover the art of constructing the barrel and find out how the master distillers craft the flavour to absolute perfection. Of course, you will get the chance to sample a dram or two! Each whisky is unique, so why not visit a few Scottish distilleries and see if you can find your favourite? 

What's new in the world of whisky?

For a traditional Scottish drink going back centuries, there's always something new to discover.

Sorry, something's gone wrong. We can't display this content at the moment.

JavaScript needs to be enabled to watch this video. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Stirling Distillery

Stirling Distillery have filled their first whisky cask - the first time whisky has been made in the city for 171 years!

The Hearach

Sample the long-awaited release of single malt whisky from the Isle of Harris Distillery

New Whisky Tasting Events at Dewar's

Tours of this traditional distillery take place throughout the day, and include options for whisky aficionados.

Cirque du Soleil Spirit

Created by Cirque du Soleil in collaboration with The Macallan for its 200th anniversary celebrations. Enjoy a theatrical experience like no other!

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Other things you might like

Scottish Food & Drink

Scotch Whisky

Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail

About whisky and the history of Scotch malt whisky

Scottish Gin Distilleries, Tours and Tastings

Scottish Beer & Breweries In Scotland

Castles to Visit in Scotland

Join our newsletter clan.

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

STARS AND STRIPES

• Middle East
• Asia-Pacific
• Map Of Memorials
• Entertainment
• - Video Games
• Europe Travel
• - Quick Trips
• - After Hours
• Pacific Travel
• The Meat and Potatoes of Life
• U.S. Travel
• Storm Tracker
• Rewards for readers
• Get Stripes
• Stripes Lite
• Archives/Library
• Special Publications
• Mobile Apps
• Email Newsletters
• Digital Access
• Home Delivery
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Archive Photo Of The Day
• - Military Matters
• - Force For Hire
• Out of Uniform
• Communities
• Stripes Europe
• Stripes Guam
• Stripes Japan
• Stripes Korea
• Stripes Okinawa
• Our Other Websites
• In Memoriam
• Month of the Military Child
• Best of Germany
• Best of the Pacific
• Letters to Santa

Whiskey tours in Scotland

Freeze motion of man hand pouring whisky shot. Vintage interior of village barn. ()

The term “whiskey” comes from the Gaelic words, “uisge beatha,” meaning literally, “water of life.” It is believed that the phrase has even older roots from medieval Latin from the phrase, “aqua vitae .” No matter the word’s origin, it has laid its roots and found its home across the world; perhaps, most famously in Scotland.

The oldest reference to whiskey in Scotland dates back to the 13th century. Today, there are almost 150 whiskey distilleries in Scotland spread across five “whiskey-producing” communities: Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside . If you want to take a tour of a distillery, here are a few of our favorites.

Location : Tain, Highland Region     

History : Beginning in 1843, the Matheson family began selling their whiskey for a few shillings per gallon. They named their whiskey “Glenmorangie” which is a Gaelic word meaning “Valley of Tranquility.” Today, they are one of the most famous Scotch distilleries and have the tallest copper stills in all of Scotland which help create their renowned whiskey .

Tour Information : Tours last one hour, cost 20 pounds per person and you receive two drams for tasting at the end of the tour. You can book the tour in advance online at glenmorangie.com/visit-us/distillery-tours . 

           April-May: Monday – Friday | hourly | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

           June-August: Monday – Sunday | every 30 minutes | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

           September-October: Monday – Friday | hourly | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

           November-March: Monday – Friday | 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Location : Dumfries & Galloway. Lowland Region

History : Bladnoch Distillery dates back to 1817 when Thomas and John McClelland were granted a license to distill whiskey. It is known as the “Queen of the Lowlands .” Today it boasts a state-of-the-art visitor center, gift shop and café.

Tour Information : The distillery offers two tours which you can book in advance at bladnoch.com/pages/visit-bladnoch-distillery .

Classic Tour and Taste | 60 minutes | Tuesday-Saturday | 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. | 20 pounds per person | 14+

1817 Tour | 120 minutes | Tuesday and Friday | 11:30 a.m. | 50 pounds per person | 18+

Location : Banffshire, Speyside Region

History : The first stones for the distillery were laid in 1886. Today, Glenfiddich remains one of the oldest family-owned Scotch whiskey distilleries.

Tour Information : Glenfiddich offers two tours that you can book in advance at glenfiddich.com/en-gb/book-tour . The tour route contains multiple sets of steep stairs. If you have mobility requirements contact [email protected] for accommodations.

Distillery Tour | 90 minutes | Wednesday-Sunday | 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | 25 pounds per person

Glenfiddich Solera: Deconstructed Tour | 150 minutes | Thursday and Saturday | 2 p.m. | 75 pounds per person | 18+

Location : Bruichladdich, Islay Region

History : This distillery is one of the newest ones to be built in Islay. In 2005, it was the first distillery built in Islay in over 120 years. It is a family-owned business and today is “Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch Whisky .”

Tour Information : Kilchoman offers three tours that you can book in advance at kilchomandistillery.com/book-distillery-tour .

           Classic Tour | 60 minutes | Monday- Friday | 1:30 p.m. | 10 pounds per person

Roving Tasting | 90 minutes | Monday- Friday | 2:30 p.m. | 25 pounds per person | 18 +

Limited Edition Tasting and Tour | 120 minutes | Monday- Friday | 11 a.m. | 40 pounds per person | 18+

Location : Perthshire, Highland Region

History : The Glenturret whiskey dates back to 1793 and is Scotland’s oldest working distillery. It has changed names and owners several times since its inception and The Glenturret name began to appear sometime in the 1800s. In 1991, the distillery welcomed its one-millionth visitor .

Tour Information : The distillery offers three different tours. Book your spot at theglenturret.com/pages/book-a-tour .

           The Glenturret Tour | 60 minutes | 18 pounds per person

           Lalique Whisky Flight | 90 minutes | From 53 pounds per person

           Whisky Maker’s Tour | 120 minutes | 100 pounds per person | 18+ only

To find more distilleries in any region, click here for an interactive map by Visit Scotland.

related stories

• Scotland’s Highland Games
• Custard around Europe
• Recipes: UK Eats: Fish and Chips & Haggis

The best stories from EUROPE, in your inbox

Sign up to receive travel tips, local event details, restaurant reviews, recipes, community news, and more every week from Stripes Europe.

Sign Up Now

GLENFIDDICH DISTILLERY TOUR

Glenfiddich distillery tour.

EXPLORE GLENFIDDICH DISTILLERY WITH WHISKYWHEELS

The Glenfiddich distillery tour is one of the most popular whisky tours in Scotland and always makes up one of the distillery stops on our fantastic whisky tours in Speyside.

Based in Dufftown, Glenfiddich is the most successful family owned single malt distillery in the world and the world’s best-selling single-malt whisky. Furthermore, the Glenfiddich whisky recently became the most awarded at the International Spirits Challenge

As is the case with many Scottish whiskies, the Gaelic word ‘Glen’ which means valley, has been used with another local place name or folklore, with ‘Fiddich’ which translates to ‘valley of the deer’. Making ‘GlenFiddich’ well known the world over for generations.

Family run for over 130 years, by the Grant family, Glenfiddich has been a fine ambassador for quality Scottish whisky in all corners of the globe.

Many of our guests are from out-with the UK and there is usually a keen interest in the Glenfiddich distillery tour. The tour at the Glenfiddich distillery encourages guests to learn about the history and the hard work behind a brand they recognise and love. After touring the quaint and historic distillery, our customers’ have the chance to taste a few of the drams with a local whisky expert.

Glenfiddich has managed to keep it’s traditional processes and distillery charm. When you take their tour, you will find copper tuns, impressive washbacks and stone warehouses where the magic of maturation happens.

A range of tours are offered throughout the year, all led by expert guides and featuring a masterclass tasting of at least four different malts. Glenfiddich Distillery also offers a beautiful gift shop and its converted Malt Barn is a fantastic place to sit by the fire and enjoy lunch, or sample your favourite dram from the well-stocked bar.

Another option that we offer at Glenfiddich is time for tastings and lunch in their excellent malt barn. This will usually take place before a Glenfiddich distillery tour, but we can also offer Glenfiddich as your lunch stop for the day which gives you the chance to taste some excellent local produce and of course, sample some whiskies.

The excellent Glenfiddich shop is a great place for souvenirs, collectors’ items, the full core whisky range and distillery exclusive whisky. A fantastic new addition to the shop is the option to create your own personalised bottle.

We currently offer the chance to do a Glenfiddich distillery tour on our Whisky Trifecta Tour, our Speyside Delight Tour and Taste of Scotland Tour. Alternatively, custom tours available also. Plenty of options for a great Glenfiddich distillery tour.

For bespoke bookings or for more information, please contact [email protected]

We provide bespoke whisky tours in Scotland.

07549 839 684 (UK)

+19299230210 (USA)

CLICK HERE TO WHATSAPP

[email protected]

10 of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland

Ten top whisky distillery tours in scotland.

Sooner or later, most of us who appreciate a wee dram or two will muse with the idea of visiting a distillery. What finer way could there be to see the production process for oneself and discover more about the amber spirit’s fascinating heritage?

We invite you to read on. Below, we describe ten of the best whisky distillery tours that Scotland has to offer.

Mc’nean, Morvern

In terms of beautiful settings, this newcomer to the ranks of Scottish distilleries is hard to beat. The Mc’nean is in the Drimnin Estate on the Morvern peninsula, at the mouth of a sea loch and opposite Tobermory, Mull. Here, to complement the organic whisky from this young distillery, one can admire the breathtaking west coast and Highland views.

Drivers have ample opportunity to decompress from city traffic during the final twelve-mile stretch of single-track road to complete their journey. Worth the effort and distance, Mc’nean has sustainability at its heart. Its founders have taken a progressive and investigative approach to whisky making: experiments with longer mash times, various strains of yeast and different shapes of stills. The first scotch is yet to be released, so visitors can enjoy a hint of anticipation and excitement too.

Dewar’s, Aberfeldy, Perthshire

Founded in 1896 and officially opened in 1898 by John Dewar and Sons, Aberfeldy distillery is on the Upper Tay’s south bank. You’ll find this exemplary operation just five miles from Loch Tay itself and the nearby town of Kenmore. This distillery is the only one to use fresh water from the waterfalls of Pitilie Burn.

In the early 1900s, globetrotter Tommy Dewar enlisted Thomas Edison’s help to direct a film commercial for the White Label blend. Their pioneering use of marketing assured the liquor’s early popularity in the United States, along with ongoing prosperity for this distillery.

During the 1970s, improvements to the Aberfeldy saw the introduction of heated stills. Later, during the 1990s, the company introduced a 12-year-old single malt scotch. Nowadays, Dewar’s World of Whisky Centre is a favourite attraction for visitors to central Scotland.

Deanston Mill. Perthshire

Initially a cotton mill, Deanston closed in 1965 and re-opened less than a decade later in 1974. A notable destination in itself, the distillery is near Doune Castle and on the bank of the River Teith. Apart from producing single malt scotch, this distillery provided a setting for the 2012 comedy-drama film Angels’ Share . It also doubled as a wine warehouse in an episode of the television series Not In Scotland Anymore .

Unsurprisingly, the neighbouring river means that Deanston Mill can generate its own power, as it did when it spun cotton. At the time, a now ghostly-looking waterwheel harnessed the force of the river’s current. Although previously claimed to be the largest in Europe, the defunct waterwheel remains are now entirely ornamental. Nowadays, replacement turbines provide efficient and environmentally-friendly power.

GlenDronach, Aberdeenshire

A thrilling setting with an intriguing past, GlenDronach is now the property of US-based whiskey producer Jack Daniel’s. In the early 1800s, this stone-built distillery provided jobs for more than fifty workers who lived in a row of workers’ houses. The site also has a mansion for the master distiller.

GlenDronach occupies a prime place in the lush farming countryside; its name comes from the Gaelic for Valley of the Brambles. As one might infer, it is possible to pick a few blackberries on the grounds for a delightful amuse-bouche before taking a tour of this veritable Victorian village. Finally, why not treat the palate to an altogether different experience in the darkly themed yet indisputably inviting whisky-tasting bar?

Clynelish, Sutherland

Built in the 1960s, the new Clynelish distillery is next to the original building – which dates back to 1819 – and the coastal village of Brora. The smokey bottlings here come from the same stills as Brora whisky, widely revered as the Holy Grail of lost malts. Its new owners Diageo plan to re-commission that coveted label. Historically too, this producer also has links with the highly respected Johnnie Walker Gold Label blend.

Drivers heading northwards from Inverness could well mistake the site for a hydroelectric power station. After all, pagoda-style roofs are no longer necessary in distilleries that opt for off-site malting. Also, there is little other visible indication of the installation’s production capacity. Nonetheless, the Clynelish can bottle nearly five million litres of whisky a year; it boasts three washes and the same number of spirit stills.

Strathisla, Moray

Owned by the producers of Chivas Regal whisky, and Pernod Ricard, this visit offers a unique blending experience. In a captivating laboratory, replete with test tubes, burettes and plenty of fine malts, it is possible to mix a unique blend and take it home to enjoy.

Strathisla is the oldest distillery in operation in the Highlands. It features two pagodas for the malting roofs. Many of its wall stones come from nearby Milton Castle, a fifteenth-century landmark.

Ardbeg Distillery, Argyll and Bute

Boasting postcard-style panoramic views of ocean meeting sky – especially on fine days – it’s clear where the Ardbeg gets enough seaweed to fuel its malt driers. On the south coast of the remote Isle of Islay, this distillery is as unmissable as its signature whiskies.

Other local attractions on this small island include a hike up the peaty hill to Dalton Cross, quite an intact relic and more than 1,300 years old. On the other hand, the distillery specialises in picnic lunches and outdoor tastings of whisky. What better setting could there be to sip one of the finest whiskies from the area and watch the breakers of the Atlantic?

Oban, Argyll and Bute

Known as the gateway to the Isles, the port town of Oban is home to a compact eighteenth-century distillery. From modest beginnings in buildings not unlike herring stores, this producer grew steadily. Today, the tightly packed grey granite buildings house a lively dramming or tasting bar, too.

Oban’s west coast whisky combines elements of a sweet Speyside malt with the characteristic smoky peat overtones typical of the adjacent islands. And on that note, the town’s port offers a frequent ferry service to the Isle of Mull. There, the re-opened Tobermory Distillery will also be of interest to enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Springbank, Argyll and Bute

Nowadays, only three distilleries remain in the Campbelltown area – a mere tenth of the previous total that pumped waste into the nearby loch. Springbank is the oldest of the survivors, somewhat photogenic and conveniently located in the centre of town.

The well-kept buildings and yard replete with stacks of spare casks date back to 1828. Here, visitors to the family-owned distillery can witness the complete production process from initial malting to final bottling – all on one site. Afterwards, there’s a miniature bottle with a commemorative glass to take home.

Kingsbarns, Fife

A bunched group of new whisky-producing ventures in Fife indicates that distilleries are enjoying a resurgence in the Scottish lowlands. Kingsbarns’ visitor centre and restaurant are on landscaped grounds, near a restored farmstead and golden fields of the same barley that goes into their malt. The first bottling bears the name Dream to Dram.

Conveniently, Kingsbarns is less than nine miles along the coast road from St. Andrew’s iconic old golf course – and not far from the beach, either, for those who want to walk along the shore. Its location in southern Scotland shortens the journey northwards from Edinburgh for most visitors – or adds extra options when planning an itinerary.

UKV International AG’s primary business centres around acquiring, supplying, and selling bonded whisky. 

We supply for consumption and or investment depending on our client’s requirements and offer a brokerage service for those who wish to sell investment-grade whiskey held in UK regulated bond.

We are here to assist you with choosing which whisky to invest in and to guarantee your cask is put away accurately and safely. Regardless of whether you will drink, gift or sell your whisky.

To find out more, contact us here .

Whisky Investment

Whisky investment brochure.

Download our 2021 whisky investment brochure. Including comparative market research, highlighting trends in the whisky market.

HOW TO INVEST WITH UKV INTERNATIONAL WHISKEY

Download our quick guide to investing with us – Instant Download – Start your whisky investment journey.

WHISKEY PRICELIST

Find pricing, delivery and availability information for the worlds finest whiskies, updated daily.

WHISKEY AS AN ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT

A look at the performance of whiskey as an investment compared to more traditional investments.

UKV INTERNATIONAL

We work in conjunction with a large network of brokers, merchants and traders to source and draw stock from when in search of an unusual or highly sought rare whisky.

Switzerland:

Telephone: (+41) 43 5084066

Email: [email protected]

UK Support:

Tel: (+44) 0207 4718030

our address

Head Office

UKV International AG, Bahnhofstrasse 21, 6300 Zug, Switzerland.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

My 6 Favorite Whisky Distilleries To Visit In Scotland

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• Distilleries
• Food and Drink
• Spirits And Cocktails
• United Kingdom

If there’s one place in the world you need to go to experience the best whisky distilleries, it’s Scotland, and if there’s one thing you need to do while you’re in Scotland , it’s visit some whisky distilleries. It’s hard to separate Scotland and whisky sometimes because they are so intertwined, but why would you want to? Whisky is as Scottish as lochs and mountains, Nessie and haggis , but it’s also a global drink that millions of people enjoy far away from this rugged landscape. When you’re visiting Scotland, whisky is a must-do experience, and that includes tasting it and finding out how and where it’s made. There are more than 130 whisky distilleries in Scotland and no matter where you stay while you’re in the country, there’s one near you. I’ve picked out my favorites so far!

1. The Balvenie Distillery, Dufftown

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Dufftown, Speyside, The Balvenie has been handcrafting whisky for more than 125 years. The distillery grows its own barley, malts its own traditional floor maltings, and still employs a team of coopers to tend to the casks alongside a coppersmith to maintain the stills. Today, The Balvenie is still run by direct descendants of William Grant who founded the distillery in 1892. Visitors to the distillery can meet the experts whose dedication to their respective crafts shape each of The Balvenie’s expressions. 

With Balvenie Mains, where the barley is grown, and Conval Hills, the source of the spring water for the malting process, visible from the distillery, The Balvenie’s Speyside location is more than just a picturesque landscape. Each element plays an important role in producing The Balvenie’s rich character and creating a unique sense of home at the distillery. Tucked away in the trees of the idyllic Speyside countryside, The Balvenie has a unique tranquility about it where time passes more slowly. Welcomed by the family of ducks that reside at the pond and the sweet smell of the mash, there’s a feeling of homeliness and a connection with traditions of the past. With such a rich character and history, visitors to the distillery get an insight into the ultimate craftsmanship behind the process of making each bottle of single malt — from the growth of the barley in the fields that surround the distillery to the long-awaited on-site maturation of the spirit.

You might even feel the presence of a different type of spirit at the distillery. Legend has it that The Balvenie is haunted by the “Green Lady” who haunts the distillery’s craftsmen as they tend to the malt. If you like a good ghost story, they have an eerie little tale here.

2. Bowmore Distillery, Islay

For over 240 years, the Bowmore Distillery has been operating from the shores of its remote island home, Islay. Bowmore was the first licensed distillery on Islay and has stood on the shores of Lochindaal, a sea loch opening out into the wild Atlantic Ocean, since 1779. The distillery still operates in traditional ways, honoring the original whisky-making techniques, meaning that Bowmore is one of the few distilleries to have its own malt barn and still operate floor malting. The grain is turned by hand every 4 hours for 6–7 days during the floor malting process. The care and attention to detail during the distillation process creates whiskies known for their complex balance of smoke, maritime minerality, and fresh stone fruits. 

Bowmore is also home to one of the world’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouses, the No. 1 Vaults. Bowmore Distillery’s proximity to the sea brings a hint of sea air to the character of the whisky. The Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, with the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall. Matured in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry, or claret, time develops rich and mellow flavors. Time is marked on each and every bottle of Bowmore, proudly and boldly as a marker of where and when each one’s journey began. Although the distillery doesn’t run tours as such, it does have a tasting room and a shop.

This is very much a working distillery. Even a visit to the shop requires a booking. It only opens Tuesday–Saturday and you’ll need to make an appointment to visit before you go. Bowmore is focussed on the production of great whisky and the exclusivity of a visit makes it all the more charming.

3. Knockdhu Distillery, Aberdeenshire

AnCnoc whisky is produced at Knockdhu Distillery , which sits in the shadow of the “Black Hill,” or Knockdhu in Gaelic, near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It was established in 1894 by the pioneering John Morrison after he spotted an abundance of the natural resources needed to make fine malt whisky in the area: pure spring water and plentiful supplies of peat and barley. 

Today, Knockdhu is known as one of the smallest and most enchanting distilleries in the Scottish Highlands , producing a refreshingly modern single malt whisky with the most traditional skills and processes. The Black Hill continues to supply pure water for the whisky-making process. The distillery’s two copper pot stills replicate the original 1894 design, their bulbous bases giving anCnoc its light, fresh, fruity flavor. Old fashioned worm tubs are used to condense the vaporized alcohol. And distillery manager Gordon Bruce and his team make up one of the smallest workforces in any distillery, even though they include many dogs! Visitors can currently book tastings at the distillery and tour bookings are set to resume from May onwards.

4. Glen Moray, Elgin

Glen Moray is one of Scotland’s best-loved single malt whiskies. It has been crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, on what was once the Elgin West Brewery site on the banks of the River Lossie. Pure waters from the river, locally-malted barley, distillation in traditional copper stills, and maturation in American ex-bourbon casks combine to give the whisky its smooth, well-balanced, classic Speyside character. Records dating back to the early days show spirits maturing in a wide variety of different casks, which was a highly unusual practice at the time. A passion for experimentation and a deep knowledge of wood have been passed down through generations of Glen Moray distillers. 

Glen Moray runs traditional daily tours, showing you around the distillery and guiding you through the process of whisky production. You can add in whisky tastings and there’s an on-site visitor café. You can even get the chance to bottle your own Glen Moray to take home.

5. Benriach, Elgin

In 1898, founder John Duff built his distillery, Benriach , in Scotland’s whisky region, Speyside. Benriach stands on the site of the old Riach farm in northern Speyside and draws water from a mineral-rich aquifer deep beneath the distillery. 

Currently, tours of the production facilities are not possible under COVID restrictions, however, the following experiences are available:

Sense Of Flavor

This tasting experience guides you through the whisky-making process and highlights the flavors found in the range of Benriach single malts. You’ll try the original and smoky 10- and 12-year-old single malts, plus Benriach’s twist on a classic whisky cocktail.

Barrels, Butts And Barriques: An Exploration Of Cask Maturation

In this experience, you’ll learn about the art of maturation, and you can sample five single-cask whiskies. You’ll find out about the different oak woods and their influence on the spirit while creating Benriach single malt. Your tasting will include a demonstration of how four cask types are layered together to create the depth of flavor in Benriach’s whisky.

6. Glenmorangie, Tain

Glenmorangie is one of the most recognizable whiskies on the shelves. If you’re a whisky lover, you’ve most likely already tried it. If you’re just starting out on your whisky journey, this is a great place to start. They’ve been producing whisky for 175 years, so they’ve had plenty of time to become so popular. The distillery sits in stunning surroundings and enjoys a beautiful position near to the coast. With the sea breeze in the air, Glenmorangie uses five key ingredients — wood, water, barley, yeast, and time — to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. 

You can visit the distillery from Monday to Friday — they are closed at weekends — and they are resuming their tours in April 2022. You can take the Classic Tasting or the Innovator Tasting which includes four Glenmorangie expressions. The team at the distillery creates a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as an adult giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by director of whisky creation Dr. Bill Lumsden, this crew is always on a mission to bring new flavors and possibilities to the world of single malt.

This is a lovely location and you can stay the night in Glenmorangie House, a boutique hotel in a 17 th -century building. Enjoy a tour and tasting in the distillery and then head to the house for dinner and a tipple in the bar.

If you want to explore the world’s most incredible wine , spirits , and more:

• 3 Regions In France Perfect For A Cycling Wine Tour
• 6 Tips For Visiting Texas Hill Country’s Whiskey Trail
• 4 Boutique Distilleries To Visit In Western Washington State

Travel writer, author, and playwright, Samantha loves historic buildings, quirky hotels, woodland walks and literary trails, specializing in food and drink, luxury travel, retreats, spas, and anything arts based. Samantha is based in Yorkshire, the UK, where she lives with her artist partner. Learn more on her website .

9 of the Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh 2024

Have you been wondering about the best whisky tours from edinburgh i’ve got you covered.

I’ve been living in Europe for a few years now and I can’t help but be drawn to Scotland’s whisky culture. From touring the distilleries to learning about the fascinating history that makes Scotch whisky so unique, nothing beats spending time in Edinburgh. After talking with so many fellow travelers looking to take a whisky tour from Edinburgh, I started to realize that there is simply too much choice out there. With all of these different operators offering tours, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why I’m here to help! Having spent a lot of time researching and taking Whisky Tours from Edinburgh, I’m confident that I can offer valuable advice on which tours are worth your time and money. So if you’re looking for an amazing whisky experience – look no further! Through this article you’ll find everything you need to choose the perfect whisky tour from Edinburgh, whether it’s a single malt tasting or a distillery tour with friends. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

Introduction To Whisky

• Old Town Edinburgh
• Four drams of whisky Included

Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour

• Tour two distilleries
• Small group tour

Speyside Whisky Tour From Edinburgh

• Entry – 5 Distilleries
• Accomodation included

9 of the Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

1. 90-minute introduction to whisky in the old town of edinburgh.

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes| ✅ Book it!

Scotland is known for its long history of whisky, and if you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, going on a Whisky tasting tour is a must-try. In this 90-minute introduction to Whisky tour, you will be visiting an underground space in the Old Town of Edinburgh where you will be tasting four drams of Whisky. 

The whiskeys included in this tour come from different regional distilleries. During the tour, you will also walk through Edinburgh streets to learn how these drinks are made. 

“Really enjoyed the chance to sample whiskies I’ve never tried before. Our tasting guide was very knowledgeable about all the whiskies and what differentiated each from the rest. I’ve been a Scotch lover for over 50 years, and still learned a few new things about scotch and found a couple of new labels to add to my collection.” -Dennis_M

This is just one among the many whisky-tasting Edinburgh offers. But what makes this an ideal tour is that it gives a quick introduction to the world of whisky, including its creation process and how Scotch whisky is one of the finest in the world. 

When you arrive at the underground space where the tasting tour will take place, you will be welcomed by your guide and a whisky expert who will let you taste four different whiskies. These 4 drams of Whisky run on different levels, each offering a different experience. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Time Varies at the Code Pod – The Court (Parliament Square Edinburgh)
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Includes: Alcoholic Beverages, Experienced Local Guide

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour From Edinburgh Including Admissions

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 9 hours  | ✅ Book it!

Enjoy a day in Scottland as you treat yourself to a full-day Whisky tasting tour from Edinburgh. This 9-hour Malt Whisky Day tour will take you to the Scottish lowlands, where the whisky-producing region is. You will visit known distilleries such as the Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery. 

At these distilleries, you will enjoy informative tasting sessions and tours. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Scottish whisky production while admiring Loch Lomond’s beauty. 

This small group tour lets you have a more personalised experience and be away from the crowd. 

“We wanted to get out of the city a little and this was perfect! We got some tidbits of the area history, 2 Distilleries and a great stop at Oak Tree Inn for a beautiful lunch. Andrew was an amazing host, answering all our questions. Thank you!” -Kayte_E

Among the many Malt Whisky Day Tours from Edinburgh, this tour focuses on two famous distilleries in the Scottish lowlands. After meeting your guide in Edinburgh city centre, you will travel west. During the ride, your guide will also share information about Scotland’s most famous drink. 

The first stop of this tour will be at Glengoyne Distillery in Dumgoyne. This distillery is known for its distillation process, as it is one of the slowest in the world. They believe that this makes the art of whisky-making better. Here, you’ll tour their grounds and learn about their complex production process from the expert.

The next stop will be at the Trossachs National Park, where you’ll see scenic forest-covered terrain and dramatic mountains. This is near Loch Lomond, where a hearty pub is located (you can get lunch here at your own expense). 

Afterwards, you will head to Deanston Distillery, a converted cotton mill in River Teith. This is the most environmentally friendly distillery in Scotland. Here, you can enjoy two types of single malt whiskies and have fun discovering the hints of different flavours. 

• Start Time (and location): 9:30 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station 
• Duration: 9 hours
• Includes:  Admission fees – Tour and Whisky tastings at Glengoyne and Deanston Distilleries included, Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

3. 3-Day Speyside Whisky Tour From Edinburgh Including Admissions

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!

Get to be part of the ultimate whisky experience from Edinburgh when you join this 3-day Speyside Whisky Tour. This whisky tour, in particular, lets you experience the best of Scotland’s central whisky-producing region while you visit four renowned distilleries. 

As you wind through the scenic Cairngorm National Park, your small group tour will visit Londores Abbey, Dalwhinne and Cardhu Distillery. You will learn about their unique process of creating Scotch whine at each distillery and taste their own version of malt whisky. 

Since you will be travelling and going on distillery tours from Edinburgh for three days, accommodation in the quaint village of Grantown-on-Spey is already included in the tour. 

“The tour was everything I hoped it would be! Dan Young, our guide, was excellent – knowledgeable alike on the history of Scotland as on the history of Scotch. Well-spoken, and great stories. Wonderful driving scenery; and excellently-chosen distilleries for the stops – each unique in its offerings of tours, whisky-making philosophy and lore. Highly recommended!”-Ramuh_H

This 3-day adventure begins in Edinburgh, where you will meet your guide and a small group of whiskey lovers. After setting off in the morning, you will head to Speyside, Scotland, home to more than 40 distilleries. 

Along the way, you can enjoy learning about single malt whisky and Scotland from your tour guide. There will also be scenic roads before you reach your first stop of the day – Lindores Abbey Distillery.

The tour and tasting in this distillery are already included in the tour, so all you have to do here is enjoy tasting a sample of a dram while learning about the drink’s history.

The next stop of the day is at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, where you can sample the delights of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. On your second day, you will explore Speyside, including a visit to Glen Moray Distillery, Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre and Cardhu Distillery. 

The last day of this 3-day  distillery tour from Edinburgh features a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery and Cairngorms National Park, the tour’s previous stop. Here, you can have your lunch and get up close to nature while you walk in a fantastic woodland amidst the tallest trees in Britain. 

• Start Time (and location): 8:45 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station 
• Duration: 3 days 
• Includes:  Admission Fees: Includes entry to 5 Distilleries, two nights overnight accommodation, breakfast, and private facilities. Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

4. Holyrood Distillery Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ Book it!

If you’re short on time and still want to experience Scotland’s distillery tours, this Holyrood Distillery tour is something you can consider. Holyrood Distillery is well-known in Scotland and is even an award-winning distillery and Scottish Attraction.

You can enjoy a guided flavour-forward experience here as you learn how gin and whiskey are made. Whether it may be through the traditional or innovative method, Holyrood Distillery will show you how their craft has made them one of the best distilleries in Scotland. 

“Marcos gave a thoughtful and engaging presentation on the young distillery’s approach. Along the way we got multiple tasty samples. Only wish we could get their Funky gin in the US!”-Neil_B

This Holyrood Distillery Tour only lasts for an hour, so it’s great for those who are short in time but want to go on a whiskey-tasting trip from Edinburgh. This tour already includes a guided experiential tour in a three-floored gin and whisky distillery and a tasting bar experience at the end of the tour. 

You will also have the chance to look around the distillery’s shop and have the option to get your bottle of gin or whiskey to enjoy back home. 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at Holyrood Distillery 
• Duration: 1 hour
• Includes:  Alcoholic Beverages

5. Whisky And Folklore In Edinburgh Including Four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

Discover a bespoke whiskey lounge built by Scottish locals just for tourists to experience what it’s like to be part of an intimate whisky-tasting event in Edinburgh.

During this Single scotch whisky experience, you will be sampling four single malt whiskies from four different whisky-producing regions of Scotland while seated in the comfort of a lounge. 

Aside from the whisky tasting, your hosts will also make the experience more engaging by sharing the stories and secrets of Scotch whisky-making.

Plus, this whisky and folklore tour highlights the chance to taste the difference between Scottish highland and lowland whisky with your taste buds and the help of an expert guide. 

“We had a wonderful time during this whisky tasting and folklore. Our guide, Ben, was fabulous. He was funny, knowledgeable about whisky and truly brought the folklore to life through his talented story telling. Definitely recommend this tour if you are in Edinburgh!!!” – Batsheva_K 

Before heading to the bespoke whiskey lounge, you will first have a short walk through the city before entering the bar reserved just for your group. Once you enter the bespoke lounge, you will have the place all to your own, which lets you experience an intimate whiskey tasting trip. 

During the duration of the tour, you will be learning from an expert all about Scottland’s whiskey while also trying four outstanding Single Malt Scotch from the major whisky-producing regions of the country. 

The whiskies you try will range from the relatively delicate and subtle flavours from the lowlands to Islay’s robust and bold tastes. The highlight of this tour includes the storytelling tradition that centres around the idea of people coming together while enjoying good whisky in a cosy place. 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at Hot Toddy 
• Duration: 2 hours
• Includes: Expert guide, whisky enthusiast and storyteller, Drink alternatives are available upon request for those who do not drink whisky, Alcoholic Beverages  

6. The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction To Whisky

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 50 minutes | ✅ Book it!

For a comprehensive introduction to Whisky in Scotland, this guided whisky walking tour in Edinburgh is an ideal choice if you first want to get an overview of Scotland’s national drink. Compared to the other whisky tours from Edinburgh, this tour highlights lessons and sharing whisky information. 

Learn about how Scotland’s regions come to create the Scottish drink and how the weather affects the flavour of your glasses.

During a guided tasting session, you will also view one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collections inside the Scotch Whisky Experience. This is a family-friendly experience, as 18-year-olds and under are still welcome to join.

“I enjoy this tour. It covered a lot of information about whiskey that I didn’t know. I loved the interactive experience with the scratch and sniff cards to find which type of whiskey I would prefer. They did a very good job putting together a informative experience tour.”-Kathleen_E

This tour will take place at the Scotch Whisky Experience beside Edinburgh Castle. Inside the area, you will be guided through and introduced to the world of whiskey. 

A guide will share information and stories about the process of making and the history of Whiskey while you tour around to view an extensive collection of Whiskey in the area. Throughout the tour, you can also learn about the five whisky-producing regions and secrets of single-malt Scotch production. 

This tour also includes a tasting of Scotch whisky (or non-alcoholic beverages for non-drinkers) at the end of the tour. No worries because audio guides of at least 20 languages are available, and at the end, you will be given a gift of a crystal whisky-tasting glass as your souvenir. 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at The Scotch Whisky Experience
• Duration: 50 minutes 
• Includes: Dram of Scotch whisky, audio guides in 20 languages, Expert whisky guide, Crystal Whisky Glass souvenir

7. Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ Book it!

Get away from Edinburgh and travel to Scotland’s rugged countryside to enjoy a whisky tour with a small group. You will be visiting the hilly lowlands and forested highlands of Scotland, where you’ll find the best distilleries in the country.

This tour also lets you see and admire the beauty of nature as you pass by and make time to visit waterfalls, rivers and lochs. You will then proceed with the whisky tour in quaint towns where you can enjoy tastings and discover distilleries while soaking up the stunning Scottish landscape.  

“A lovely full day. Really kind and informative guide (such a treat to be driven everywhere and learn and laugh along the way). The Scottish scenery was beyond beautiful. We really enjoyed our lunch in the small town of Pitlochry and the distillery, Aberfeldy, was also an awesome experience.” – Teva_H 

The full-day excursion starts at Edinburgh, where you will meet your guide and fellow tour joiners. You will then travel through the countryside and cross the Forth Road Bridge, one of the longest cantilever bridges. 

As you make your way through the lowlands and highlands, you can enjoy the scenic landscapes of Scotland while your guide shares exciting stories. You’ll mainly be traversing through mountains, thick forests, and farmland before you reach your first destination. 

The first stop is at the Hermitage Woodland Walk, where you will walk through the dense woodland to see the waterfalls. After your nature walks, you will head to the Queen’s View, the favourite queen’s view. 

Afterwards, you will visit Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery or Glenturret Distillery, where you will learn more about whisky. Your guide will share the process of making whisky and how this distillery has a different method. 

• Start Time (and location):  9:00 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station
• Duration: 10 hours 
• Includes:  Admission Fee: Tour & Tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy, Distillery Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

8. The Ultimate Whisky Experience From Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours| ✅ Book it !

Another ultimate whisky experience from Edinburgh you can join is this 10-hour whisky distillery Edinburgh tour. You will travel to the Scottish Highlands from the city centre to get a taste of Scotch whiskies and have the whole day learning about the famous drink. 

This tour proudly offers a visit to unique destinations often missed by tourists. Between each distillery visit, you will also be making a side trip to see and explore the nature and landscape of Scotland. 

“This was a great day trip – gorgeous countryside, excellent distillery tour’s and tastings and all very informative. Our guide prepped us with background on Scottish whiskey and also Scottish history. Definitely recommend.”-Victor_P

This tour is ideal if you want to spend your day in Edinburgh and explore the countryside while tasting good whisky. As you make your way to the highlands, you will enjoy a commentary from your guide in the minibus and see the scenic route you will be taking.

Before reaching the first Distillery you will visit, you will pass by South Queensferry, where you can take great photos of the famous bridge.

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery will be the first stop of this full-day tour, a renowned crafted whisky producer since 1898. You will have a full time of their warehouse and interactive heritage exhibition, plus a taste of Aberfeldy’s 12-year-old single malt whisky. 

You will also head to Glenturret Distillery in the afternoon, just outside Crieff. This is the oldest working distillery in Scotland and is still hand-crafting whisky using the last remaining hand-operated mash tun. 

• Start Time (and location): 8:45 AM at Lawnmarket
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes:  Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

9. Whisky And Highland Waterfalls Day Trip From Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour combines two must-try experiences in Edinburgh, Scotland – a whisky tour experience and a highland waterfall day trip. During the journey, you will traverse the Scottish Highlands to enjoy a day at a distillery and marvel at the majesty of Loch Lomong and Trossachs National Park. 

Meanwhile, at the Glenturret Distillery, you will tour their warehouse, learn about their whisky-making process, and sample some of their malt whiskies. The tour ends with a visit to the Hermitage forest and the village of Dunkeld. 

“Dusty was a great guide. We had a wonderful time. He was very informative and gave us recommendations on places to eat. Our trip to the distillery was just the right amount of time. The waterfall was less than impressive but the walk in nature was very nice.”-Lenora_S

The trip begins with an early meet-up at Edinburgh with your small group tour and guide. From there, you will head to the National Wallace Monument, passing by spectacular views and landmarks such as the Stirling Castle.  

You will also be heading to admire the natural and cultural sights like Loch Earn and Loch Lomond and then make your way to visit Trossachs National Park.

The next stop of the tour is at the famous Glenturret whisky distillery. Here, you can sample a dram of whisky straight from its cask and learn about its traditional methods to produce single malt. 

The trip continues to the Hermitage, where you will stroll through lined paths and see the Braan River and Black Linn Falls. You’ll end the tour with a walk in nature, heading to the village of Dunkeld, where the famous Dunkeld Cathedral is located.  

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at Edinburgh Bus Station 
• Includes: Local Scottish English Speaking Guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

FAQs About whiskey tours from edinburgh

How long is the whisky tour in edinburgh.

A whisky tour in Edinburgh typically lasts around 1-3 hours, but can vary depending on the length of the guided part of the tour.

Visitors can expect to sample a variety of different whiskies, learn about their history and production process, and even find out more about Scotland’s whisky culture.

Of course, guests will also have plenty of opportunity to purchase bottles and other whisky-related merchandise while on the tour.

what is the most famous distillery in edinburgh?

Edinburgh is home to several renowned whisky distilleries, but the most famous of all is undoubtedly the Glenkinchie Distillery.

Located in Pencaitland, just outside of Edinburgh, it is one of only six distilleries in Scotland that make Scotch whisky.

The unique pale malt used in their whisky gives it a distinctive flavour and the distillery offers tours every day so you can learn more about how Scotch whisky is made.

So if you’re looking for the most famous distillery in Edinburgh, look no further than Glenkinchie!

is edinburgh known for whiskey?

Edinburgh is known for its whiskey, in particular Scotch whisky. The city has a long-standing tradition of whisky distilling and there are several whisky distilleries in the area.

Even within the city itself, there are several pubs and bars that serve Scotch whiskies from around Scotland. Edinburgh is a great place to visit for anyone looking to sample some of Scotland’s top tipple!

What is the best whisky distillery tour in Scotland

Whisky distilleries in Scotland offer some of the most interesting, unique, and educational tours in the world.

Some of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland are offered by Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry, Glenkinchie Distillery near Edinburgh, The Macallan Distillery in Speyside, and The Oban Distillery on the west coast.

Each of these distilleries offers a variety of tour options for whisky enthusiasts to gain an insight into how traditional Scotch whisky is made. From a guided tour of the production facilities to an exclusive tasting with a master distiller, there is something for everyone.

Visitors can also buy bottles from the gift shop or sample their own blend after visiting one of these incredible distilleries.

No matter which distillery you choose to visit, you will be sure to have a memorable experience that will ignite your passion for whisky even further.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day out exploring Scotland’s rich whisky heritage then any one of these four fantastic whisky distilleries is sure to provide it!

Final Thoughts: whisky tours in edinburgh

Whisky tours from Edinburgh are an exciting and unique way to experience Scotland. From the Highlands to Lowlands, you can visit a variety of distilleries and be immersed in the culture and history behind Scotland’s national drink.

So why not make the most of your time here and book one of these amazing whisky tours? With knowledgeable local guides, you’ll get to sample some of the finest whisky Scotland has to offer!

• Isle of Skye & West Highlands – 4 Day tour with Rabbie’s
• Plan an itinerary for 7 days in Scotland

12 of the Coolest Castles in Scotland

• Where to stay in Edinburgh
• 15 Things to do in Edinburgh – Tourist Guide
• 48 hours in Edinburgh – 2 Day Itinerary
• Luxury Travel Guide to Edinburgh
• Ultimate Travel Guide to Edinburgh

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

View all posts

Similar Posts

17 Things to do in Inverness

Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh offers historic beauty and Glasgow offers multiculturalism and vibrancy, so many visitors overlook Inverness….

15 Things to do in Edinburgh – Tourist Guide

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, a relatively small, hilly city of 500,000 residents. Edinburgh attracts over 1 million foreign visitors…

11 of the Best Family Hotels in Edinburgh 2024

Nestled among Scotland’s dramatic, hilly landscape, Edinburgh offers many captivating experiences for travellers of all ages. As the country’s…

7 of the Best Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh 2024

Have you been wondering about the Best Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh? I’ve got you covered! I’ve been to…

No matter where you are in Scotland, a castle is never far away. Home to some of the most…

Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Edinburgh: A Guide for Every Budget

Edinburgh, a city known for its history and breathtaking views, also shines as the perfect place for dog lovers….

More From Forbes

Take a taste of wildmoor, a new range of ultra luxury blended scotch whisky.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Two of the new releases from Wildmoor—a new range of blended scotches.

William Grant & Sons is a behemoth in the world of scotch. Founded by its namesake patriarch in 1887, the company actually remains in the hands of his descendants to this day. For whisky connoisseurs, the portfolio’s liquids are most commonly associated with high end single malt. Indeed, The Balvenie and especially Glenfiddich helped popularize the style on a global scale.

This week, with the launch of Wildmoor, WGS spreads its wings within the realm of luxury blends. We’ve got your advanced taste of the four-bottle range—along with some exclusive words with Brian Kinsman, the celebrated master blender who crafted the juice.

“I’m just a whiskey maker and I don’t really get involved in the marketing decisions,” explains the industry icon who began working with William Grant brands back in 1997. “But the brief that came to me was to use the inspiration of Scotland, the place, to represent the different aspects of the country in liquid form.”

The name Wildmoor, itself, is meant to elicit the untamed landscape of its birthplace. The youngest release in the range, Dark Moorland, is a 23-year-old blend of Highland and Speyside malts against lowland grain, matured in both American and European oak and finished in Oloroso sherry butts. It’s bottled at 42% ABV and will retail for £185. There’s an approachable melding of cherry fruit, barbecue, and wood spice in the reddish-hued spirit.

Rugged Coast is a 30-year expression, more assertive in its sweet and peat undertones thanks to more time in that aforementioned sherry cooperage. It also sits at 42% ABV, but is set to sell for the more sizable sum of £550.

Gmail And YouTube Hackers Bypass Google’s 2FA Account Security

Apple confirms innovative iphone 16 pro upgrade, it s going to zero legendary billionaire predicts rapid cataclysmic u s dollar collapse and a 5 trillion post halving bitcoin price boom.

The elder statesmen is Black Mountain, a 40-year meditation on the fabled bens of northern Scotland. It includes stock from now-shuttered (ghost) distilleries and sports a sticky pudding sweetness thanks to approximately six months spent in PX sherry casks. You’ll find the 92-proof sipping whisky for £960.

Wildmoor 30 Year Old Rugged Coast

Although there is a sherry theme shared by many of these initial releases, there’s also a fair bit of range in flavor to be found. From dry and woody on one one end to rich and dessert-like on the other.

“In Scotland, you go from coastlands, to moorlands, to forests relatively quickly,” adds Kinsman. “We’re a small country, but full of great contrast, which is what you have here with Wildmoor. And I like the visual stimulus of how you create flavor inspired by countryside.”

The three labels listed above are now on shelves in the UK, China, as well as in Southeast Asia. An additional release, Ancient Moorland, is a 23-year-old blended malt currently exclusive to Taiwan and China global travel retail. A fuller international launch of the lineup is planned to rollout in early 2025. In the meantime, you can certainly expect Wildmoor to be a permanent fixture of the William Grant portfolio. It makes use of inventory that the family-run business has amassed for decades—and not just from its own properties.

“It’s all been stored for years in our warehouses, but it pulls from across the industry,” says Kinsman. “We’ve filled casks from 30, 40, 50 different distilleries that we’ve traded and held onto throughout the years.”

In other words, if you’re looking for a brand to paint a picture of Scotland in liquid form, WGS affords a great palette of colors to work with. And Kinsman, for his part, is uniquely adept at animating them all upon the canvas.

Brian Kinsman at The 50 Year Celebration Of Single Malt Glenfiddich Held At The Rotonde En Cave ... [+] Situated In The Cellar Of The Opera Garnier. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images)

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Passing Thru Travel

6 Luxury Experiences in Scotland’s Historic Highlands 2024

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 20, 2024

If you’ve ever wanted to explore mist-covered mountains topped by ancient castles and surrounded by legendary tales passed down for generations, it’s time to venture into the Scottish Highlands.

Throughout the Scottish Highlands, there are a variety of luxury lodges, historic tours, loch cruises, and private whiskey tasting that allow you to experience the region in comfort and style, but how do you know which one to choose? Below, we have listed the best experiences the Highlands have to offer so you can confidently plan your trip into the wilds of Scotland.

The Fife Arms, Braemar

The first stop on our list is a Victorian coaching inn meticulously restored with a unique art collection. The Fife Arms Inn, near the royal Balmoral Castle, offers a regal experience of traditional Scottish life. Each room in the Fife Arms Inn is themed around Scottish culture and history to fully embrace your stay with the culture you’ve set out to experience.

The inn also hosts traditional activities like Scottish storytelling and game hunting, so you’ll have plenty of activities to do when you’re not exploring the hills and castles surrounding you. They also have a well-acclaimed restaurant that serves local and seasonal cuisine to ensure that every aspect of your stay is a complete cultural experience.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the Ghillie’s Bar for a cozy evening with over 180 whiskies.

When To Travel: Summer for pleasant weather, or winter for a snowy wonderland.

How To Get There: Drive or take a bus from Aberdeen, approximately 1.5 hours away.

Best Time of Year To Travel: May to September for mild weather and outdoor activities.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William

The second experience we recommend is a 19th-century castle surrounded by the scenic beauty of Ben Nevis, which happens to be the tallest mountain in Scotland. The Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers a variety of activities, from falconry to fishing and even tennis.

However, they also offer plenty of experiences off the castle grounds, like a cruises around the nearby loch. Renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurant led by a top chef, the Inverlochy Castle is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the history of Scotland while maintaining modern luxuries.

Insider’s Tip: Request a room with a view of Ben Nevis for an unforgettable wake-up scene.

When To Travel: Spring or early autumn for fewer tourists and stunning scenery.

How To Get There: About a 2-hour drive from Inverness or 3 hours from Glasgow.

Best Time of Year To Travel: April to October, especially beautiful in autumn.

Glenmorangie House, Tain

Next, we have the Glenmorangie House in Tain. An intimate coastal retreat an hour from Inverness, this elegantly decorated house is known for romance, luxury, and a tranquil walled garden. Here, they offer exclusive whiskey tastings and distillery tours for Glenmorangie whiskey.

Nearby, plenty of historical attractions like Foulis Castle and Tarbat Ness Lighthouse overlook the beautiful highland coast. Guests at Glenmorangie can also enjoy local golf courses and stunning coastal walks, making this the perfect destination for those who want to experience the nature of the Highlands in a more private setting.

Insider’s Tip: Book a private whiskey-tasting session for a personalized experience.

When To Travel: Late spring to early autumn for the best coastal weather.

How To Get There: A 1-hour drive north from Inverness.

Best Time of Year To Travel: May to August for longer daylight hours and milder weather.

Aldourie Castle, Loch Ness

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in your own private castle next to the most famous Loch in Scotland, then Aldourie Castle is the place for you. A private hire castle offering exclusivity and luxury on the Loch Ness shores, this castle features beautifully restored interiors with historical themes throughout every room.

During your stay, guests can enjoy traditional Scottish banquets and entertainment as part of their private experience. Outside, you are surrounded by vast private grounds that are perfect for outdoor activities. The castle also offers boat trips on Loch Ness so you can make your search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster!

Insider’s Tip: Explore the private gardens; they are especially beautiful in spring.

When To Travel: Summer for the best chance of good weather and outdoor activities.

How To Get There: Around 30 minutes by car from Inverness.

Best Time of Year To Travel: June to August, with long daylight hours and warmer temperatures.

The Torridon, Wester Ross

Next we have a stay for those more interested in a scenic experience filled with outdoor activities. Set in 58 acres of parkland at the end of a sea loch, the Torridon offers breathtaking sea views and surrounding highlands.

The Torridon also provides a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking and mountain biking, for a more adventurous highland experience. Known for its luxurious accommodations, award-winning whiskey, and gin bar, and 3 AA Rosette restaurant serving the best of Scottish produce it is, there is also no shortage of options for those interested in a tamer stay.

Insider’s Tip: Try their bespoke adventure days, tailored to your interests.

When To Travel: Spring or autumn for stunning natural beauty with fewer crowds.

How To Get There: A scenic drive of about 1.5 hours from Inverness.

Best Time of Year To Travel: May to September, ideal for outdoor activities.

Boath House, Nairn

Last on our list is a Georgian country house known for its stunning architecture and gardens. The Boath House focuses on personal wellness with spa treatments to relax the body and abundant serene surroundings to calm the mind. The Boath House also provides an AA Rosette restaurant emphasizing organic and local ingredients.

Each room is individually styled with antique furnishings and modern comforts to provide a more personal experience. When not relaxing in the grounds, guests can venture out to the nearby attractions like Cawdor Castle and Nairn Beach to ensure they experience all the Scottish Highlands have to offer.

Insider’s Tip: Book a garden tour to appreciate the house’s horticultural heritage.

When To Travel: Spring and summer for garden blooms and pleasant weather.

How To Get There: Approximately a 30-minute drive from Inverness.

Best Time of Year To Travel: April to July, to enjoy the gardens in full bloom.

The Bottom Line

Exploring the Scottish Highlands is not just about seeing the sights; it’s about experiencing them in comfort and style. From the Victorian elegance of The Fife Arms in Braemar to the secluded luxury of Boath House in Nairn, each location offers a unique way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and rich history.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful retreat amidst stunning landscapes, these destinations cater to various preferences. With insights on the best times to visit, how to get there, and insider tips, planning your Highland adventure becomes a straightforward task. In the wilds of Scotland, each of these luxury experiences promises a memorable journey, blending the allure of the past with the comforts of the present.

The post 6 Luxury Experiences in Scotland’s Historic Highlands 2024 republished on Passing Thru

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / JeniFoto.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

More for You

New York judge says Trump can’t attend Supreme Court arguments on presidential immunity

Flight attendant shares her punishment for passengers who refuse to swap seats with parents

Remote workers are about to get a rude awakening

Facebook wrongly labels photographs of Auschwitz victims as showing ‘bullying’ and ‘nudity’

Popular media company files for bankruptcy, plans to liquidate

Bill Maher rips sanctuary city 'hypocrites' turning away migrants: Abbott, DeSantis 'called their bluff'

Loretta Lynn's granddaughter Emmy Russell stuns 'American Idol' judges: 'That is a hit record'

Putin Issues Urgent Russian Ship Decree

Therapists Say These 6 Common Habits Are Fueling Your Anxiety

How to 'quiet quit,' from a former teacher who did it for 2 years so she could enjoy a better life while still getting a paycheck

4 Things You Should Never Cook in Cast Iron

7 CDs You Probably Owned, Threw Out and Now Are Worth Bank

Will Smith baffles Coachella festivalgoers with surprise performance during J Balvin’s set

Taylor Swift Smashes Another Record

16 Compliments You Didn’t Realize Are Actually Pretty Insulting

Scientists Thought They Knew What Uranus and Neptune Were Made Of. They Were Fooled.

Iconic ice cream brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

California officials sue Huntington Beach over voter ID law passed at polls

First major wildfire of 2024 raging near popular tourist destination

I Overcame My Alcohol Addiction by Learning Two Lessons