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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

Scottish highlands, loch ness & isle of skye.

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.

Well-organised tour

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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! 

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.

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.

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.

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Trossachs National Park

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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.

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

• MOST POPULAR

Four-Day Islay Whisky Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 4 days
• Map Marker Location: Islay
• Clock Departure Time: 08:00 a.m.
• Clock Estimated Return Time: Edinburgh 6:30 p.m./Glasgow 5:15 p.m.
• Users Max. Number of Guests: 16
• Bus Pick-Up Point: Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Square, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE
• User Minimum Age of Participants: 18
• Lagavulin Warehouse Experience
• Core Range Tasting at Ardbeg
• Tour and exclusive tasting at Laphroaig
• Tour and tasting at Kilchoman
• A visit to Bunnahabhain
• Tour & Tasting at Bruichladdich
• Minibus transport (max. 16 guests)
• Services of a professional tour guide

Discover some of Scotland’s Finest Whisky Distilleries

All distillery tours and tastings are included in the cost !

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

Day 1 After departing Edinburgh, you head west into the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Your journey will take you along the shores of Loch Lomond, the largest of Scotland’s lochs, as well as one of the countries most scenic locations. The landscape becomes more mountainous as you travel further west, crossing the impressive Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, as your guide tells you about the history and culture of this stunning part of Scotland.

As you travel through Argyll, you will make a short stop in the attractive fishing village of Inveraray . It is then a short drive down the Kintyre Peninsula to Kennacraig, where you will board the early afternoon ferry to Islay. The ferry crossing is around two hours and offers for some beautiful views of the islands of Gigha, Jura and Islay as well as the area surrounding West Loch Tarbert. There is time to relax in the ferry bar with an Islay whisky, grab some lunch from the restaurant and soak up the sea air before you arrive.

On arrival in Islay, we will visit our first distillery of the tour! Bunnahabhain Distillery. Pronounced ‘Bunn-na-ha-venn’, meaning ‘mouth of the river’ in Scots Gaelic, this distillery is in a stunning location offering gorgeous views of the Paps of Jura and offers a range of peated and unpeated drams.  On occasion due to ferry timetables, a later ferry to Islay may be arranged, in this event the visit to Bunnahabhain will be replaced by an alternative distillery on the Scottish mainland, such as Auchentoshan.

Following your visit to Bunnahabhain, it is a short drive to Bowmore to check in to The Bowmore House or Island Bear for your three-night stay. On rare occasions we may need to place you in different accommodation, we will make you aware of this in advance.

Days 2 & 3 With two full days to explore, there are plenty of options for sightseeing, and your guide will share some of their favourite places with you. These can include empty beaches, whitewashed villages, ancient sites, the Kildalton Cross, medieval strongholds, fresh seafood, local wildlife and traditional cultures. With only around 3000 people and nine world-class distilleries, the chances of finding a ‘wee dram’ on Islay are pretty good.

The distillery and whisky experiences give you an insight into Islay’s most famous export. We’ve planned a wide range of tours and tastings, including a warehouse experiences, tours and exclusive tastings! Each tour is a little different and there will be lots of delicious drams to taste – you won’t be disappointed! Some of the experiences that we will typically include in our tour would be a Warehouse Tasting at Lagavulin, where you will have a chance to sample drams drawn straight from the cask, and a tour of one of Islay’s newest distilleries, Kilchoman, where you will be able to take a tour through the entire production process, including a rare opportunity to visit a working malting floor, and sample the distilleries 100% Islay whisky, where the ingredients and production is entirely Islay based. Our tours will also usually include a tour of the Laphroaig distillery, before enjoying a tasting of a unique range from Laphroaig.

Each night on Islay, there are plenty of options for eating, drinking and relaxing. Your tour guide will let you know all the best places to get the most out of your time in Bowmore. There is an eating option for all budgets and tastes, and with so much local produce on offer, you will be spoilt for choice. The whisky bars aren’t too bad either. Slainte Mhath, as they say in Gaelic.

Day 4 After a final hearty breakfast, you catch the morning ferry back to Kennacraig. Arriving on the mainland, you head to the loch-side town of Inveraray. This is the seat of the Clan Campbell, home to the Loch Fyne Whisky shop and your stop for lunch. After lunch (and some last-minute whisky shopping) your journey now hugs the shores of Loch Fyne and Loch Long before climbing up to the Rest and be Thankful pass for sweeping views.

Then it is to the shores of Loch Lomond. With time to stop for some lovely views and stretch of the legs, this is the last stop on your tour before crossing the River Clyde and into Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow. Some of our guests may be leaving the tour here, so we may make a short stop in central Glasgow (George Square) before returning to Edinburgh.

• Chevron down Accommodation:

Accommodation is on a B&B basis in The Bowmore House or Island Bear, both on Shore Street in Bowmore. Spacious and comfortable rooms, a fantastic breakfast each morning and hosts that go above and beyond for every one of their guests. There’s a reason we come back here year after year!

• Chevron down What to Bring:
• No matter what the time of year, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland) and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although all the distilleries we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Our scheduled tours are all 18+, if you’re lucky enough to look under 25 you may to asked to provide proof of age at the distilleries.
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person, along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.

Related Tours

• Map Marker Islay
• 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.

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Pagodas at a traditional Scottish whisky distillery

Scotland Whisky Distillery tour: GeoCultura’s 5-day vacation package

Travel to Speyside, Aberdeenshire, an area famed for Scottish whisky production, and learn the processes that go into creating this most renowned export. See the castles and spectacular landscapes of Speyside and uncover its geological wonders.

• Explore Speyside, an area famed for Scottish whisky; see the traditional processes behind whisky production and casking, and enjoy whisky tasting in renowned distilleries.
• Hear the stories behind some of Scotland’s longest-running distilleries, including Macallan, Glenlivet and Fettercairn, along with the rich history of the Speyside and Aberdeenshire area.
• Discover the fascinating geology of Scotland’s incredible landscape, with help from your Tour Leaders and local experts.
• Relax in comfort and style at a country house hotel with individually-decorated bedrooms and views of the Cairngorms and ancient woodland.
• Taste the finest Scottish cuisine with a la carte dinner each night in the hotel included in the tour package.

Journey into the heart of Scottish whisky country with a five-day, four-night small group trip to Speyside and Aberdeenshire. Stay on the edge of the Cairngorms and travel to historic distilleries around Speyside.

See how the ‘water of life’ is made with informative tours of a range of whisky distilleries, and sample the finest whiskies in the company of your fellow guests.

Find out about the traditional ‘precision and percussion’ of cooperage on a visit to the renowned Speyside Cooperage, where whisky barrels are sent from all over the world for repairs and refurbishment.

Discover the sights and history of the area, with visits to key geological sites and in-depth stories about Scotland’s vibrant human history. Explore the Royal Family’s Scottish estate, and learn about the formation of Scotland’s iconic glacial landscapes.

Find outlaws’ hideaways and scenic lochs, castles steeped in stories and legends, and more in the shadow of Scotland’s spectacular Cairngorm Mountains.

Enjoy the finest accommodation at a country house-turned-hotel, boasting comfortable rooms and exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Dine in style in the hotel’s restaurant, which serves meals to suit all tastes including a wealth of seafood options.

Travel in the company of our accredited expert Scottish Tourist Guide, and gain added insights about history and geology as you travel across Scotland.

See the living history of Scotland through its places, people and culture, and enjoy traditional meals and folk music during your journey.

Activity level:  Easy, with optional longer walks and hikes across Scotland’s landscape, including rocky paths, coastal outcrops. Walks are generally between 1 and 3 miles long. (see definitions  here ).

Transport:  Getting there: Rail travel between Edinburgh and Stonehaven, and return from Aberdeen to Edinburgh on the final day. Getting around: Comfortable air conditioned minibus.

Accommodation:  Four nights’ stay at Darroch Learg Hotel, Ballater, a picturesque country house-turned-hotel which boasts spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains. A la carte dinner at the hotel each night of the trip.

Weather:  June in Aberdeenshire is typically warm. Rain is always possible, and guests should be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing.

Meet your Tour Leader and local expert guide in Edinburgh, then travel to a scenic castle and onwards to distilleries and a warm welcome at the Darroch Learg Hotel.

This exciting Scottish whisky distillery tour starts in Edinburgh, where you will meet your Tour Leader and local expert guide at the first-class passenger lounge at Waverley Station.

After introductions, you’ll travel by train to Stonehaven, then by comfortable minibus to the ruined coastal Dunottar Castle. Just down the road from Stonehaven, this postcard-worthy castle is perched on a rocky headland stump, formed by the vast geological Highland Boundary Fault which cuts across Scotland from coast to coast. In more recent history, it held the Scottish Crown Jewels to keep them from the forces of Oliver Cromwell. Views from a distance are excellent, and you can also tackle the castle’s 209 steps to visit up-close.

After this exploration, we’ll visit the first whisky distillery of the tour, Fettercairn. Famed for doing things differently, Fettercairn received its official licence in 1824, but employed illegal whisky makers to get a head start on production!

There are plenty more points of interest on the way, including the scenic mountain pass of Cairn O’ Mount, the “Queen’s View” of the Deeside area, 16th century Crathes Castle and an ancient burial ground of a style found only in north-east Scotland.

We’ll travel to your hotel for the next four nights, Darroch Learg. With individually decorated rooms and a delightful restaurant serving quality local meals, Darroch Learg is perfectly positioned for exploring Scotland’s sights and significant distilleries. All the rooms have excellent views, too!

This packed first day ends at Darroch Learg with a hearty group dinner in the conservatory restaurant.

• Check into Darroch Learg, Ballater, for four nights
• Group dinner

Enjoy a day of contrasts as you see royal residences and bandit’s lairs, ancient rock formations and granite used in the industrial age.

Day 2 of your Scotland tour begins with a short trip to a natural pothole, Burn O’ Vat. Formed tens of thousands of years ago, this spacious, scenic and secluded rock formation is thought to have once housed notorious Scottish outlaws!

After returning to the civilised world, we’ll take a 1km stroll around a nearby loch before visiting the Cambus O’May Suspension Bridge to see how the area’s granite was put to use in bridging the River Dee during the Industrial Revolution.

Speaking of industry, the area is also famous for its royal rail connections, and we’ll be stopping for lunch in Ballater’s former railway station which holds replicas of the Royal Waiting Room and Queen Victoria’s personal railway carriage.

Royalty remains the theme of the afternoon, as we visit the royal family’s estate at Balmoral Castle (complete with a view of the local cairns and grand funerary pyramid), the royals’ local church of Crathie Kirk, and the nearby Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Founded in 1845, Royal Lochnagar benefitted from its location and was granted a Royal Warrant after being visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert only three years later.

• Return to Darroch Learg in the evening

Head into the Speyside distillery area in earnest, visiting a famous whisky distillery and discovering how the all-important whisky casks are made.

Your whisky distillery tour is headed right into the heart of Scotch production – Speyside. Named after the River Spey which flows through the area, Speyside is home to half of all Scotland’s single malt whisky distilleries and has earned its status as a mecca for whisky enthusiasts.

On the way up, we’ll stop in at Craigievar Castle, an ornate pink tower thought to have inspired the fantastical castles which are prominent throughout Disney’s films and animations. After the sightseeing, it’s off to see a stalwart of the whisky distillery world: Macallan.

Macallan came into being in 1824, and along with an ‘obsession with quality’, the company is also known for its spectacular new state-of-the-art distillery and visitors’ centre which you’ll be heading around.

Rounding off this day dedicated to the ‘water of life’, we’ll be seeing how Scotland’s whisky casks are made with a fascinating acorn-to-cask experience at the acclaimed Speyside Cooperage, and take a look at the ruins of Balvenie Castle.

Enjoy a journey of mountains and malts as you head into the Cairngorms for some spectacular sightseeing, and visit one of Scotland’s most historic and renowned whisky distilleries.

If you’ve spent the last few days admiring the mighty Cairngorm Mountains, today is a particular treat as we’ll be heading up into Cairngorms National Park to see the area’s iconic landscape and geology. Although the present majestic landscape formed during the last ice age, we will go into deep geological time, when 420 million years ago, continental collision closed a wide ocean, joined Scotland to England and formed the rocks under this land of whisky.

Following the scenic and winding Snow Road route through hills and valleys, we’ll eventually arrive at the Glenlivet Estate and Distillery.

With an (official) history dating back to 1822, Glenlivet’s captivating story is entwined with the characteristics of the Livet valley, and the area’s loose-knit community of smugglers and illicit distillers who didn’t take kindly to the distillery become a legal whisky producer.

After soaking in the stories and engaging in some whisky tasting, we’ll head back with more Cairngorms driving, a stop at the renowned Whisky Castle shop (stacked to the ceiling with over 600 malt whiskies) and enjoy a final dinner at the Darroch Learg, accompanied by traditional folk music.

Time to head home. Savour a final breakfast at the Darroch Learg, then travel back to Edinburgh via Aberdeen.

Today is the last day of your Speyside distilleries tour. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the Darroch Learg’s restaurant, then travel by minibus to Aberdeen.

Wave goodbye to Scotland’s ‘Granite City’, then catch a train back to Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Note:  If required for reasons beyond our control, GeoCultura reserves the right to substitute alternative accommodation of equal or higher quality or adapt the itinerary if required.

The activity level is rated as EASY, suitable for occasional walkers (see our definitions  here ). The tour will involve walking in generally easy terrain, along trails and around towns and distillery sites. Some optional walks include lots of steps and walking over uneven ground. Hikes are 1-3 miles long,

Transport will be by first-class train and comfortable minibus with air conditioning.

June in Aberdeenshire is typically warm. Rain is always possible, so you should bring light waterproof clothing.

If walking is an issue, alternative arrangements can be made during the scheduled longer walks, so please let GeoCultura know in advance. To enjoy the full experience, a reasonable level of fitness is required – please call us to discuss this if you have any concerns.

• The services of your expert guide and tour host who will be with the group throughout the tour, staying at the same hotel.
• Local expert who will accompany the group and give talks on selected days.
• All transportation costs when travelling from Edinburgh on the first day, and when returning, along with all transport between locations.
• All accommodation costs for four nights, assuming two people sharing a double room. Single occupancy rooms are available for a surcharge. See Single Supplement in ‘Need to Know’ tab.
• All breakfasts, snack lunches and a la carte dinners.
• Entry fees to all whisky distilleries and attractions visited on this tour.
• All service charges and most gratuities.
• Travel insurance. Guests should carry their own health and travel insurance.
• Extra or optional activities not described in the tour.
• Personal expenditures, any alcoholic drinks with meals, and extras at hotels such as laundry bills.
• Transportation to Edinburgh before the start of the tour and from Edinburgh after the tour concludes.
• Passport and visa fees.

From £3100 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

June — June

Contact details

• +44 (20) 81451011
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Edinburgh - City Centre
• Small coach
• Small Group (1-16)
• Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £3100 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Geocultura ltd.

GeoCultura offers cultural tours to ‘must-see’ destinations with spectacular landscapes. Our tour leaders are experts with knowledge and a passion for the geology, science, heritage and history of each area. Our small groups use the best hotels in stunning places, to enjoy good food and company. Our new, unique tour of the Scottish Highlands, takes you on a billion year journey through amazing geological landscapes and cultural histories; bringing to life the birth of the landscape, the controversies, the battles, the heritage, and the secrets of what makes Highland malt whisky so special.

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Telephone enquiries welcome Monday-Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm

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Buy  Our Essential Scottish Whisky Guide Books

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Useful Quotes

"One good thing about rain in Scotland. Most of it ends up as scotch."

Peter Alliss

“Suggested remedy for the common cold: A good gulp of whiskey at bedtime-it's not very scientific, but it helps.”

Sir Alexander Fleming -Scottish inventor of Penicillin

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

Travel Home > UK Tours > Scotland > Whisky

Scottish Whisky Distilleries Tours

Expert private guides, luxury vehicles, flexible rescheduling, discover scotland's true spirit.

Scotch Whisky is not only revered all around the world but is an integral part of the Scottish identity. On your private whisky tour, you will have the opportunity to travel across the country with your driver and visit the most significant distilleries to find out exactly what makes each blend so distinctive, the distillation process, the importance of our national drink throughout history. Not to mention enjoying a tasting or two along the way!

With five key Whisky regions and over one hundred and twenty active distilleries, it can be difficult to plan your perfect Whisky tour of Scotland, so  our specialists will be happy to create a complimentary custom tour itinerary tailored exactly to your tastes . Whether you want to gain a general overview of the different regions, or if you want to go in-depth about a specific dram, simply let us know where your accommodation is in Scotland to begin the tour or if you would like to be collected from the airport, how long you plan to tour, and let our specialists create the ultimate driver guided whisky distillery tour for you.

Visit Distilleries of Your Choice With Your Driver-Guide

The five Whisky regions in Scotland each enjoy their own unique identity, character, and distinctive flavors. We believe that the finest way to experience this is with your private driver-guide who can ensure you will also see the best of Scotland’s natural beauty and historic landmarks along the way to give you a fuller taste of the country as you travel between distilleries.

When you  send us an online inquiry  we will respond letting you know exactly what distilleries, tastings, and locations will be the best fit for your requirements, however, the guide below should help you understand what each whisky region brings to the table to help you plan where you would like to visit.

Increasingly becoming a more popular destination for visitors, the Lowlands are finally beginning to attract the popularity that their long-standing Whisky-producing distilleries deserve. The flavor profile from here revolves around light-bodied single malts that are unpeated and lighter, with a gentle, elegant palate.

Isle of Islay

Known as the whisky Isle as there are 9 distilleries located on the island (with the oldest active one being Bowmore which dates back to 1779) & the majority of the population here are actually involved in the production in some capacity! Whisky blends from the Island tend to be very peaty redolent of coastal oil and salt.

The largest of the regions & home to well-known names in the whisky game like Glenturret & the Famous Grouse. The vast & wild Highland region produces varied & unique Scotch from distillery to distillery - tendency towards lightly peated flavors with Oak & Vanilla blends.

Campbeltown

The smallest of Scotland’s Whisky regions with only 3 active distilleries, Springbank, Glengyle, and Glen Scotia. Located on the Kintyre peninsula it will be no surprise that a whisper of sea salt is detectable through the peaty, sweet, and smoky blends the region is famous for.

Home to some of Scotland's best-loved malt whiskies such as Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Aberlour. This beautiful region is filled with incredible valleys, glens, and - most importantly - over 50 distilleries producing some remarkable fine malts.

Visit Whisky Distilleries On Our Example Multi-Day Scottish Tour Itineraries

10 Day Private Scottish Tour

18 Day Private Tour of Scotland & Ireland

10 Day Private Whiskey Tour of Scotland & Ireland

14 Day Golf Tour of Scotland & Ireland

6 Day Scottish Golf Tour

7 Day Castle Tour of Scotland

4 Day Harry Potter Tour of Scotland

25 Day Grand Private Tour of The UK

7 Day Private Driver-Guided Tour of Scotland

10 Day Tour of Scotland & Ireland

The best scotch whisky experience distilled into one tour.

All our whisky tours are completely customizable and tailor-made to suit you and your group’s needs and wants. Our tour experts can make recommendations and help you plan each and every sip of your whisky tour experience while transporting you safely from distillery to distillery. 

For your custom whisky tour of Scotland itinerary use the online form below to let us know which city or location you want your driver to pick you up from, how long you want the tour to last, and any essential sights or distilleries that you desire to visit.

Let us know your questions!

Call our team

+1 (424) 766-5955

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Qualified Guides. Certified Excellence.

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Distillery Tours

A warm welcome awaits at the home of Scotland's slowest stills. We do things differently at Glengoyne Distillery. We take you closer to the journey, further into the detail, and deeper into the complexity of our spirit. Our Distillery and Shop are open 7 days. Explore our Distillery Experiences below, we look forward to seeing you soon.

MALT MASTER EXPERIENCE

90 MINS / £100.00 PER PERSON

An incredibly in-depth tour of the distillery – a chance for our Distillery Ambassadors to really share their knowledge of our unhurried ‘Glengoyne Way’. Then it gets extra special – you create your own single malt in the Sample Room. You cannot do this anywhere else in Scotland.

GLENGOYNE TASTING EXPERIENCE

45 MINS / £27.50 PER PERSON

Explore 3 Glengoyne whiskies on this personalised tutored tasting. Our Distillery Ambassadors will delve in to the rich history of Glengoyne whilst you taste 3 Glengoyne Highland Single Malt whiskies. We’ll explain the journey our spirit makes – through mashtun and washbacks to the swan-necks of our copper stills. Please note this experience is a tasting only and does not include a distillery tour.

Secrets, Stories & Summer Serves

75 MINS / £20.00 PER PERSON

Nestled in a miniature glen, drawing water from a hidden waterfall, it’s easy to see how the first whisky made at Glengoyne managed to escape the notice of the Exciseman. Join us for this captivating new tour, where you’ll uncover all the tantalising stories from Glengoyne’s past. You’ll hear tales of vagabonds and Victorian entrepreneurs, you’ll learn about the families who’ve lived and worked here for generations, and you'll discover the history and secrets of Scotland's most beautiful distillery.

 This is a storytelling tour of Glengoyne’s historic distillery grounds, incorporating the old cooperage, our infamous No.1 Warehouse, and the Distillery Manager’s House. 

The tour ends in our tasting room with a dram of our award-winning Glengoyne 10 Year Old and Glengoyne 15 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whiskies, followed by a special serve of ‘Honey Bee’ - our exclusive must-try summer cocktail.    An unhurried tasting at the home of Glengoyne.

GLENGOYNE TOUR AND TASTING

In the stillness of our quiet glen, we know that patience is rewarded. Our Distillery Ambassadors will take you on the unhurried journey our spirit makes. Enjoy a tutored tasting of 2 Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Whiskies as you learn about the bold, complex flavours from the slowest stills in Scotland matured in only the finest casks.

THE COLLECTION TOUR AND TASTING

90 MINS / £35.00 PER PERSON

Delve deeper into the whisky making process at the home of Scotland’s slowest stills and enjoy a tutored tasting of 3 whiskies from the Glengoyne Collection. Discover what happens when you pair world class Single Malt Whisky with the ‘Best truffle in the World’ from Iain Burnett, The Highland Chocolatier. Please note the Collection Tour and Tasting is for over 18s only.

FINE AND RARE TASTING

45 MINS / £60.00 PER PERSON

This exclusive tasting allows guests to experience the highly limited Glengoyne 25 Year Old and 30 Year Old Highland Single Malt whiskies plus a specially selected wild card whisky. Take your time, savour and marvel as our Distillery Ambassadors explain how nothing is rushed and every stage of our whisky making process is given as long as it needs. Please note that this is a tutored tasting of our finest whiskies and does not include a distillery tour.

Storytelling Experience

120 mins / £65 per person

Join Gordon Dallas as he takes you on a historical walking tour around the picturesque Glengoyne distillery. Armed only with a Glencairn glass you will hear stories from the smuggling days before there even was a distillery. Learn about the founder, George Connell, and the other 4 Scottish families that have owned and contributed so much to the place and to the whisky. But this is Glengoyne so it’s not just a historical journey. This is also a flavour story and Drams will be sampled that explain the journey our whisky has been on since the early 1800’s as a clear spirit to the award-winning malt it is today! The Glengoyne story is packed full of facts, some of which even the most die-hard Glengoyne fan might not know, with enough stories and anecdotes along the way to keep you going until the next dram.

We offer a driver’s pack on our experiences . This means that your designated driver can take away their samples from their experience to enjoy later.

Visitor Reviews

Read our visitor reviews

"Malt Master Experience"

My husband and myself did the Malt Master Experience today at Glengoyne distillery and it was amazing. We had Devin as our guide and there was nothing he couldn't tell you about Whisky! Admittedly i wasn't a huge fan before going (it was hubby anniversary gift) but would definitely do it again. Look forward to trying our homemade Whisky when we get back to Lincolnshire! Thank you to everyone at the Distillery, everyone was so polite and friendly- great team!

"A memorable tour - highly recommended"

We had the Collection and Tasting Tour, our guide Arthur is funny and knowledgeable, he made the whole tour so interesting. We tasted 3 of the Glengoyne Collection whiskies and each paired with the amazing Scotland chocolate.

The shop had a good selection of whiskies and gifts, we enjoyed our tour discount price and our shopping can be shipped freely to our UK address.

Well done Glengoyne Distillery!

"The Best Distillery Tour"

On Monday 4th September (11:30) myself and my 2 friends had the very best Distillery tour we have had (and we have had many across Scotland and Ireland). The actual distillery is set in beautiful surroundings but it was our Guide, Lorna that made the visit. Such a kind and pleasant person with a wealth of knowledge about the history of the place. She was simply charming and this combined with excellent single malts just made it a perfect morning.

Group Bookings

Groups are warmly welcomed at Glengoyne. Private tours can be arranged out with our normal opening hours. Free coach parking. Please contact us for further information and rates. Advanced bookings for groups is essential.

Plan Your Visit

Find out all the information you need before visiting the distillery.

We offer a driver’s pack on our experiences . This means that your designated driver can take away their samples from their experience to enjoy later

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More information on accessibility at Glengoyne.

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Experience world famous whisky

Welcome to The Scotch Whisky Experience, a five star visitor attraction at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, where we've been inspiring visitors to Edinburgh about the joys of Scotch whisky for over 30 years.

Plan your visit

To see our FAQs page click here.

Welcome to The Scotch Whisky Experience, Ceud Mile Fàilte  (A hundred thousand welcomes in Gaelic)

Whether you take a tour, visit our shop and restaurant, or enjoy an event or tasting here, we guarantee you a sensational experience.

Our Experiences

The perfect journey through the world of Scotch whisky. We are storytellers; passionate about sharing with you our love for Scotch whisky and Scotland. Take one of our tours to widen your knowledge, explore flavours and create whisky memories.

Amber Restaurant

Private Events

The Collection

The latest content from Scotch whisky's Edinburgh home.

Travelling Without a Passport

The Beginner’s Guide to a Scottish Whisky Tour

Whisky. Whiskey. Scotch. Bourbon. Whatever you call it, however you spell it, whisky isn’t your average alcoholic beverage. Much like oenophiles would their wine, discerning enthusiasts and spirit snobs have long treated whisky like a piece of art—the act of distilling it a craft, the act of drinking it an art form. It’s long been a subject of gentlemanly debate, from how it’s spelt to how it’s served and enjoyed.

Thank goodness, then, that Scotland, the biggest whisky producer in the world, isn’t lacking in tours. Such tours take lucky visitors to distilleries to learn not only about the distillation, ageing, and packing processes but also how to drink the “water of life” like a true connoisseur.

Travel to: Scotland

From the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail in the Speyside area, where more than half of the country’s distilleries are located, to Campbeltown, the smallest region in the country, there are more than enough whisky tours for beginners and experts alike. Just be sure you know how to handle your liquor.

Make a list of Scotland’s whisky regions

Though a small country, Scotland has more than 120 whisky distilleries spread across five distinct whisky-producing regions, each one slightly different from the other. Which whisky region you should tour depends on what flavour profile you like most, how much time you have, and whether or not you prefer to go off the beaten path.

Only recently recognised by Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) as an official whisky region due to the number of distilleries the area is home to, this area in the eastern Scottish Highlands hosts about 50 distilleries. That’s the official count, although some claim it to be more than that. Speyside is, therefore, a prime destination for a whisky tour , especially if you’re interested in the spirit’s history and heritage.

Whisky from Speyside are typically light and sweet, yet complex. Home to one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, not to mention the famous Malt Whisky Trail that takes you to nine must-visit distilleries, it’s great for whisky enthusiasts who enjoy rich, fruity, spicy, and vanilla flavours in their glass.

• Distilleries to visit: Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet.

The Highlands

With around 47 distilleries within its boundaries, the hilly region of the Highlands in the north comes in a close second as Scotland’s whisky destination. It’s home to many of the biggest names and oldest distilleries in Scottish whisky history. More importantly to whisky enthusiasts, it produces a number of different flavour profiles.

From deep, textured flavours to lightly peated (smoky) and those with floral notes, the diversity of whisky styles in this region is just the ticket for those who prefer to experiment with different types. Diverse too are its distilleries, which range from the oldest in the country, namely Glenturret that started in 1775 as an unlicensed facility, to some of the youngest ones.

• Distilleries to visit: Oban and Talisker.

See Also: Best Castles You Can Stay at in Scotland

The Lowlands

If you can’t make it up to Speyside, you might go for a tour of the Lowlands. While it might not sound too exciting, the Lowland region is, in fact, an ideal place to introduce your palette to single malts, not to mention quite accessible with Edinburgh and Glasgow just quick drives away.

Peated whisky enthusiasts might be better off spending their time in Islay. However, those who prefer light and delicate flavour profiles including citrusy, floral, and sweet, will find the 17 or so distilleries here simply divine.

• Distilleries to visit: Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie.

Don’t let Islay’s tiny island size and small number of distilleries fool you. Not only is Islay home to the second oldest distillery in the country, Bowmore, which traces its roots back to 1779, it also pulls its weight in whisky production. A four-day tour of this region will satisfy your cravings. 

Bowmore itself is reported to have an annual capacity of 2,000,000 litres, and both Bowmore and Laphroaig are the two key distilleries for one of the top whisky companies in the world. Those who are addicted to smoky flavours will adore Islay whisky as they known to be heavily peated, with just a hint of salty and sweet.

• Distilleries to visit: Lagavulin and Laphroaig.

Campbeltown

If you think Islay is the smallest whisky-producing region in Scotland, think again. There is still, after all, Campbeltown, which only has three distilleries under its belt. Why, then, is it considered a whisky region? Perhaps because in its peak, it boasted about 30 distilleries. Or perhaps because the single malts produced here are so distinctive in flavour, they more than deserve to be singled out.

If you’re one of the more discerning single malt lovers, then you must make a beeline for this former royal burgh in the Kintyre peninsula. 

• Distilleries to visit: Springback, Glengyle, and Glen Scotia.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the hard stuff, a whisky tour in Scotland will expose you to gorgeous views, fascinating history, and the opportunity to connect with locals in a way not many other tours can offer.

Is a Scottish whisky tour on your bucket list? Can you taste the amber smokey syrup on your lips already? Then consider your options and go touring. 

Michelle Rae Uy

Michelle is Los Angeles-based writer, editor, and photographer with a bad case of wanderlust. Her dream, next to travelling the world, is to own her own funky, boutique hotel with a small animal sanctuary so she can spend the rest of her days chilling with cats and hedgehogs. Follow her on Instagram .

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The Top 15 Scottish Distilleries to Visit in Scotland

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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?

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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.

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Rosebank Scotch whisky distillery re-welcomes visitors

Falkirk has always been proud of its skyline – at one end of the town, which lies between Glasgow and Edinburgh, sit The Kelpies, a pair of massive 300-tonne sculptures of mythical Scottish water horses unveiled in 2013, while at the other stands the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, opened in 2002 to link the Union and Forth & Clyde canals.

Between the two protrudes a pair of much older monuments: the famous 43-metre Georgian steeple on the town’s high street, once home to the jail, and the equally-loved red brick chimney at the old Rosebank distillery, nestled on the canal bank. Local people, known affectionately as ‘Bairns’, long feared that the chimney would be demolished following the distillery’s closure, robbing the town of one of its most distinctive landmarks.

Now, the chimney – and the new distillery that surrounds it – are in safe hands. Today (7 June), the new Rosebank distillery will welcome visitors for the first time. Having gone silent for 30 years, the distillery that was once known as ‘The King of the Lowlands’, is ready to reclaim its throne, thanks to a new team and new stills, but the same spirit character.

Auspicious beginnings

Rosebank traces its roots back to 1840, when James Rankine – a local wine merchant and tea blender – turned the former maltings for the nearby Camelon distillery into a distillery in its own right. It eventually became part of United Distillers & Vintners (UDV), one of the forerunners of the present-day Diageo, Scotland’s largest distiller and maker of Johnnie Walker, Bell’s and J&B.

The oil crises in the 1970s triggered high inflation and a drop in global demand for Scotch, leading to a ‘whisky loch’ of overproduction in the 1980s. Rosebank was one of the final casualties, closing its doors in 1993, with the site sold to the British Waterways Board – now Scottish Canals – in 2002.

A project by Arran Brewery to revive the site by turning it into a brewery, bottling hall, and micro-distillery was abandoned in 2014. Instead, the old distillery was bought in 2017 by the Russell family, owners of Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) , the company behind the Glengoyne and Tamdhu distilleries. IMD also purchased the ‘Rosebank’ brand name and pre-1993 casks from Diageo.

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The road to revival at rosebank.

Credit: Chris McCluskie Photography

On Tuesday night, the Russell family welcomed scores of guests to the official opening of the new Rosebank distillery, designed by Michael Laird Architects, and built using tonnes of reclaimed bricks and timbers from the original derelict distillery buildings. The designers incorporated parts of the original stone walls along the canal side and incorporated the lock-keeper’s cottage, a scheduled monument, Scotland’s highest level of protection for structures of national importance.

The road to reopening rarely runs smoothly. The original copper stills and mash tuns had been stolen during the Christmas and Hogmanay holidays back in 2008-9, while IMD managing director Leonard Russell told the audience on Tuesday that the project had gone ‘three times over budget’. Back in 2017, that budget was reported as between £10m-£12m, with a prospective opening date of ‘2019 at the earliest’.

Yet the results look like they’re worth every penny, with a building that can hold its own against the most modern of Scottish craft distilleries, such as Holyrood, Port of Leith , or Raasay. Tourism has been built into the design from the very start, from a massive audio-visual show projected onto a wall at the beginning of the tour, through to theatrical spotlights picking out individual rows of casks in the small on-site warehouse as the tour guide introduces some of the pre-1993 stock alongside the new ex-bourbon barrels, which began to be filled last summer .

Going back to the future

At the heart of the new Rosebank sit three stills. While triple distillation is common in Ireland, it’s rare in Scotland, with Auchentoshan in Clydebank near Glasgow fabled as the most famous example. Triple distillation provides more contact with copper, leaving behind a lighter and more floral spirit.

Rosebank’s other distinguishing feature is its set of massive worm tub condensers that sit outside the stillroom. Worm tubs produce a richer and more robust spirit than the alternative shell-and-tube condensers. Rosebank is the only Scottish distillery to combine triple distillation with worm tubs – producing a spirit that’s perhaps best described as an iron fist inside a velvet glove.

To recapture Rosebank’s historic spirit profile, IMD got hold of the original plans and commissioned legendary Speyside coppersmiths Forsyths to recreate the three stolen stills, even down to their oddities. The original wash still, the first of the three used to make spirit, had been inherited from another distillery and had its distinctive swan neck chopped off to fit inside the old still house and replaced with a flat plate, with a lyne arm connected to its neck instead.

‘You’ll notice that they’re f***ing weird shapes,’ laughed Leonard Russell. ‘But [distillery manager] Malcolm [Rennie] has done a fantastic job – he’s making spirit that’s spectacularly fantastic out of those stills.’

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Tenmile Distillery

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78 Sinpatch Rd

Wassaic, NY 12592

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Tenmile Distillery is a hidden gem! Visiting Tenmile is like visiting a genuine Scottish distillery. We booked a tour on a Saturday afternoon online. The online booking system is very easy to use. The basic tours are free of charge. Our tour guide, Chris, was a knowledgeable young man. He provided an excellent tour of the operation. We've toured many distilleries in Scotland, and Tenmile is on par with the very best. The tour ended at the bar, and Tenmile provided complimentary tastings. Fantastic! Tenmile produces a Scotch-style whisky that's equal to the very best in the world. We also sampled the vodka and gin. The vodka was outstanding. The hall and bar feature beautiful woodwork. Overall cleanliness: Spotless Bathroom cleanliness: Spotless Overall service: Excellent We highly recommend Tenmile!

See all photos from Dan P. for Tenmile Distillery

Came for some evening cocktails after seeing it listed as a suggested destination in HV. It was disappointing to be ignored by the staff repeatedly while seated at the bar. It took at least 15 minutes to get a greeting. There was zero check in's and we had to flag down the staff to close the tab. Drink prices are reasonable but flavor was plain at best. I personally would not recommend coming all the way out here for a drink. You'd be better off at places like Hudson House Distillery or Feast and Floret in comparison.

A buddy of mine and I went to Tenmile Distillery, chosen primarily because it is so close to the Tenmile train station, where we were picking up his wife and kids coming in from Manhattan that afternoon. Easily walkable from the train station (Metro North out of the city), so we could sit at the bar with our whiskeys and wait for the family to arrive. Very convenient! Very nice and spacious place, with ample seating at the bar at the far end of the facility, tables inside and out. They had the first batch of their whiskey for sale. We had a small sample, and then decided to have a glass each. It was good, but tasted a little young. Might have been better if it aged a little longer. Still, quite enjoyable. A little on the expensive side though, at $22 a glass. With tax and tip, we were close to $60 when we left. I enquired about a bottle, thinking maybe I might take one back. That would have set me back $189. The bartender indicated that it was their first batch, and numbered. The numbering suggests that they were targeting the collector crowd. Fine if you're into that, but I wasn't. She also indicated that the next batch would be cheaper (about $80), and if we bought the first batch, we could keep our number for the second and subsequent batches. Again, obviously targeting the collectors. We are not them. The distillery does serve food, and they seem to have a really nice setup outside. We didn't stay here for that, and I can't comment on it. But I certainly liked the setup and ambience. Might try it another time.

Fathers Day treat in this stunning facility with a super tour guide. Setting is gorgeous (country club vibe) right behind Metro North! As much as we enjoy liquor, didn't know much about the process. We learned! Food is available from a camper van on the premises. After the tour got to sample the goods and invest in a bottle. Getting soused never looked so good!

Gorgeous tasting room offering good cocktails of their upscale spirits. If you're around in good weather, take a stroll through the historic fruit trees and admire the shiny stills! My group were lucky enough to catch "New Curds on the Block" and "To The Gills" a foodie couple where Kate she served up artisanal cheese plates while Zach served up oysters as the guest food vendors that weekend.

Tenmile Distillery is in Wassaic, NY. The drive is quite beautiful and scenic. Then you arrive at the distillery and you are transported to Scotland. The building, the grounds, the water flowing, just a picturesque setting. Tom greets us at the door and you see the lovely stills. Tom hands us off to Chris for our tour on a nice Saturday afternoon. The great hall is just lovely and I love the attention to detail. Chris gives us a lovely tour of this gorgeous distillery and how everything is made, very impressive. Tenmile uses all NY companies for the making of their gin, vodka, and whisky. I love the support of local farms and businesses for the best quality ingredients. The stills are gorgeous and the whole process is wonderful to see and the smells are amazing. Then we get to see the barrel room and the smells are amazing. We were able to see all aspects of the spirits making process and bottling. Then we went to the tasting room and such a lovely bar area. The vodka is amazing. The smell is floral but the taste is unlike any vodka I have ever had. I am not a fan of gin but Tenmile gin is the only gin I like. It is perfectly balanced without the overwhelming flower taste. Now whisky, WOW, blew me away! I have been to Scotland, been to over 30 distilleries, owned many bottles of Scotch and even Whisky from Asia, this is amazing whisky! This is a hidden gem and is worth the trip to try incredible spirits and whisky that rival any Scottish distillery.

See all photos from Chris T. for Tenmile Distillery

We've visited this distillery several times since it opened but our visit on Saturday 7/15 was truly memorable. As always, the spirits and bar staff were 5 star aces. Personable, professional and informative only start the description of superlatives. The food was top notch. It was innovative, local, healthy and worked nicely with the beverages. Highlight of the day was a tour led by a rep handling the tasting room and he was aces in terms of information offered and handling questions from the attentive guests. This is a business that listens to its patrons and aims to at least please, if not exceed even the most demanding of expectations. From the cleanliness of the kitchen to the ambiance of the tasting room and politeness of the food and beverage staff, they're hitting home runs. Hope to see you there soon.

Finally got to try the new distillery and the facility was world class and the drinks were very good! However, the drinks were rather pricey for a distillery. The whole point of having a destination distillery is to have you try their alcohols and start buying their brands of gin, vodka and whiskey. Any distillery I've been to, and I've been to many, typically offer their drinks are reasonable prices since there is no middle man and you end up leaving with a couple bottles. Not here as their drink prices average $16 for a single! $18 for a single of any whisky drink! Dennings point a double is &12 despite lack of ambience. Either way, beautiful place but nothing is worth that cost for a drink.is probably give 3.5 stars but not an option. To repeat, beautiful place and great drinks but prices are ridiculous

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The expert guide to buying whisky for Father's Day

SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. No, I’m not talking about your dad, I’m on about buying him whisky for Father’s Day.

We all know that dads and drams are a tried and tested formula, but is it a groundbreaking one? Not in the slightest, but what else are you going to get him? Cigars? Actually, that’s not a bad call…

Real talk, most of us are pretty clueless when it comes to whisky, aside from the fact that it’s distilled grain. Am I right? About the clueless part, not the grain.

We may have heard terms like Single Malt, Highland, Lowland, Speyside and Blended doing the rounds, but absorbing a few jargony bon mots doesn’t magically make us Scotch connoisseurs.

Luckily for us, Aldi has taken the sting out of the tail by scooping gold awards for three of its sub-£20 whiskies at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge. So, now at least we don’t have to beggar ourselves to pick up a decent quality bottle.

In fact, Aldi’s Glen Marnoch Highland Single Scotch Whisky , which retails at £18.49, beat out a premium brand in the Single Malt category that sells for £45. That’s a 60% saving right there.  

Aldi aside, I’ve put together some whisky-related gifting ideas for Father’s Day, and you’ll be pleased to know, there’s not a whisky stone among them.

And if you want to impress your pa with a few bits of whisky wisdom, here are some good tips and tricks.

Add water, not ice. You only need a few drops to open out the flavours and reduce whisky burn, something that recent whisky adopters might appreciate. Ice reduces the temperature of the drink and subdues the flavours.

Don’t write off blended whisky, they can be more approachable than Single Malts and some of the most popular Scotches are made up of blends.

Lastly, anything under three years old isn’t officially Scotch so if in doubt about the best age to choose, try the 10-year mark for something complex yet balanced.

That Boutique-Y Whisky Company – Deerlicious Whisky Tasting Set, Masterofmalt.com

That boutique-y whisky company – deerlicious whisky tasting set, £19.95.

shop £19.95

The idea of a five-piece whisky tasting set is genius if you’re not sure what style to get him. Especially from That Boutique-Y Whisky company, known for its cult-status, limited edition bottles.

It comes with a broad spectrum of styles, including Islay 8-year-old, Speyside 12-year-old, Peated Highland 18-year-old, Blended Grain 30-year-old and Canadian Corn 8-year-old.

Personalised Glenfiddich 12, 15, 18 and 21-year-old

shop from £34.99

Finally, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky is running a personalisation service in time for Father’s Day. Go online to Glenfiddich’s online boutique and just type in your message, which will miraculously appear on the front label.

Bear in mind that orders placed before June 12 will arrive in time for the big day, so best get cracking.

Red Bank Whisky by Kiefer Sutherland, Masterofmalt.com

Red bank whisky by kiefer sutherland.

shop £41.29

Keifer Sutherland? Now that’s a blast from the past and a half. I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen him in anything recently, but watch out for a Clint Eastwood movie called Juror No.2, coming soon.

In the meantime, his new smooth, spicy, fruity and caramelly Canadian whisky has just dropped on our shores. The name pays tribute to the Red Bank, situated on Canada’s Atlantic Coast, where some of the country’s finest whisky is being crafted. Go Keifer.  

Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo Whisky, Thewhiskyexchange.com

Glenmorangie a tale of tokyo whisky.

shop £73.95

West meets East in this bottle of single malt Scotch. How so? Well, it’s a Highland malt which they’ve part aged in rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels. To put it into perspective, Mizunara oak needs to be at least 200 years old before being used for casks, and as such there’s huge demand for it among producers with a single cask costing more than $6,000. It produces complex flavours of sweet oranges, tart cherry, peach, cedar and fennel, amongst others.

Whisky Smoker Kit, Menkind

Whisky smoker kit.

If dad’s partial to a smoky style, why not let him do it himself? He can infuse his whisky with a choice of natural wood smoke, with four styles of wood chips included, ranging from hickory to cherrywood.

The pack contains a stainless-steel mesh, refillable torch, smoker and cleaning brush. Rest assured, he’ll be a bartender in no time, or your money back. Not really.  

LSA International Whisky Decanter & 2 Tumblers Gift Set, John Lewis

Lsa international whisky decanter & 2 tumblers gift set.

I know, I know, this is pushing the boat out but talk about stunning glassware that’s also award-winning. The oblong decanter has a super contemporary design, in fact, so do the tumblers. Well, they are made from glass that’s mouthblown into metal moulds by super skilled glassblowers, I suppose, hence the spendy price tag.

Buffalo Trace Guided Tastings at its distillery in Covent Garden

Pivot into Bourbon, which is whisky with a minimum of 51% corn content, with this cool guided tour and tasting experience at the distillery of one of the world’s most legendary (and awarded) producers. Before you start searching for plane tickets to Kentucky, Buffalo Trace’s distillery is in Covent Garden, of all places.

Check out the various tasting sessions on their website, they’re running all day Saturday and Sunday over Father’s Day weekend.

Tickets start at £19.99 , buffalotracedistillerylondon.co.uk

Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack Whiskey Wash Bag, Amazon

Jack daniels gentleman jack whiskey wash bag.

shop £29.99 (save £10)

Just when you think you know a famous bourbon brand, they come up with a bottle of something twice mellowed through sugar maple charcoal, gift packaged in a limited-edition wash bag.

Given that the bottle alone is usually around £35, this is a cracking deal. Your dad can enjoy it neat or on the rocks, then get ready for bed with all his ablution materials housed in this stylish wash bag.

Happy Father’s Day!

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The keepers of the quaich celebrate scotch whisky in washington, d.c..

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The Quaich is a traditional two handed drinking cup from Scotland

Politics and Scotch whisky have always been inseparable partners. That fact was reinforced recently when the British Ambassador to the US, Dame Karen Pierce, Lady Roxburgh DCMG, and the Scottish government hosted a reception for the American chapter of the Keepers of the Quaich. The event underscored the importance of the Scotch whisky industry to Scotland and Great Britain in general and the critical role played by the US market.

The eight industry sponsors of the event, Diageo, Dewar’s/Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Beam Suntory, Edrington, Pernod-Ricard, Remy Cointreau and William Grant & Sons, used the event to showcase some of their oldest and rarest whisky expressions.

The Keepers of the Quaich, a society of exclusivity and prestige, was founded in 1988 by leading figures in the Scotch whisky industry. It is an international society established to recognize individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to the industry and promote its heritage and quality worldwide. It honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry through sales, marketing, writing, or other forms of advocacy and promotion.

Some of the Scotch whiskies featured by Brown-Forman at the Keepers of the Quaich reception hosted ... [+] by the British Embassy in Washington

Membership in the “Keepers” is by invitation only, and candidates must be nominated by two existing members. New members are inducted during formal ceremonies held twice a year at Blair Castle in Scotland.

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Blair Castle, the fortress of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl and home to the Atholl Highlanders, the only legal private army in Europe, plays a pivotal role in the Keepers’ Ceremony of Induction, adding a touch of grandeur and tradition to the proceedings.

The society’s highest honor “Master of the Quaich,” is awarded to individuals who have made particularly noteworthy contributions to the Scotch whisky industry.

The induction ceremonies are steeped in Scottish tradition and feature the symbolic “quaich” (pronounced quake), a two-handled drinking cup that represents friendship and hospitality.

The Keepers of the Quaich support and promote the Scotch whisky industry through various activities, including educational initiatives and global events. The society also provides a platform for members to network and share knowledge about Scotch whisky.

There are approximately 3,000 members. Diageo’s Ian Smith is the current chairman. The organization has ten chapters worldwide and is active in over 100 countries. The US Chapter was organized in 2019 and currently has over 250 members, many of whom are C-level executives in the spirits industry. Frank Coleman, the chapter founder and long-time head of public affairs for the whisky industry, and Ed Pilkington, the Chief Marketing Officer of Diageo North America, are the co-chairs. Both are Masters of the Quaich.

Left to right, B Ulziidelger, Dame Karen Pierce, F Coleman, J Micallef

Due to its selective and rigorous membership process, being inducted as a Keeper is considered among the highest honors the Scotch whisky industry bestows.

The Scotch whisky industry is a crucial part of Scotland’s economy, contributing significantly to exports, employment, and tourism. The industry’s economic impact extends globally, with Scotch whisky being one of the most renowned and sought-after spirits worldwide.

Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s largest exports. The industry accounts for approximately 20% of all food and drink exports from the United Kingdom and 70% of all food and drink exports from Scotland.

The industry supports around 10,000 jobs directly in Scotland, with many more employed indirectly through related sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and distribution. Many of the industry’s jobs are in rural areas with little industry and are important mainstays of the local economy and tax base.

In 2022, the industry’s export value was reported to be over £4.5 billion/$5.8 billion. The United States is the single largest markets for Scotch whisky. Approximately 44 bottles of Scotch whisky are exported to the US every minute, amounting, according to the Scotch Whisky Association, to 108 million bottles of whisky valued at $2.5 billion to the whisky importers. The retail value of all that whisky is more than $7 billion.

The Scotch whisky industry also significantly boosts tourism in Scotland, with many distilleries offering tours, tastings, and visitor centers. Over the last decade, the industry invested over 400 million dollars in whisky-related tourism facilities. In 2023, two million tourists visited Scotland’s whisky distilleries, 75% of them foreigners, and generated more than $110 million in revenues.

With strong British government support and the steadfast commitment of the Keepers of the Quaich to promote Scotland’s golden nectar, the Scotch whisky industry has shown resilience. Despite challenges from trade tariffs and global economic fluctuations, it continues to grow, driven by increasing demand from emerging markets and a strong presence in established markets like the US and Europe.

The Scotch whisky industry plays a vital role in Scotland’s economy and symbolizes Scottish heritage and craftsmanship, maintaining a global presence and reputation for quality. The Keepers of the Quaich remains a prestigious institution dedicated to celebrating and promoting the rich heritage and global appreciation of Scotch whisky.

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