Discover Scottish whisky distilleries
Discover the secrets behind making our national drink with unique behind the scenes tours at some of Scotland’s fascinating distilleries. There are over 150 distilleries to choose from around the country. We’ve put together a few highlights in three of Scotland’s most famous whisky regions where you can learn more about our renowned malts.
Speyside
Known as Whisky Country, you will find more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries in Speyside on Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail - the only trail of its kind in the world . With eight distilleries to visit, we have selected some highlights from the trail.
• Take a look around Speyside’s smallest distillery Benromach where you can learn more about the world’s first fully certified organic single malt whisky.
• Discover the unconventional and contemporary Glen Grant Distillery in Aberlour - the only Scotch whisky distillery that bears the name of its founding owners, the Grant brothers.
• Spend an afternoon at the Speyside Cooperage, the only existing cooperage in the UK where you can witness the ancient art of creating whisky barrels and even try your hand at making a mini barrel yourself.
• Discover the only distillery pioneered by a woman at Cardhu Distillery and taste the smooth, silky malts produced here.
Highlands
The Highlands
The Highlands is one of the biggest geographic region for Scottish whisky and is home to many world-renowned malts.
• Visit one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries, Ben Nevis Distillery, established in 1825 and enjoy breathtaking views of Britain’s highest mountain.
• Spend an afternoon at one of the six Scottish distilleries that form the Classic Malts Collection, Dalwhinnie - one of the highest distilleries in Scotland at over 1,000 ft.
• One of the most well-known Highland whiskies is, as the name suggests, The Famous Grouse. Visit the distillery and take a flight with The Grouse as you enjoy the award-winning show.
Islay
Islay is home to eight single malt whisky distilleries, each with distinctive peaty characteristics, which makes the journey over to the island well worth it.
• Sample the spectacular dram known as ‘liquid smoke’ at the Laphroaig Distillery and be sure to collect your annual ‘ground rent’ (a miniature) before you leave.
• Discover a malt that truly represents Islay from barley to bottle, thanks to the on-site bottling Hall, at the Bruichladdich (affectionately known as ‘the Laddie’) Distillery.
• Try Islay’s most subtle whiskies whilst overlooking the stunning views out to the Paps of Jura at the Bunnahabhain Distillery.
• Enjoy a complete island experience at Bowmore where you can stay in the cottages and take a Distillery Tour or Craftsman’s Tour to find out more.
