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10 of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland

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

Nc’nean, Morvern

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

Dewar’s, Perthshire

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

Deanston, Perthshire

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

GlenDronach, Aberdeenshire

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

Clynelish, Sutherland

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

Strathisla, Moray

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

Ardbeg, Argyll and Bute

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

Oban, Argyll and Bute

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

Springbank, Argyll and Bute

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

Kingsbarns, Fife

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

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7 of the best Scottish whisky distillery tours

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

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

Auchentoshan , lowlands

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

Auchentoshan Distillery. Picture: TSPL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edradour , Highlands

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

Edradour distillery. Picture: Wikimedia

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

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

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

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

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

Springbank , campbeltown.

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

Picture: audrey_sel\Flickr

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arran distillery , Isle of Arran

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benromach , speyside.

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

Picture: Billy Abbott\Flickr

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

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

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

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

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

Ardbeg , Islay

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

Picture: Youtube

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laphroaig , Islay

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

Picture: Ayack\Wikimedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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13 of the best distillery tours in Scotland

Scotland excels in whisky tourism with distilleries that please everyone, from the quietly curious to serious connoisseurs and cocktail-sipping bon viveurs.

S tate-of-the-art technologies, groundbreaking innovation and show-stopping architecture are all helping to propel the country’s distilleries well into the 21st century with imagination, ambition and a pioneering spirit. A raft of future-facing trailblazers are looking to attract and excite the coming generations of whisky drinkers with lighter, more versatile whiskies that lend themselves to cocktails. Interactive, immersive tours, sophisticated tastings, food pairings and sustainable credentials are defining the new wave of whisky experiences and young up-and-coming distilleries. But some things never change; visiting a whisky distillery should be a slow pleasure that provides the chance to savour Scotland’s beauty, whether it is shining in the sun or glowering under gunmetal skies heavy with rain. Which is, after all, whisky’s essential ingredient. Here’s our pick of the best distillery tours in Scotland.

Times Travel has partnered with Tourhub to bring our readers a wide selection of escorted tours from trusted travel partners. Here, we’ve selected the very best distillery tours in Scotland. For a bigger selection, visit Tourhub .

Main photo: Lagavulin Distillery on the island of Islay, Scotland (Alamy)

2. Johnnie Walker, Princes Street, Edinburgh

Best for an immersive experience Styled as a shiny, high-tech department store spread over eight floors opposite the castle, the Johnnie Walker experience in Edinburgh is an unparalleled interactive extravaganza of light, sound, smell, music and special effects. Complete an online questionnaire before arriving to establish a personal flavour profile then sample specially tailored whisky cocktails during the tour. Enjoy the drama of Johnnie Walker’s life unfold on stage, from young farmer to whisky pioneer and top-hatted dandy. For connoisseurs there’s a vault filled with old and rare whiskies in the cellar. Don’t miss the elegant roof-top bars with views to the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh Castle.

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3. The Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, Speyside

Best for style and design Perched in a remote glen on the edge of Cairngorm National Park, the Glenlivet was recently refurbished to create an elegant new visitor space more akin to a luxury hotel. Step through the main doors to be greeted by a plush, subtly lit space with a huge chandelier made from dried wildflowers. Learn about Glenlivet’s whisky through an immersive experience that delves into both the production and history. Later, repair to a private room to experience old and rare whiskies or try the astonishing cocktail capsules that melt on the tongue, followed by whisky-chocolate pairings. You can hand-fill your own cask-strength bottle of Glenlivet too.

4. Lagavulin, Islay

Best for tradition A whisky suffused with the briny, earthy notes of this windswept Inner Hebridean island, Lagavulin is one of Scotland’s most beloved peaty whiskies — and it’s also the favourite of Parks and Recreation ’s Ron Swanson. Join the charming Iain McArthur, who, with over 50 years of service, informs and entertains visitors in equal measure on cask tasting sessions. One of the older and more traditional distilleries on Islay, Lagavulin is famed for its distinctive red chimney, unusual pear-shaped stills and gorgeous views over the bay in front. For those who find the strong, smoky flavour a little too robust, there are younger, lighter expressions of Lagavulin available too.

5. Glenkinchie, Tranent, East Lothian

Best for a nature experience Hidden away in the heart of rural East Lothian, the Glenkinchie distillery creates a light floral whisky within a smart, newly refurbished red-brick Victorian building overlooking a charming wildflower garden pollinated by the bees of three hives. This brand new visitor centre has already been awarded Scotland’s prestigious Green Tourism Gold Award. Its hi-tech multisensory tour is a “flavour journey” that will delight, as will the enormous model that captures the distillery in miniature, built for the 1924 Empire exhibition. Afterwards head upstairs to the Scandi-influenced bar with elegant Ercol furniture and lovely garden views to enjoy a dram or two.

6. Edradour, Pitlochry, Perthshire

Best for old-fashioned charm Scotland’s smallest distillery is also one of the most picturesque, where little has changed in terms of whisky-making since it opened in 1825. Supplied by the pure waters from the springs of nearby Ben Vrackie, this handcrafted whisky has a classic range characterised by rich fruitcake flavours with a sweetness imbued by sherry casks. But Edradour offers a memorably smoky, heavily peated incarnation too. Start your tour with a couple of drams in the old malt barn and end with some pleasingly retro gifts such as mustard, marmalade, fudge and old-school tea towels in the shop.

7. Bunnahabhain, Port Askaig, Islay

Best for striking views A long narrow winding road overlooking the glorious Paps of Jura leads to Bunnahabhain, Islay’s most remote distillery. A brand new visitor space built in the style of a traditional boat house brings an array of tours where aficionados can admire the tallest “swan-neck” stills on the island and enjoy tutored tastings overlooking the stunning Sound of Islay. Unusually for an Islay whisky, Bunnahabhain’s signature style is unpeated, although in keeping with its roots, the distillery does produce some peated whiskies for those who like a smoky hit.

8. Macallan, Aberlour, Speyside

Best for architecture This £140 million flagship distillery and visitor experience is housed in a spectacular award-winning building on the Easter Elchies estate in Speyside. The antithesis of the traditional pagoda-style distillery, the Macallan is a semi-subterranean operation with a gently undulating roof that echoes the shape of the surrounding hills, and is topped with a wildflower sedum roof. There’s also a bar, a brasserie and a boutique, and special private tours are available that include a tutored tasting in Macallan’s iconic “cave privée” and a dram with the head ghillie in the estate’s fishing lodge.

Price £-£££

9. Hearach, Tarbert, Isle of Harris

Best for reviving tradition The Isle of Harris distillery is best known for the product it’s making while waiting for its first whisky to mature: gin. Reviving a whisky-making tradition lost 170 years ago, the first lightly peated Hearach (Gaelic for a Harris islander) has been created using soft Hebridean water running over some of the oldest rocks in the world, and is currently maturing in bourbon and sherry casks. Time and taste will tell when it’s ready. Meantime, visitors can discover the people and processes creating this special whisky that expresses the deep elemental nature of this wild and lovely landscape on the edge of the Atlantic.

10. Jura, Isle of Jura

Best for the journey A spectacularly beautiful island dominated by the Paps — its famed mountains — Jura has one road, one shop, one terrifying whirlpool and one distillery. Take the long way round via a CalMac ferry to neighbouring Islay or nip across in 45 minutes on a foot passenger cruiser from the mainland at Tayvallich. Both are unforgettable, and a distillery at the end is just the icing on the cake. Take a tour and discover how this little distillery has risen from the ashes to create its own distinctive island brand. Every September the distillery celebrates Jura and its whisky with a festival of traditional music, dancing and a few drams.

11. Strathisla, Keith, Speyside

Best for picturesque charm Established in 1786, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands and the single malt at the heart of Chivas Regal blends. Distinctive by its traditional pagoda-style roof, the beautifully kept Strathisla sits in a bucolic setting on the banks of the River Isla. Tours exploring the ancient craft of distilling and blending are led by expert but informal guides, and include everything from a stroll around the distillery grounds and local landmarks, to a cask-strength tasting, creating a personal blend and sampling limited edition single malts.

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12. Raasay, Isle of Raasay

Best for community spirit Almost singlehandedly reviving this island community, Raasay started off with gin in 2017 while maturing its first whisky. In the process it created a distillery, a visitor centre, a shop, a bar and a charming whisky hotel while arresting population decline on this tiny streak of land off the east coast of Skye. Setting out to emulate some older styles of Hebridean malts, the result is its flagship Raasay single malt which is lightly peated with dark fruit flavours. Tastings and tours are for connoisseurs and the curious alike, while enjoying one of the most dramatic views in Scotland, across to the Cuillin mountains on Skye.

13. Glenmorangie, Tain, Ross-shire

Best for groundbreaking innovation Presided over by Dr Bill Lumsden, sometimes called the Willy Wonka of whisky, Glenmorangie is firmly looking to the future with its science and its architecture. Marvel at the Lighthouse, the distillery’s magnificent glass innovation centre/whisky lab towering over the surrounding Victorian stone buildings with views over the Dornoch Firth. An award-winning master distiller, Lumsden was the genius responsible for finishing Glenmorangie’s whiskies in sweet wine casks, helping to produce their signature light, fruity, spicy flavours. Stay nearby at the delightful 17th-century Glenmorangie House and your distillery tour will be complimentary.

• Read our full Glenmorangie House review

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5 of the Best Whisky Distillery Tours in Scotland

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

A Treasure Trove of the Top Scotland Whisky Tour Experiences

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

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

Auchentoshan Whisky Distillery, Lowlands

Auchentoshan Distillery Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ballindalloch Whisky Distillery, Speyside

Ballindalloch Single Malt Whisky Distillery Tour

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

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

Balvenie Whisky Distillery, Speyside

Balvenie Whisky Distillery Tour

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

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

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

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

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

Bowmore Whisky Distillery, Isle of Islay

Bowmore Whisky Distillery Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Springbank Whisky Distillery, Campbelltown

Springbank Whisky Distillery Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Scotland’s Best Whisky Distilleries

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

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

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

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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.

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

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Trossachs National Park

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

What to bring

Come prepared for all seasons and activities with ..

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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.

Mclean Scotland Whisky Tours

Guided whisky tours in scotland.

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

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

Scottish Whisky Tour Ideas

Find Out More . . .

Scottish Distilleries

Mclean Scotland

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

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

• Campbeltown

Our Journal

Loch Lomond Whiskies

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

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

Customer testimonials.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Mclean Whisky Tours

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

For more information please email: [email protected]

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

SCOTTISH ROUTES

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

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

Four-Day Islay Whisky Tour

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

• Hour Glass 5 days

Five-Day Islay Whisky Tour

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

WHY CHOOSE US?

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

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

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

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

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

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

GIVE YOUR LOVED ONES AN UNFORGETTABLE WHISKY TOUR IN SCOTLAND

Top rated whisky tours in scotland.

9 of the Best Whisky Distillery Tours in Scotland

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

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

1. The Macallan, Aberlour

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

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

2. Glengoyne Distillery, Glasgow

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

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

3. Glenmorangie, Tain

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

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

4. Auchentoshan, Glasgow

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

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

5. Laphroig, Isle of Islay

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

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

6. Highland Park, Orkney Mainland

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

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

7. Old Pulteney, Wick

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

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

8. Talisker, Isle of Skye

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

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

9. Jura, Isle of Jura

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

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

Discover the best of Scotland’s whisky for yourself:

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10 Best Scotch Whisky Distilleries You Can’t Miss in 2024

Top Scotch Distilleries to Visit in 2024

Scotland is a land of enchantment. Few countries give off an aura of awe the way that Scotland does. Walk atop the footsteps of old through wild stories of intrigue, pristine wilderness, and challenging history. What better way to take it all in than with a few wee drams of Scotch? Here, it’s possible to sip on a breathtaking distilled spirit, not far from where ancient battles once took place.

Scotland Travel Logistics

Navigating the countryside of the United Kingdom by car can be both an invigorating and relaxing experience. We highly recommend driving, or hiring private transportation so you have the flexibility to travel at your own pace. If you’re arriving in Scotland by plane, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are the largest and offer direct flights from several major US hubs. If you’re already in Europe, flights are also available into Aberdeen, Glasgow Prestwick, and Inverness.  You can check current flight deals into any of these airports here .

Once you’ve decided what region(s) in Scotland you’d like to visit, consider renting a car and compare prices on Kayak to get around. Browse other rental company options here. If you’re driving, be sure not to over-indulge and stay within the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Alternatively, consider booking a day or multi-day guided tour or private driver around Scotland. We include several highly-rated tours and experiences you can book throughout this guide. 

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In this guide, we recommend 10 scotch whisky distilleries spread across Scotland that offer unique experiences. In the future, we'll cover some of the best scotch distilleries specific to each of the 5 scotch whisky regions. Subscribe to our blog for more recommendations and inspiration. It's free!

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What is Scotch Whisky?

When you begin traveling around Scotland and drinking whisky, one of the first things you’re going to learn is that there isn’t just one type. In fact, there are 5 different classifications of Scotch Whisky . These include single malt Scotch , blended malt Scotch , single grain Scotch , blended grain Scotch and blended Scotch . Each version is produced using different ingredients and techniques, but we’ll leave those details to the distilleries themselves as not to spoil anything.

READ MORE: Learn All About Scotch Whisky: The Complete Guide from Grain to Glass

Top 10 Scotch Whisky Distilleries To Visit in Scotland

As mentioned earlier, there are 5 different Scotch-producing regions around Scotland. These include the Highlands , the Lowlands , Speyside , Campbeltown and Islay . Each region offers visitors a different travel experience along with different styles and flavors of whisky to try. The distilleries mentioned below provide high-quality visitation options in each area. There is no right or wrong way to go about exploring Scotland, but perhaps the locations we mention below will give you a starting point.

1. Glenmorangie House – Taste & Stay

• Region / District: Northern Highlands
• Founded: 1843
• Popular Among Guests: Service, Remoteness, Scenery, Accommodation

Our first recommendation on the list combines the opportunity to try a variety of Scotch whiskies and the ability to stay on the property of a famous producer — Glenmorangie. If you’re into Scotch, you’ve probably seen the brand name around the top shelves of your favorite bars and local liquor stores. 

There are quite literally, very few distilleries that offer accommodation in Scotland. The Glenmorangie House is a boutique accommodation near the distillery situated within the Highlands region, in north-central Scotland just north of Inverness. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of a busy city, you’ll have a chance to experience a true taste of Scottish hospitality in an intimate and historic setting. Aside from whisky tastings and tours, you’ll be able to enjoy rounds of golf, exquisite cuisine, service, stargazing opportunities, and much more.

2. Isle of Raasay Distillery – Taste & Stay

• Region / District: Western Highlands
• Founded: 2014
• Popular Among Guests: Decor, Great Tours, Cocktails, Chocolate Pairings, Scenery, Luxury, Proximity to Isle of Skye

Also located within the Highlands region of Scotland is Raasay Distillery and Hotel . This gorgeous property is actually the only location in the entire country where guests can stay in a building that also produces whisky. While Raasay is within the boundaries of the Highlands region, it’s on the west coast of Scotland, just north of the Isle of Skye, a popular and beautiful destination for international travelers. 

From the distillery tour to the service offered by the staff, everything at Raasay speaks to a bespoke experience. The views are incredible and the whisky is better. Be sure to schedule a quick 25-minute ferry ride to the Isle of Skye during your visit.

3. Laphroaig Distillery

• Region / District: Islay
• Founded: 1815
• Popular Among Guests: Whisky Quality, Service, History, Friendly, Informative Tours

Laphroaig fans and newcomers alike will be thrilled to know that the company has once again opened its doors to visitors. This producer is well-known in the whisky world as producing one of the smokiest styles out there. 

Located in Scotland’s smallest whisky-producing region, you’ll ig in the Southwest corner of the country within the district of Islay. Customers frequently rave about not only the quality of spirit being made here, but also the warmth of the staff on site. If you’re looking to visit a distillery on Islay, Laphroaig should not be missed to discover one of the truest expressions of malt whiskey.

NOTE: Social distancing and safety precautions are being observed at most distilleries. Be sure to reserve your tasting or tour experiences ahead of time.

4. Glenkinchie Distillery

• Region / District: Lowlands
• Founded: 1837
• Popular Among Guests: Beautiful Grounds, Nice Bar Setting, Great Whiskies, Tour Variety, Museum

If you’re staying in Edinburgh, Glenkinchie provides an accessible opportunity to visit a very high-quality Lowlands producer. In fact, it’s one of only 6 producers residing in the Lowlands district. Guests frequently rave about the beautiful grounds, and the property is also home to a malt whisky museum. They offer several experiences designed to tickle all 5 of your senses that go above and beyond your typical Scotch tour, immersing you in the experience. Glenkinchie is a must-visit for a day trip outside of Edinburgh for Scotch enthusiasts.

You can access the property via shuttle bus from the Edinburgh city center, rent a car or choose a day tour that includes Glenkinchie as part of the route. 

5. Glen Scotia Distillery

• Region / District: Campbeltown
• Founded: 1832
• Popular Among Guests: Unique, Historic, Great Whiskies, Honey

For the ambitious and curious spirits traveler, Glen Scotia is the last of just 3 distilleries still open within the whisky-producing district of Campbeltown. Though production volume has grown since its humble founding in 1832, Glen Scotia prides itself on crafting whisky with a sense of place. The facility itself has not changed much over the past couple of centuries, and its curators put forth every effort to maintain its historic buildings and maritime essence. They also create more than just whisky these days, with two beehives out in the courtyard another form of liquid gold flows on this property.

6. Glenfarclas Distillery

• Region / District: Speyside
• Founded: 1836
• Popular Among Guests: Family Owned, Beautiful Setting, Great Tours, Friendly Staff, Free Tours

For a boutique visitation and tasting experience, consider visiting Glenfarclas in Speyside. They are one of the few family-run operations still active in the district. Recently re-opened for visitation in July, 2021, Glenfarclas runs rampant with hospitality and prides itself on being one of the first Scotch distilleries to open its doors to visitors back in 1973. 

Glenfarclas is ideal for guests who are passionate about learning about the history of whisky production through one family’s eyes. Note that the facility is rather old, and a complete tour involves climbing a few sets of stairs. Currently, their classic tour is available to visitors at no cost, but reservations should be made by contacting [email protected] .

7. Highland Park

• Region / District: North Highlands (Orkney)
• Founded: 1798
• Popular Among Guests: Historic, Beautiful Setting, Landscape, Great Service, Friendly Staff, Great Whiskies, Unique

If you’re a history buff, especially if you’re into Viking history, then Highland Park is worth a visit. Said to have been conquered by the Vikings as early as 800AD, the Isle of Orkey where Highland Park resides has been under the influence of the Norse for centuries. There’s a good chance that the folks you encounter on the property are of Viking descent, but we’ll let the staff get into more detail on that.

This distillery is worth a visit simply for the excuse to visit the far North of Scotland. There is a profound sense of beauty emitted by the ruggedness of the landscape. A vibe that we’ve found to be incomparable to other locations around the country. No other Scotch distillery can be found North of Highland Park, and should you choose to take the journey, it’s also worth stopping by Old Pulteney Distillery on your way up. Another producer that prides itself on being intimately connected with a maritime influence.

8. Blair Athol

• Region / District: Eastern Highlands
• Popular Among Guests: Beautiful Grounds, Unique, Great Service, Tour Quality, Tour Variety

Blair Athol is one of those distilleries that people visit just for the ambiance. From the friendliness of the staff to the beautiful aesthetics of the grounds, you don’t need to be a whisky lover to have a great time here. Located at “The Gateway to the Scottish Highlands,” in the beautiful and historic town of Pitlochry, guests can choose from a range of tour offerings. Whether you’re new to whisky or consider yourself to be an aficionado, get your palate wet with their signature tour, or step your game up with the Manager’s Tasting to try some of their older, more rare whiskies, in some cases straight from the cask.

9. Dewar’s Aberfeldy

• Region / District:  Highlands
• Founded: 1896

While quality whisky production is important to us, one aspect we like to highlight when we recommend a place to visit on Winetraveler is the setting. Dewar’s Aberfeldy hits the mark on both fronts. It’s also not too far from the aforementioned Blair Athol. Located in the countryside on the outskirts of Aberfeldy — one of our favorite picturesque towns in all of Scotland — you can find Dewar’s quaintly propped up against the Pitilie Burn river.

A variety of tours are offered here, ranging from the more high-level Aberfeldy Tour, the Cask Tasting Tour to the Connoisseur Tour, depending how ambitious you’re feeling on any given day. Whichever you choose, be sure to leave some time during your day to explore the countryside of Perthshire, which offerings scenery that is nothing short of magical.

10. The McCallan Estate

• Founded: 1824
• Popular Among Guests: Architecture, Luxury, Iconic

Any discerning whisky enthusiast is familiar with McCallan. It’s perhaps the most iconic Scotch whisky you can try, and the property itself is just as impressive. Even those who aren’t whisky fans visit the McCallan property just to marvel at its architecture. Inside and out, the scale and attention to detail put into this recently refurbished estate is mind-boggling. This is no longer the quaint distillery it once was 70 years ago. 

Visiting McCallan offers a more upscale, corporate experience. The Elchies Brasserie is available to book a luxurious Scottish dining experience in Speyside. Alternatively, you can spend time at the estate bar, which offers opportunities to taste some of their rarest bottles dating back 70 years. The interior is beautifully designed and its circular structure provides unmatched views of the surrounding Speyside region at elevation. Tours of the distillery, the estate, and even fishing experiences are also available to visitors depending on availability.

NOTE: McCallan is not open year-round. You can find visitation dates below. It is highly recommended that you book your visit in advance as they cannot guarantee walk-in space.

• 2nd July – 29th August 2021  – Friday, Saturday and Sunday only
• 4th September – 12th December 2021  – Saturday and Sunday only
• 15th January-11th December 2022  – Saturday and Sunday only

Scotch Whisky Tours & Day Trips

If you’d prefer to explore Scotland in a guided fashion, or simply would prefer to hire a driver, Winetraveler recommends a number of highly-rated companies that are oftentimes willing to tailor an experience, day trip or complete itinerary to according to your preferences. Here are some of our top choices below:

Our favorite way to explore Scotland and have flexibility is to simply hire a local Scot and be driven around. Work with Chauffeur Cars Scotland to tailor a trip to your preference for whatever duration of time you choose to stay in country. Or, take a one-day guided trip with Highland Private Tours .

If you’re planning on staying in Edinburgh and using it as a home base and you’d like to experience Islay, definitely consider booking a 4-day trip with Scottish Routes Limited . This is the perfect option for those who don’t want to handle the logistics of planning a trip to Scotland themselves. Plus, it’s one of the most highly-rated companies in the business. Distillery stops include but aren’t limited to Lagavulin, Laphroaig, and Ardbeg. A three-night hotel stay is included either at the Bowmore House or Freewinds on Islay, plus breakfast each morning. You’ll be guided by a local, and drinks are included. Note the tour/transportation portion of this trip is not private. You’ll be traveling with a small group.

Take a day trip off the beaten path with Highland Premium Travel and explore the nooks and crannies of Northern Scotland. This is a small (in some cases private), guided experience led by a local that leaves from Inverness and includes all transport. Visit locations including Loch Fleet Nature Reserve and Dornoch. You’ll end your day trip exploring Glenmorangie Distillery.

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My 6 Favorite Whisky Distilleries To Visit In Scotland

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

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

1. The Balvenie Distillery, Dufftown

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

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

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

2. Bowmore Distillery, Islay

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

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

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

3. Knockdhu Distillery, Aberdeenshire

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

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

4. Glen Moray, Elgin

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

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

5. Benriach, Elgin

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

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

Sense Of Flavor

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

Barrels, Butts And Barriques: An Exploration Of Cask Maturation

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

6. Glenmorangie, Tain

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

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

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

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

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Stirling Castle , Scottish whisky and castles tours Scotland

© Private tours Edinburgh, Scotland

Stirling Castle , Scotland

Scottish Whisky and castles tour from Private tours Edinburgh Scotland

Our private group visits a malt whisky distillery and two unique Scottish castles. This tour visits Deanston Distillery, Stirling Castle and Doune Castle, featured in Game of Thrones , Outlander and Monty Python. 5 star reviews, small group tours

Looking for castle tours from Edinburgh ? How about taking a tour from Edinburgh of Scotland's amazing castles and film locations with Private tours Edinburgh  ? Phone / Whatsapp +447305294773 for more details and availability or contact us online .

Two ancient Scottish castles  and a distillery feature in this tour – 

•  Stirling Castle 
• Doune Castle 
• Deanston Highland Malt Distillery

What makes our tours unique ?

• professional driver / guide
• small private tours - only small groups up to four people
• photography / videos - we help customers to take the best possible pictures on their trip
• Scottish music - TV / film themes and Scottish artists
• information about Scottish culture and arts
•   Outlander souvenirs are available, speak to your driver for details

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Doune Castle featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail , Game of Thrones , the Outlander TV series and the Outlaw King .

Lowest price guarantee - superb online prices , 30% below other OTAs .

We guarantee you the lowest online prices for our tours , book now and save up to 30% on the same tour from Viator or Tripadvisor

For the latest information about availability and best prices please contact Private Tours Edinburgh by phone / WhatsApp on +447305294773 or  contact us online  .

Check out our  five star reviews  for this private tour.

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To avoid booking fees you can make a booking by phone / WhatsApp on +447305294773 or  contact us online  . 

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Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive castles due to its imposing position and amazing architecture. 

Lowest price guarantee - superb online prices , 30% below any other Online travel agents .

For last minute bookings phone / Whatsapp +447305294773 for more details or online on our bookings page

Deanston Distillery makes award-winning Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The Standard Tour finishes off with a tasting of Deanston 12 year old whisky .

Our whisky tours from Edinburgh include a guided tour of the distillery and a tasting of Deanston 12 year old , £5 voucher towards the purchase of any bottle of Deanston 70cl single malt whisky in the distillery shop . Duration: 50 minutes

   Private tours Edinburgh Phone +44131-549-9785 for more details or contact us online .

1 Doune Castle

Originally dating to the 13th Century, Doune Castle near Stirling Doune represented the castle Winterfell in Game of Thrones. It was Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in Outlander TV series and the prequel Outlander Blood of Blood was filmed there in February.

It also features in the 20th century episode when Claire and Frank Randall visit the castle on a day trip.

Once a Royal residence, Doune Castle was rebuilt by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany in the late 14th Century.

Doune has appeared several times on screen and was widely used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

2 Deanston Distillery

In 1974 Deanston produced the very first bottle of Deanston Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky .

The standard tour at Deanston costs £9 per person ( not included on tour price )

Each tour warmly welcomes you into the heart of the distillery, where Deanston makes award-winning Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Here you will see a traditional open top mash tun, gleaming copper stills and a must-see vaulted maturation Warehouse 2B. Join the experienced tour guides on a journey through time, taking you back to the past as a cotton mill and through the evolution of Deanston Distillery . The Standard Tour finishes off with a tasting of Deanston 12 year old whisky .

Guided tour of the distillery Includes a tasting of Deanston 12 year old , £5 voucher towards the purchase of any bottle of Deanston 70cl single malt whisky in the distillery shop Duration: 50 minutes

Every drop of Highland Single Malt is a marriage of the finest local ingredients and the skill of the craft to create the wonderful, fresh, honeyed sweetness that Deanston is known for. The Distillery has a commitment to using a traditional, hand crafted approach to our whisky embodies the honesty of our community. Our adherence to traditional methods combined with the skills and experience of our distillery team makes Deanston the unique single malt it is today.

3  Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive castles due to its dominant position in the Forth Valley and its unique architecture.

From Stirling Castle’s ramparts, visitors can take in views of the Forth Valley and Ben Lomond , as well as one of Scotland’s most important battle sites – Bannockburn (1314). The castle is at the head of Stirling’s historic old town.Like Edinburgh Castle , Stirling sits on a volcanic rock dominating the city skyline .

Stirling Castle is not only one of Scotland’s grandest and most imposing castles, it was also a real favourite with the Stewart kings and queens of Scotland. Their investment in it demonstrated just how much they loved to use it, as well as their desire to ensure it both impressed all who visited it, and represented a statement of their power and wealth. Mary Queen of Scots grew up in the castle .

James IV created the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland, and James V’s Royal Palace, with its lavishly decorated Renaissance façades, was a masterpiece of the period.

Major conservation work has been carried out at Stirling Castle over many years to preserve the attraction as a major national and international monument. The refurbishment of the Great Hall was completed ten years ago . A particular feature of the Great Hall is stained glass windows featuring clan crests . A number of banquets and concerts are held in the Hall throughout the year . A party and concert is held at New Year's Eve at the castle every year .

Whatsapp +447305294773 for more details and availability or contact us online .

Tour price is £290 for up to four people .

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The ultimate tour of Scotland - book the unique Kelpies Scotland experience and visit the largest equine sculptures in the world ! 

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Your tour guide is David , an experienced tour guide and travel photographer. He is a landscape photographer on Photogold prints

Scotland Tours from Private tours Edinburgh

Book your  day trips from Edinburgh .

Private tours Edinburgh partners with an airport transfers service from Edinburgh to St Andrews , Stirling and other major cities in Scotland. Phone / Whatsapp +447576127097 to book your airport transfer or contact us online .

Castle tours

This photo tour is ideal for beginners / intermediate photographers . Your photo guide will offer assistance as required with taking pictures. Bring your DSLR or iPhone for some amazing pictures of the stunning castles of Scotland .

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Incredible Distilleries in Glasgow, Scotland You Have to Visit!

If there’s one thing synonymous with Scotland , it’s whiskey, and Glasgow has a long history of whiskey distillation on the banks of the River Clyde. Glasgow was always at the forefront of the country’s whiskey production, and the city became home to what would become the oldest licensed whiskey distiller in Scotland when the Littlemore Distillery opened in 1772. 

But production stalled in the 20th century, and for decades, the Clydeside distillers were quiet, until a recent resurgence has once more made the Lowland Single Malt Whiskey a prized spirit. The opening of the Glasgow Distillery Co. and the Clydeside Distillery in the 2010s have fired up the local distillation scene, while more traditional distilleries in the nearby area – such as Glegoyne and Loch Lomond – have only gone from strength to strength. 

But modern Glasgow isn’t solely focused on whiskey production. The city’s cosmopolitan population is clamoring for gins and rums, both of which are also distilled in Glasgow. 

With so many drink venues to choose from, you might not know where to begin. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best distilleries in Glasgow for you. Take a tour of these exciting spirit distillers, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time drinking your way around the city!

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 Distilleries in Glasgow

The clydeside distillery.

The Clydeside Distillery is now a staple on Scotland’s single malt whiskey scene and a firm fixture on Glasgow travel itineraries, even if it’s only been producing since 2017. Indeed, when the distillery first opened, it was one of the first places to produce whiskey within the city limits in over a century. 

That might be surprising given Scotland’s rich whiskey-producing heritage, but don’t worry, the business was begun by the Morrisons, a local family who’ve been involved in whiskey distillation for years. 

Overlooking the banks of the River Clyde, the Clydeside Distillery helped to regenerate the former dockside facilities that had become redundant following Glasgow’s shipbuilding decline. Tours of the former Pump House will show you the inner workings of the distillery before ending with a tasting of their Stobcross and Clydeside single malt whiskies. 

Upgrade to the Chocolate and Whisky Tour for a tasting of five different single malts (and a few bites of gourmet chocolate), or book a Distillery Manager Tour with Alistair McDonald for a real insider look at the Clydeside Distillery.

Glasgow Distillery Co. 

Independently owned and managed, The Glasgow Distillery Co. is on a mission to return premium whiskey distillation to the city. Established by Liam Hughes and Mike Hayward in 2012, the Glasgow Distillery Co. was also one of the first companies to distill whiskey here since their forerunner, The Glasgow Distillery Company, closed its operations in 1902.

Very much inspired by what they call “the original Glasgow Distillery Company,” their signature single malt is named 1770 after the founding date of their predecessor. Produced in four handcrafted copper stills, 1770 blends Scottish barley with water taken from Loch Katrine for a seriously traditional whiskey that’s true to its origins.

The Glasgow Distillery Co. very much caters to modern Glaswegian tastes too. Alongside their whiskeys, they also produce a range of different spirits, including gin, rum, and vodka. You’ll find their distillery in Hillington, south of the River Clyde, but do note that they do not currently offer tours, tastings, or an on-site shop, but you can always shop online to sample a few wee drams of their spirits!

Auchentoshan Distillery

Located in the Kilpatrick Hills to the northwest of Glasgow’s city center, the Auchentoshan Distillery is a brand known worldwide for its Lowland single malt whiskies. Established in 1823 and now owned by the Morrison family (who also own the Clydeside Distillery), Auchentoshan has had two centuries to perfect its unique distillation process. 

Rather than distilling its spirits twice over (as is standard practice in Scotland), Auchentoshan has a slower, more refined three-step distillation process. This gives their staple single malts a distinctively smooth taste, with whiskeys then being aged from 12 to 21 years.

The aging process is an art in itself, and many of the distillery’s most flavorsome whiskies are aged in different barrels, such as American oak or old sherry barrels. Visit the tasting lounge to sample the range, or take the Ultimate Tour to learn more about the unique distillation and aging processes that make Auchentoshan whiskeys world famous. 

Glengoyne Distillery

Escape the city with a trip to the Glengoyne Distillery , which you’ll find a half-hour drive north of Glasgow in Dumgoyne. Founded in 1833, this famous Scottish distillery continues to be family-owned even today. The owners pride themselves on their slow distillation methods (they claim that their “stills are the slowest in Scotland”), exclusively using air-dried barley to produce a core range of 10, 12, 15, and 18-year-old single malt whiskies.

A rare, exclusive collection of whiskeys has even been aged for as long as 50 years in barrels that take no less than six years to produce and ready for distillation. Glengoyne Distillery is very much in the Lowlands, but interestingly, they still produce what’s classed as a Highland single malt. 

Take a trip north from Glasgow to see these slow distillation methods in action. The standard tour includes a whiskey and chocolate tasting, and the Malt Master Experience allows you to blend your own mix of Highland whiskey under the guidance of a trained distiller.

Crossbill Distilling

Scotch whiskey is the most famous of Scotland’s spirits, but it’s not the only alcoholic beverage Glaswegians have mastered. Crossbill Distilling is one of the best places to visit in Glasgow, but instead of single malts, they’re proudly producing Scottish gin.

Crossbill Distilling’s story begins not in Glasgow but in the Scottish Highlands, where they began distilling gin back in 2012. They later moved to Glasgow’s famous Barras Market, where they tapped into the burgeoning gin scene in Scotland’s largest city. 

The botanicals used in production stay faithful to the team’s roots though, being collected from locations across Scotland (including the Highlands) so as to infuse the gin with a sense of place and nature. Many of the botanicals are hand-picked, for example, with the Crossbill 200 Single Specimen Dry Gin only using junipers taken from a 200-year-old bush. 

Named after a rare Scottish bird named the “crossbill,” you’ll taste the exclusivity of their handcrafted recipes with every sip. Sign up for their Gin School experience to learn more about the art of gin production in their distillation classes. 

Wester Distillery

Consumed in vast quantities by the Royal Navy three centuries ago, it was rum rather than whiskey that Glasgow’s distillers once produced by the barrel load. Times changed, and rum fell off the radar, but once more, the sugar-cane-based spirit is making its Scottish comeback.

At the forefront is Glasgow’s Wester Distillery , the first dedicated rum distillery to open here in 300 years. First turning on the stills in 2018, they’ve since produced an award-winning line of rums using ingredients imported from Guyana and Jamaica for that truly tropical and authentic taste.

Wester Distillery’s drinks are quite unlike the rums you’ll see on supermarket shelves. Their Chocolate Rum is infused with Dominican cocoa, and their Coffee Rum is blended with Brazilian beans. Visit their online shop to check out their selection of spirits, and please note that they are not currently offering tours.

Loch Lomond Distillery

Loch Lomond Distillery has been crafting single malt whiskeys for over two centuries. Founded in 1814 on the banks of Loch Lomond, the modern distillery has since moved to Alexandria, where it’s just a short drive away from Glasgow.

The distillery prides itself on its unique production methods, using Straight Neck Pot Stills rather than the more common Swan Neck Pot Stills you tend to find elsewhere in Scotland. Their Master Blender, Michael Henry, then sets to work mixing up the finest blends of Loch Lomond Whisky for you to enjoy.

Interestingly, the history of Loch Lomond Distillery is intertwined with that of Littlemill Distillery. Littlemill Distillery was the oldest licensed whiskey distiller in the country, having opened in 1772 on Dumbarton Road, just outside Glasgow. 

The distillery sadly closed in the 1990s after it was taken over by the Loch Lomond Group, but you can still purchase their remaining bottles (now all of them are over 20 years old, if not more) on a visit to the Loch Lomond Distillery. 

Once Upon a Whisky

Once Upon Whisky isn’t a distillery, but this excellent Glasgow-based company does offer brilliant tours of all the local distilleries in Scotland’s Central Belt. Offering bespoke tours that take in multiple whiskey distilleries in one day, you can visit Glasgow’s finest distillers, and not worry about doing any of the driving.

From Glasgow, they can take you further afield to distilleries like Deanston and Tullibardine, which are both found north of the city. They also run an excellent West End Whisky Tour in Glasgow itself, where you’ll be taken to some of the best whiskey bars in the city for multiple tasting sessions. 

There you have it! The best distilleries in Glasgow, Scotland. What’s your favorite?

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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I know that there is a large festival in Edinburgh during that time.

Here is what I have so far:

20th Get to Edinburgh –

21st Edinburgh

22nd Leave for Inverness – Via train. Maybe a half day tour of Loch Ness

23rd Inverness – Day Tour to Skye

24th Inverness – Maybe a whisky tour and/or leave for Glasgow via train.

25th Glasgow – Day tour of Glencoe

26th Glasgow – Day tour Loch Lomond

27th Leave from Glasgow

Please provide me with any feedback you may have. I have not booked anything yet so currently it is flexible.

10 replies to this topic

Your plan as it stands has you going over the same road twice!

Also to get to Glencoe from Glasgow you pass along Loch Lomond.

The aforementioned Festival in Edinburgh puts Accommodation costs up two sometimes three times as much.

Day tours to Skye from Inverness are not ideal.

Skye is the outlier in your plans and things would be a lot simpler if you dropped it. You could then use local tours and public transport to see the other places on your list.

Have a look at getting the train from Glasgow to Fort William and the coach back. They use different, but scenic, routes. Break the journeys if you want to explore an area, eg Glen Coe or Loch Lomond.

Or take a tour from one of the established companies like Rabbie or Timber bush.

Hope this helps.

First of all if you must see and stay in Edinburgh you need to find accommodation, what you will have to pay might change your mind.

Without a car , I would look at using a small tour group, like Rabbie's , to organise the whole thing for you. This late in the day you may find that even organised tour groups are fully booked.

Because you have no car , you should skip Inverness and Loch Ness on this trip, unless you can get on an organised tour. @Peterscot's suggestion about the train from Glasgow to FW is a good idea, as is skipping Skye , because you will probably not find accommodation there at all !

See what you can do to alter your plans and get back to us if you have more questions. Good luck !

IF you can get anywhere to stay you could go from Skye via Fort William to Glasgow , through Glencoe, in a continuous loop avoiding backtracking, much easier by car , but possible by bus/train

https://www.rabbies.com/en?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_diXg-WRhgMVn5JQBh20SADMEAAYASAAEgI1p_D_BwE

https://www.timberbush-tours.co.uk/

I think you may find these two websites helpful and could make sightseeing easier for you

Here's an alternative that would still hit most of the sights and activities you seem to desire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1TJbRg17pk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmGJbdoXU_k

#7 May not be Puffins at the end of August

"...#7 May not be Puffins at the end of August..."

Yes, somehow I got the wrong month into my mind. There might be puffins or might not, but still a fab place to visit.

Thank-you all for the very helpful information! I did try to look for a small group tour but there is only one available that meets the days we are there. I may have to take that one- but wanted to see if we could do it without a group.

Maybe stay in Edinburgh for 2 nights (assuming I can find accommodations) and either Oban or Ft. Williams for the rest of the stay as a base to see the western part of the country. I would eventually have to travel Glasgow to leave. If this makes sense, please let me know. Again, Thanks all of you are truly very knowledgeable and helpful.

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Everything you need to know about English whisky

It might lack the reputation of Scotland, Ireland or the US, but England is currently producing some of the world’s most interesting whiskies. What’s more, whisky-lovers are beginning to take note.

What’s happening in the world of whisky?  

In news that might surprise some north of the border, the English whisky scene has been calmly fermenting into an unlikely yet innovative cradle of quality whisky-making.

Err… that doesn’t sound right.  

Actually, England has form in whisky distilling, which dates back to the early 1800s. In 1887, there were four significant whisky distilleries below the border. However, the bottom soon fell out of the over-inflated UK whisky market, and in the early 1900s, the last English whisky distillery, in East London’s Lea Valley, closed. Today, however, there are at least 49 distilleries in operation or being built and it’s estimated that by the end of 2024 there’ll be 50,000 whisky casks maturing in English warehouses — from the top of Northumberland to the tip of Cornwall — and that the value of these stocks will exceed £1bn. Despite sailing into some challenging economic headwinds (such as Brexit and rising production costs), sales of English whisky went up by nearly a third in 2022 and it’s reckoned that capacity will grow to 3.6 million litres per annum this year. It’s a drop in the barrel compared to Scotland, Ireland and the US, but English distillers are exporting to more than 32 markets around the world — even north of the border.

What distinguishes English whisky from Scotch, Irish and other world whiskies?

Diversity. The embryonic English whisky scene is immensely eclectic. Not hamstrung by history nor tethered so tightly to tradition as their neighbours, English distillers are able to innovate with measured abandon. The vast majority of distilleries (97%) are making single malt whisky, but around a quarter are also using other grains, too, including rye, oats and other local ingredients. Drawing on a wide array of global whisky scenes, they’re also embracing pioneering ageing techniques, modern distilling processes and, crucially, celebrating provenance — collaborating with local producers, partnering with neighbouring brewers and using ‘indigenous’ ingredients.

But is it any good?  

It is. Distilleries from England have scooped quite a few distinguished industry gongs — ahead of distilleries from all over the globe. The Lakes Distillery won Best Single Malt Whisky   at the World Whisky Awards in 2022 and more recently, Best Distillery of the Year at the 2023 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition. Back in 2018, in an effort to raise standards and encourage collaboration, a number of distillers came together to create the English Whisky Guild. Now with two dozen members, it serves as a unifying force for English whisky producers. What’s more, in 2022, it submitted a geographical indication (GI) application for English single malt whisky to the UK government. The application, in true English tradition, is currently waiting in a queue.

Where to drink English whisky

1. Whiskyside , Yorkshire   Located on the site of a disused swimming pool within a holiday park, this is thought to be the only bar dedicated entirely to English whisky — it boasts the largest collection in the country.

2. Cotswolds Distillery   Cotswolds does a cracking, indeed award-winning, tour and tasting experience. The cafe, with its summer terrace, is a picturesque place to relax and sip its wonderful whiskies, too.

3. Milroy’s of Soho   This imbibing institution is a one-stop shop for whiskies from all over the world and its collection of English whiskies is as comprehensive as you can find anywhere — all overseen by very knowledgeable staff.

Three English whisky's to try

1. Cotswolds Peated Cask Single Malt Whisky Using floor-malted barley grown just 15 minutes from the distillery, Cotswolds makes high-quality whiskies, including this wonderfully balanced small-batch expression matured in ex-peated quarter casks.

2. Wire Works Virgin Oak White Peak whiskies are mashed, fermented, distilled and matured deep in the Derbyshire Dales on the banks of the River Derwent, within an incredible 19 th -century former wire works. This lightly peated single malt exemplifies the brand’s artisan approach.

3.   Circumstance   Single Grain Estate Whisky The core expression from this acutely innovative Bristol-based distillery features four different grains, a trio of different brewing yeasts (including mead) and is aged in three different casks (ex-bourbon, new European oak and oloroso).

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Related topics.

• MODERN HISTORY
• FOOD HISTORY
• DISTILLERIES

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What Is Happening To English Whisky?

• by Phil Dwyer
• May 11, 2024

The growth of English whisky over the past decade has been quite the force to be reckoned with. We now have 49 distilleries, with 45 currently up and running; the category is thriving. 

We all remember when The Lakes Distillery won Best Single Malt in the World for Whiskymaker’s #4 in 2022.  More recently, with The English Whisky Distillery Sherry Cask being named World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards in 2024 , the palate for English whiskies is clearly very strong. 

But what is the path that English whisky has to forge? The category has less restrictive regulations than scotch whisky, and therefore the ability to experiment. Will this opportunity for experimentation make for a chaotic, unregulated section of the market? Or is it a time for whisky to open up the books on what can be achieved with looser regulations? 

What Are The Rules Around English Whisky?

Well, currently there is no set of rules defining what English whisky is. However, all producers follow EU guidelines that define what a whisky can be, along with standard whisky guidelines. 

Those guidelines are below and apply to all whisky currently made in Scotland, Wales, England, and Ireland. 

• Matured for three years in wooden caskets 
• Not be sweetened or have additives (with the exception of E150a)
• 40% ABV minimum 
• Distillation conducted at less than 94.8% ABV 

As of February 14th, 2022, the English Whisky Guild (EWG) submitted to the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs an application for a geographical identification (GI) to establish a legal definition of English whisky. This is still awaiting legal approval. Those terms were: 

• The whisky must be washed (milled and fermented) in England.
• The whisky must be distilled in England. 
• The whisky must be matured in England. 
• The grains are from the United Kingdom. 

As a result of this GI going forward, the Circumstance Distillery dropped out of the EWG as it believed this would put a barrier in place and would discourage innovation, which is what a lot of smaller English distilleries have built such a successful foundation on. The Circumstance Distillery, in particular, has been led by a “flavour first” approach with multi-grain mashbills. Some of that grain is not necessarily being grown in the UK, and they produce everything but single malt, because as we all know the world is much bigger than single malt whisky. 

Notable English Whisky Producers

Looking at producers that do make classic single malt and blended whisky, how has this impacted them? Let’s take a look at the two distilleries mentioned in the first paragraph, The Lakes Distillery and The English Whisky Distillery . 

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We have two classic styles of single malt, mostly double distilled with the occasional triple distilled run (English Whisky Distillery), aged in wood for at least three years and bottled above 40% ABV. This classic style has served them well since the beginning, as it has for The Cotswolds Distillery , Bimber , Henstone , Adnams , and all of the internationally lauded ‘founders’ of the EWG. 

Let’s Talk About Stills

The one thing we haven’t talked about is stills. Now, most are double distilling through pot stills, the same as nearly every Scottish single malt you’ll come across. Some distilleries, however, are doing things a little differently. 

Here is where we get to talk about The Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and their fun and experimental product, Filey Bay. This distillery does everything the GI sets out in its purpose. They are a field-to-bottle distillery on the coastal side of Yorkshire with a strong history of brewing prior to being a spirit producer. But the interesting part is they have two of the biggest copper pot stills outside of Scotland, produced by the famous Forsyth’s. 

Attached to their spirit stills is a four-plate copper column, giving Filey Bay its distinctive fresh feel, and the labeling of ‘Yorkshire Single Malt’ on the bottle. A very unique style of whisky that still fits within the rules, still allowing itself to stand out amongst an ever-growing crowd. 

So whether you choose to use pot stills or column stills, ‘English Whisky’, and indeed the use of ‘Single Malt’ is still something you can put on your bottle. 

The Invicta Whisky Charter & The English Whisky Guild

However, if you want to go full rules and regulations then I have attached two pictures of The Invicta Whisky Charter from The Copper Rivet Distillery who produce Masthouse whisky. These folks have been so clear and honest with their guidelines that I think the SWA could honestly learn a thing or two from it. They’re also one of the founding members of the EWG. 

Overall, I’m a fan of centralization as it helps to create a better standard of product that inherently makes other parts of an industry more varied, whether that be casks, fermentation times, etc. 

Governing bodies can sometimes be seen as bullies rather than protectors. Still, I think not being a part of the EWG won’t negatively impact distilleries like Circumstance, if anything they just get to keep pushing boundaries that they want to break through. If the liquid is objectively good, they’ll never have any issues. 

English Whisky Tourism

As a counterpoint, being a member means sourcing locally to the UK, which given the current political minefields of the world is a greater direct benefit to our huge farming community when it comes to local resources. Let us not forget in any way the tourism from the booming English whisky trade. From as far down south as the tip of Cornwall with Pocket Full of Stones Distillery , all the way up to the Ad Gefrin Distillery on the very borders of England and Scotland, the attraction of English whisky to basic enthusiasts has been outstanding, and now that two distilleries have won what you could say is the biggest accolade in whisky, those who have never heard of English whisky will now be able to see

this medals in the press and perhaps book a tour at the distillery and then enjoy the local towns, villages, and cities. 

Onwards & Upwards

Overall it is safe to say that English whisky is in a very good space. I recently read in Drinks Retailing Magazine that “A handful of retailers mentioned English whisky as an area with strong potential”. In addition to this, distilleries such as The Lakes, The Cheshire Distillery , Bimber, Adnams, and The Spirit of Yorkshire, plus many others have seen consistent progress and sales in a currently financially troubled world. 

So this is a message to the person who is still yet to try anything from an English producer. Get yourself online, or book a ticket to the English Whisky Festival and go and see what all of this is about. 

The two liquids that have taken the biggest awards were mostly sherry and red wine matured, a classic flavor profile in Scottish whisky. If you prefer bourbon-driven flavours then Filey Bay has got your back with a wonderfully caramel and citrus-driven house style. 

Blended whisky fans, The Lakes again have every conceivable cask finish you could want on The One releases, and Hellstone blended whisky from Pocket Full of Stones is an absolute bargain compared to some craft Scottish stuff. 

Even with the GI possibly going through, the ability to innovate is still there, and that sort of freedom will allow English whisky to pursue what the consumer is after.

Thank You Johnnie Walker – There’s No Better Drink Than The Smooth Round Whisky In The Square Bottle Cricketers, The Whiskey Wash Johnnie Walker Advert Archive, published The Illustrated London News 1st June 1957

Welcome to The Whiskey Wash Vintage Johnnie Walker Advert Archive This archive presents a collection of over 100 adverts for Johnnie Walker, spanning from the

Between You And Me The Party Spirit Is Another Name For Johnnie Walker, The Whiskey Wash Johnnie Walker Advert Archive, published The Illustrated London News 26th November 1955

Johnnie Walker Has The Gift For Making Parties Go Christmas, The Whiskey Wash Johnnie Walker Advert Archive, published The Illustrated London News 12th December 1953

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