free distillery tours scotland

How to do Whisky Tours in Scotland For FREE | 12 Scotch Malt Whiskies

ArboursAbroad contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase using one of the affiliated links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our  Disclosure Policy  for more information. 

Like this post? Share it with others!

Free Whisky Tours in Scotland?! Sign us up! When we heard we could tour not one, but 12 different distilleries for free in Scotland, it was a no brainer to join the Classic Malts Club! And we reckon, it’s going to be a no brainer for you to enjoy all the free whisky samples and learn of the distilling process on these 12 free whisky tours!

Apart from one person saying “Ahh.. Scotland, good Irish Whisky” (literally had to hold a laugh in when hearing that one, like what?!), when most people hear we lived in Scotland, the first question they ask is about the Scottish Whisky. It’s without a doubt one of the most popular bits of the country, and certainly is that way with good reason!

Luckily for you, you can partake in whisky tours all across the country finding the perfect Scottish whisky to match your taste buds!

Whether you decide to do a full day tour popping in and out of different distilleries, or just do one whisky tour, you need to take part in learning of Scotland’s national drink and dive into the whisky experience!

Learning To Love Scottish Whisky

Now, we’d be lying if we said we loved Scottish whisky straight away. It took some time to really grow a love for it, and a huge part of that love grew from the 12 distillery tours we partook in. Yes, twelve of them, and each offering a different twist and deeper insight into the way Scottish whisky is made.

You may think traveling around to twelve different distilleries and taking twelve different whisky tours is a bit much, but we’re here to tell you otherwise.

First off, when things are free we tend to jump in, and when something gives us a purpose or goal to shoot for we become fully committed. Not to mention you really have to learn the art of whisky making to truly enjoy the dram before you!

Learning about the distilling process and the heart and soul that goes into making each dram of whisky, truly makes the whisky experience better! Don’t believe us, join in on some scotch whisky tours yourself! Your mind will surely change!

How To Do Scottish Whisky Tours For Free

When we toured our first distillery during our inaugural run in Isobel (our van) , we caught glimpse of the Friends of the Classic Malts brochure and had to get in on the membership. Talking with the worker at Talisker, she explained that the membership is free, there’s a gift once visiting all 12 distilleries on the list, and you get to tour each distillery for free too. I mean, come on, how could we pass this up!? We were going all in!

Traveler’s Tip … To join the Friends of the Classic Malts, visit one of the 12 distilleries themselves, you may have to pay for the first distillery tour, normally £6, though it depends who you speak with! You used to be able to sign up online, however, we can’t find the link to that anymore!

With the 12 Scotch Malt Whisky Distilleries spread all about Scotland, it gave us a reason to really travel far and wide through the country to grow a love for this traditional Scottish delicacy. If you’ve got the time, try and make it to all twelve distilleries! If not, just visit a few on a rainy day and be amazed at the distilling process and history behind making whisky.

Single Malt Whisky Trail

Getting Around To The Distilleries

Flying into scotland .

When you book your flights to Scotland, chances are the cheapest flights are going to be to Edinburgh, but keep in mind this isn’t the best place to fly to for whisky tours of Scotland!

We suggest flying into Inverness. Easy Jet (a budget airline) flies from London to Inverness, and you’ll also find flights from other airlines/airports into Inverness as well!

We always recommend searching for flights with Momondo, or Skyscanner, as they tend to have the cheapest flights typically!

Getting Around Scotland

Trains are a great way to explore Scotland, though they aren’t nice on anyone’s budget! While trains are extremely reliable, and always leave right on time, not a minute late, they are a spendy way to explore the country!

Sometimes, Scotrail will have discounted prices on certain trips though. We recommend checking out Rome2Rio for planning your trip! Rome2Rio compares the pricing on how to get from point A to point B, for all sorts of travel, (bus, train, rental car, flying).

Renting a Car

With rental cars in Scotland being under 10 USD a day, (if drying manual), we 100% suggest using a rental car to get around to different distilleries in Scotland! Not to mention rental cars are great for all the extra stops along the way you’ll want to make too! Find cheap rental car prices and book your next rental car here .

Whisky Tours From Inverness | Whisky In The Highlands

Dalwhinnie distillery.

• Visit Their Website Here

Dalwhinnie whisky was the first whisky Heather actually enjoyed drinking. We stumbled upon the distillery en route from Skye to Aberdeen , and popped in for a private tour and two samples of whisky with chocolate ! With the sweeter taste, Dalwhinnie is a great whisky to begin building your tasting pallet.

Traveler’s Tip … This distillery sends you home with a dram glass. A great little souvenir from a trip to Scotland!

Glen Ord Distillery

Popular to tour bus goers as it is the closest of these whisky tours from Inverness, this distillery can be quite busy. 90% of the whisky produced from Glen Ord goes straight to the whisky market in SE Asia! Unlike other whiskies on this list, we were told the whisky produced at Glen Ord can only be bought at the distillery or in SE Asia!

{ Traveler’s Tip … Call ahead and schedule your tour around the tour bus times. It’s a much more intimate tour when there aren’t so many loads of tourist in the crowd with you!}

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Right next to Balmoral Castle , a castle with people still living in it, this distillery is set on one of our all-time favorite roads in Scotland. With close proximity to Aberdeen, and right in the middle of castles all around, Royal Lochnagar is a great distillery to visit if you’re in Aberdeenshire. It’s famous for kings and queens touring the distillery, giving it it’s “royal” name.

Traveler’s Tip .. This area of Scotland is one of our favorites! Visit loads of castles and if you’re lucky, catch the heather in full bloom! The road leading to Lochnagar is probably one of the best-maintained roads in all of Scotland — no joke!

Blair Athol Distillery

The Blair Athol Distillery is one of those illegal start-up distilleries in Scotland. Like many other distilleries, this one was kept in secret for quite some time.

After the town of Blair Athol began bringing in more tourist, police set up shop in the area, and would literally go around town via horseback following their noses to the smell of whisky production!

Luckily for us, this distillery has now been legal for 218 years , and is one of our favorite distillery tours.. we’ve done it three different times now, even bringing our family along!

Oban Distillery

Oban Distillery is one of our favorites. Not necessarily because of the taste of the whisky, but more so the history behind the distillery. The town of Oban was literally built around the distillery, so much so, that the distillery cannot grow because there’s literally no room!

Traveler’s Tip … Oban Distillery sends you off with a proper dram glass. Visiting this distillery gives you a bit of Scotland to bring home with you!

READ MORE | 10 Things to do in Oban

Clynelish Distillery

Located in the very northern bit of mainland Scotland, this distillery is full of some rich history. It’s actually been a few different distilleries in its time! After the original distilling house burnt down, the whisky produced here when from under £100 to over thousands of pounds overnight! The older production house is really interesting to see here!

Whisky Tours From Edinburgh

Glenkinchie distillery.

The only distillery within the Friends of the Classic Malts in the lowlands, this distillery is the most touristy one we’ve been to.

This is the closest of the whisky tours from Edinburgh, being only 15 miles from the city.

However, if we’re honest here, this distillery tour seems like quite the tourist trap. Scooted in and out rather quickly, and overrun by the next tour group, Glenkinchie’s tour isn’t one we can fully recommend, though the surrounding area is lovely!

Whisky Distilleries To Visit On The Scottish Isles

Talisker distillery.

We’ve got a soft spot for Talisker. Found on one of our favorite islands in Scotland, the Isle of Skye , it was our first ever distillery tour we went on.  Being on the west coast, this single malt whisky is super peaty, making it an interesting whisky to taste compare to the others!

The whisky tour here is super informative and the views off the west coast of Scotland are phenomenal! There’s an Oyster shack just around the corner from the distillery that’s meant to have some great oysters too!

READ MORE | Top 10 Things to do on the Isle of Skye

READ MORE | Isle of Skye Castles | Photo + Maps + Tips

Lagavulin Distillery

Lagavulin is a well-known whisky for many American folks. With its smoky flavor, yet smooth finish, it’s a great one to try! The distillery itself is set on the coastline of the Isle of Islay , Scotland’s whisky isle, and is just a few minutes away from the southern port of the island, making it a rather easy first stop on a visit to Islay!

Traveler’s Tip …You get to take home a dram glass from this tour! While it’s not as cute as Dalwhinnie’s, or as fancy as Oban’s it’s a nice gift and remembrance of Scotland!

READ MORE | Visiting the Islay, Scotland’s Whisky Island

Caol Ila Distillery

The last distillery we visited on our Friends of the Classic Malts tour, and hands down our all-time favorite. Partially due to us being the only ones on the tour, and having a killer tour guide, thanks again Nigel, we loved everything about Caol Ila.

The whisky is smooth, the scenery is drop dead gorgeous, and the still house brings the best views of any still house we’ve been in! Located on the Isle of Islay, it’s not the easiest to get to, but it certainly is worth the trek!

READ MORE | All About Visiting Islay, How to Get There and What to See

Speyside Whisky

Cardu distillery.

Hidden in the middle of Scotland, Cardhu distillery is a tricky one to find… In fact, this distillery was illegally operating for quite some time. Both before and after Cardhu was a legal distillery, this distillery was run by a woman and her daughter-in-law — something rather unheard of in the time the distillery came about!

Cragganmore Distillery

Right in the heart of Speyside, and easier to access than neighboring Cardhu, yet not as touristy as other distilleries in the area Cragganmore Distillery is a great choice for those in Inverness or Aberdeen. It’s in the middle of the Cairngorms, offering amazing views all about the distillery!

Doing Scottish Distillery Tours In A Nutshell

Choosing which distilleries to visit in Scotland can be quite the task with so many distilleries scattered all across the country. While all the above distilleries are now owned by a big name brand, Diageo, each tour, for the most part, had its own charm and loads of character coming from the different tour guides.

Honestly, the tour guides make all the difference in doing distillery tours. As some are there just for the paycheck and others truly love the craft behind making a good whisky.

If you’ve got the time, we recommend visiting more than one distillery. We kid you not, after visiting all these distilleries, some more than once, we literally learned something new with each tour we did!

Tours typically last an hour, and during that time, you learn all about the malting process, get to smell and see the whisky in the mash tuns and fermentation process, and get to see all the stills and spirit safes up close and personal.

You’ll learn that the shape of the stills and the barrels the whisky is put in for maturation, and even the location of the distillery make all the difference in the taste of the whisky. It’s truly remarkable to learn each individual process along the way!

Unfortunately, photos are not allowed throughout the tours, as this is supposedly a major fire hazard, so you really have to get on one to see all the different bits and bobs in the distilling process for yourself! If you do by chance get to all 12 Scotch Malt Whisky Distilleries, you’re gifted with a Quaich, Scotland’s cup of friendship!

Where to Stay While Doing Whisky Tours In Scotland

Scotland hotels.

In big cities like Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Inverness, you’ll find big hotel chains to stay at. However, with prices up around 100 USD, staying at a big fancy hotel in Scotland isn’t best for any budget.. and you won’t get a proper British stay at a lot of large hotels.

If however, hotels are the kind of stay you’re looking for, our favorite website to search for hotels is Momondo . They compare sites like Booking, Agoda, Expedia and more, showcasing the best prices and the best days to stay! Check out current Scotland Hotel prices here .

Wild Camping / Sleeping in Campervan in Scotland

It’s free and legal to wild camp in Scotland, and there are often places near the distilleries to do so! Just be sure to pack out whatever you pack in — this includes your used toilet paper! And if you don’t have a toilet with you, be sure to dig a hole 6 inches deep, and 100 feet away from water to do your duty!

If you have a campervan and would like to stay overnight at a distillery, chances are the workers will let you park in their lot and stay the night after your whisky tour! Just ask for permission, and you shouldn’t be at all bothered!

READ MORE | Van Life Apps To Help Find Parking And More In A Campervan

Enjoy a dram for us on your trip to Scotland, and don’t forget to comment below or tag us in a post if you visit any of these twelve Scottish distilleries!

More Travel Advice on Scotland

READ MORE | Secrets of Edinburgh

We’re sharing seven secret places in Edinburgh. Though it’s a city, there’s still so much charm!

READ MORE | Glen Etive

A not so touristy Glen Coe! With fewer people on the road, deer that greet you at your car, and views unlike any other.. this waterfall filled glen is a must!

WATCH MORE | St. Andrew’s Travel Guide

St. Andrew’s is a golf lovers paradise and a top destination for tourists and locals alike. After living in St. Andrews for six weeks, we bring you along in our ArboursAbroad city guide!

LEARN MORE | Scotland Travel Advice

All of Scotland on one page. Scroll through the posts and read whichever ones you fancy most!

Save + Share Here

Heather is the co-founder of Arbours Abroad, and a full time travel writer with over ten years of travel experience across 39 countries. She’s lived in five different countries, and traveled by van in the United Kingdom and Europe for two and a half years.

Heather and her husband currently live in a van with their cat, Georgie, traveling and finding nature escapes all over the western United States while sneaking in trips abroad when they can.

Similar Posts

5 Shocking Things I’ve Learned Since My Skin Cancer Diagnosis

In March 2023, I was diagnosed with skin cancer.  This diagnosis came as a complete shock, especially because I was only 31 at the time. Since that diagnosis, I’ve learned a lot about protecting my skin and I want to share that with you!  After meeting with my dermatologist multiple times and reading a lot…

Maastricht, Netherlands | Fueling Your Netherlands Wanderlust

Maastricht is a city in the very south of The Netherlands. Most people visit Maastricht when traveling from Belgium into Germany. We visited the city with one goal in mind.. to find ourselves some Dutch pancakes, and although we left without getting any delicious pancakes in our bellies, we were so happy we got to…

Iguazu Falls… A Must Read in the Shower

Pictures can only go so far when trying to tell a story of an event in one’s life. Yes, they are important and a picture can say a million words, but to completely understand Iguazu Falls from somewhere afar, you have to do a bit more than read this post, watch the videos, and look…

Great Sand Dunes National Park

We left Black Canyon of the Gunnison and had about a five-hour drive ahead of us. Knowing this, we looked for a free campsite just outside of Great Sand Dunes NP. We were out of luck with this search, but found a town not too far past Great Sand Dunes NP that had a Walmart…

13 Olympic National Park Hikes | difficulty + length + maps

Olympic National Park hikes offer astounding views, hikes from easy to extreme, and can turn anyone into an avid hiker! If you haven’t been to Olympic National Park, or seen a map of the area, we’ll let you in a secret. Olympic National Park is a big circle around the Olympic Peninsula with a bunch…

Our London Getaway – A Quick Celebratory Trip

As most of you know, we are absolutely loving our time here in Scotland. In fact, we’re absolutely loving every blessing of our lives the Lord has poured out on us, and school in Scotland is definitely one of those blessing. It’s crazy the way the Lord intervenes in our lives and how perfectly He…

Jason Arbour

Heather Arbour

To receive the latest updates

Subscribe To Our ‘Every-So-Often’ Newsletter

Travel Guides

All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2014-2024

The Top 15 Scottish Distilleries to Visit in Scotland

• Facebook 222
• Pinterest 583

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

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

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

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

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

The Top 15 Distilleries in Scotland

1. the scotch whisky experience.

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

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

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

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

2. Glenfiddich Distillery

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

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

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

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

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

3. Glenlivet Distillery

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

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

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

4. Highland Park Whisky Distillery

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

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

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

5. Laphroaig Distillery

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

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

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

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

6. Auchentoshan Distillery

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

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

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

7. The Clydeside Distillery

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

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

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

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

8. Ben Nevis Distillery

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

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

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

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

9. Jura Distillery

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

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

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

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

10. Talisker Distillery

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

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

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

11. Cardhu Distillery

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

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

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

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

12. Glenmorangie Distillery

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

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

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

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

13. Old Pulteney Distillery

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

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

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

14. Wolfburn Distillery

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

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

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

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

15. The Isle of Harris Distillery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Share this on pinterest.

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.

Related Posts

The 12 Best Hotels in the Isle of Man

3 Days in Glasgow: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

The Best Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland

Leave a comment cancel reply.

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

7 of the best Scottish whisky distillery tours

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

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

Auchentoshan , lowlands

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

Auchentoshan Distillery. Picture: TSPL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edradour , Highlands

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

Edradour distillery. Picture: Wikimedia

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

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

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

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

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

Springbank , campbeltown.

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

Picture: audrey_sel\Flickr

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arran distillery , Isle of Arran

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benromach , speyside.

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

Picture: Billy Abbott\Flickr

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

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

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

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

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

Ardbeg , Islay

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

Picture: Youtube

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laphroaig , Islay

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

Picture: Ayack\Wikimedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Scotsman

Get in touch.

Every Scotch Whisky Visitor Centre in one place

Our partners.

Start your whisky journey

Whisky inspiration this way

Drink, Sleep & Buy Whisky

Glenmorangie House

The Bon Accord

Inverurie Whisky Shop

Find Your Tour

Glenlivet distillery.

2022 Update - Current opening times:  Tuesday-Saturday 10am-12pm & 1pm-5pm (last entry at 4pm)

"The Glenlivet" Distillery has the distinction of being the first licensed distillery in the Glenlivet area. At one time there were around 200 illegal stills around this area and the name "Glenlivet" was used by many competing distilleries. Glenlivet's owner, John Smith son of the founder, realised the importance of branding so in 1884 he took legal action to reserve use of the title "The Glenlivet".

The B9136 road that leads to the distillery from Tomintoul is very attractive and this is our recommended route to Glenlivet, but the distillery is clearly signposted from all directions with brown tourism signs. 

Glenlivet Distillery has a very good visitor centre with a well presented café and shop in a recently refurbished building. The distillery itself is a mixture of old buildings and more recent industrial looking buildings that detract a bit from the charm of the place. 

The basic free tour last about 45 minutes and at the end you get to sample either a 12, 15 or 18 yr old "Expression" of The Glenlivet malt. If you aren't sure about whisky, it is better to try the younger malts as they tend to be lighter and more delicately flavoured.

Specialist "Spirit of the Malt" tasting tours lasting 2 - 3 hours can also be booked at Glenlivet. They can be arranged between 9:30am and 2pm (the 2pm cut of is due to their extended duration). On these tours, you get to sample some Glenlivet straight from the cask and then get a sampling session where you can try 7 different "expressions" of Glenlivet. These tours cost £30 and need to be booked in advance via the Glenlivet website.

Whilst visiting the distillery we also recommend taking a short drive to the old Packhorse Bridge that crosses the River Livet. To get here, return to the B9136 and turn right, at the next T junction turn right onto the B9008 which is signposted to Tomintoul. Just after passing through the small group of houses at Glenlivet, you see a brown sign to the Packhorse Bridge. The old bridge is on your right and there is space to park your car so you can stop here for a picnic by the River Livet.

Children under 8 not allowed in production areas.

Glenlivet Distillery Features In

Whisky Taster

Price: £14.99.

Whisky Explorer

Price: £16.99.

Classic Whisky

Price: £18.99.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter And Receive 5 Free Guides

Tour the only distillery in Scotland to complete the whole whisky making process on site

Springbank tour.

£ 12.00

Duration: 1 hour

On the Springbank Tour you’ll have the opportunity to journey through our historic distillery which has been on the same site since 1828.

As the only distillery in Scotland to complete 100% of the process on site, you’ll have the chance to see each step of the whisky making process before enjoying a dram of one of our core range whiskies and taking away a glass and miniature to enjoy at home.

Tours are available Monday to Saturday – please see below to book online.

Please note there will be no production at Springbank from early September-December however tours of the distillery are still available. 

If you are a member of our Springbank Society, please get in touch with us directly to book your free Springbank Tour. You can email [email protected] or phone us on 01586 552009.

For groups of more than 12 people, please email [email protected]  and we will try our best to accommodate.

Springbank Distillery Shop Well Close Campbeltown PA28 6ET

Directions to start location

Booking Form

If you're booking for more than the set number of people per booking please get in touch with us at [email protected] and we'll be able to provide further assistance.

Times are in Europe/London

• Choose a date above to see available times.

You may also like…

Kilkerran tour, cadenhead’s warehouse tasting.

Springbank Distillers Ltd

This website promotes some of the finest spirits on the planet!

Are you legally old enough to drink alcohol in your country.

This website uses ‘Cookies’ to help it function properly. By continuing you agree to the use of cookies and our fascinating privacy policy .

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]

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.

[email protected]

1-888-810-0045

+44 (0)141 432 1770

The Top 10 Scotland Distillery Tours

28 Jul, 2020

Whisky / Image Source / License  

Whisky – Uisge Beatha – The Water of Life. This golden-hued drink is truly the most iconic of Scotland’s exports. And despite the simplicity of its ingredients, it is one of the most varied and complex creations, its flavour hinging upon where it is made.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without settling down to a dram of whisky in a warm pub. But if you’re serious about your whisky – or simply curious about Scotland’s national drink – then touring a whisky distillery is a must. 

There are over 120 active distilleries in Scotland that are spread over five regions, each producing their own distinctive type of whisky. This makes choosing the right whisky tour a real challenge — especially since the distilleries are spread throughout the country, making some very hard to find.

However, Inspiring Travel Scotland has a range of Scotland tours , many of which include whisky tours. And if you already have a distillery in mind then we can help you get there with our tailor-made Scotland tours , giving you a truly unique Scottish experience. 

To help you choose which distilleries might tickle your fancy, and your taste buds, here’s a list of our top 10 Scotland distillery tours. 

Speyside Whiskies

The Macallan 

Bottle of The Macallan / Image Source / License

Founded in 1824, The Macallan was one of the first distillers to be legally licensed in Scotland. The distillery is nestled in the centre of a stunning 485-acre estate and it offers three different tour experiences.

You can discover the history, heritage, and foundations of this beautiful, oaky whisky. The Macallan estate includes a brasserie and bar which offer fresh Scottish produce and dramatic views of the Speyside hills. 

Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich Distillery / Image Source / License

One of the oldest family-owned whisky distilleries, the Glenfiddich Distillery is a true beauty. Just north of Dufftown, the distillery was built by founder William Grant, his nine children, and one stonemason.

With its pagoda roofs and grey stone walls, the buildings themselves are impressive, but the tours are even more so. There are four tours on offer and once you’ve explored how the whisky is made you can enjoy some fine dining in the Malt Barn. 

Islay Whiskies

Laphroaig Distillery / Image Source / License

Known for their smoky flavours, Islay whiskies can be divisive, but those that love an Islay malt, really love an Islay malt! Laphroaig has one of the richest flavours of any whisky and that is largely due to its Glenmachrie peat bog.

The peat has a particular mix of heather, lichen and moss that gives the whisky its distinctive flavour. The distillery has been making whisky in roughly the same way for over 200 years, and their range of tours will show you exactly why their traditions have held for so long. 

Lagavulin Distillery / Image Source / License

Ron Swanson, in Parks and Recreation, cites Lagavulin as his favourite whisky, and he has excellent taste. A peated malt like its other Islay brethren, Lagavulin is smoky and yet it has its own unique quality. A spirit that likes to take time to mature, this whisky is worth the wait.

The distillery lies in the picturesque Lagavulin Bay on the south coast of Islay, near the ruins of Dunyveg Castle. Thought to be one of the longest-established distilleries in the country, a Lagavulin tour will couple history and beauty in a perfect blend. And you can top it all off with a taste (or many!) of some of the finest single malts before you leave. 

Lowland Whiskies

Glenkinchie.

Glenkinchie Distillery / Image Source Cls With Attitude / License

The Lowland whiskies aren’t as well known as the single malts of the north but they shouldn’t be discounted. Lighter in taste, these are whiskies that speak of summer, grass and fruits.

The Victorian Glenkinchie distillery and its orchard gardens are surrounded by verdant farmland, bursting with growth and sweet-scented wildflowers, in charming East Lothian.

Glenkinchie offers a range of tours from the in-depth Behind the Scenes tour, to their Whisky in the Wild tour which will take you on an exploration of their beautiful surroundings. 

Auchentoshan 

Auchentoshan Stills / Image Source / License  

Pronounced ‘ock-un-tosh-un’, this is a whisky like no other. Born in Glasgow, it’s a city whisky that prides itself on mixing traditional craft with progressive thinking.

Visiting the Auchentoshan distillery, you’ll experience the energy and passion that makes this whisky unique – Auchentoshan is like Glasgow in a bottle. 

Highland Whiskies

Highland park.

Highland Park Kilns / Image Source / License  

Highland Park Distillery stands upon the Isle of Orkney, where the wild climate and stormy seas have shaped the whisky they make. Highland Park’s founder was of proud Viking descent, and he infused his whisky with that Viking spirit.

The distillery offers several tours, all of which are worth going on for the setting alone. Add fine whisky to the experience and you have a day you will never forget!

Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney Barrel / Image Source / License  

The Pulteney Distillery is the northernmost distillery on the mainland. Standing by the harbour of Wick, the sea is in every aspect of this unusual whisky. Its traditional warehouses are exposed to the North Sea air and there are subtle salty notes in every bottle of Old Pulteney whisky.

The distillery and the town of Wick are inseparable so an Old Pulteney tour won’t just teach you about their whisky – it will teach you about the area and how the locals live and work with the sea. 

Talisker Distillery / Image Source / License  

The original distillery on the Isle of Skye, there are few settings as stunning as that of Talisker. It stands on the shores of Loch Harport and faces the dramatic beauty of the Cuillin mountains. And the whisky is as easy to drink in as the view.

You can enjoy a range of tours, and for the sweet-toothed among you, Talisker offers a whisky and chocolate tour, where each malt is accompanied by local artisanal chocolate. 

Campbeltown Whisky

Campbeltown / Image Source / License

Five generations of Mitchell’s have owned and managed the Springbank Distillery – a distillery that is unique in Scotland in that 100% of the whisky-making process is carried out on the premises. Moreover, the traditional processes used to make Springbank whisky mean it’s the most handmade whisky in Scotland.

So if your aim is to learn as much as possible about whisky then Springbank cannot be missed! Located in Campbeltown, a town once known as ‘the whisky capital of the world’, you will truly feel like you’ve stepped into the heart of whisky’s history.

As Scotland’s national drink, whisky is unsurprisingly popular throughout the country, and there are new distilleries being established all the time.

This list is merely a glimpse at some of the most historic and iconic whiskies Scotland has to offer, but there are plenty more wonderful whiskies and whisky tours to discover. If you would like help in designing your perfect tour through Scotland, distilleries included, then don’t hesitate to get in touch !

Tailor Made Customised Tours

CONTACT US TO CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE TOUR OF SCOTLAND

• Essential Scotland – Highlands History, Scenery & Culture
• Scottish Outlander Tour
• Scottish North Coast 500 and Culloden Tour
• Scottish Whisky and Culture – The Exclusive Tour
• Two Cities & Outlander Tour
• Whisky Trail by Luxury Train
• The Outlaw King Tour
• Luxury Staycation – Scottish Highlands Tour
• Tailormade – Customized Tours
• Be Inspired
• Why book with us?
• How to Book
• Testimonials

Tell us a little about what you would like to do on your ideal tour:

Number of Adults 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Number of Seniors (over 60) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Number of Children 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Date you would like tour to begin

Tour Duration

Phone number (Including area codes)

Scotland's 'most northern' whisky distillery you can visit for free this September

As part of Scotland's Doors Open Days festival this September, the mainland's "most northernly" whisky distillery is opening up its doors to the public for free tours.

• 15:27, 5 SEP 2024

Join thousands in getting the latest Scotland Now stories sent straight to your inbox

We have more newsletters

The "most northernly" whisky distillery on the Scottish mainland is offering free tours this September.

8 Doors Distillery is situated in the heart of the Caithness village of John O'Groats, which is a popular amongst tourists for its position at the very top of mainland Britain. The distillery, which first opened in 2022, specialises in small batches of single malt whisky.

This September, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of 8 Doors Distillery for free as part of Scotland's Doors Open Days festival. Throughout the month, hundreds of buildings and attractions across the country will open their doors to the public free of charge.

The tours, which will take place across the weekend of September 21, will offer an inside look at the distillery and its warehouse. Visitors will learn about the distillation process, and get a glimpse at where 8 Doors Distillery stores its casks for maturation.

The tour, which will last approximately 30 minutes, is open to those over the age of 18 only. With just 10 spaces available per slot, you will need to book quickly if you want to reserve a place.

The Doors Open Days website states: "8 Doors Distillery in John O'Groats was established in 2022 by husband and wife Derek and Kerry Campbell, and is the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland. The distillery is producing the first Single Malt Scotch Whisky in that area since 1837."

For visitors keen for a more comprehensive experience, 8 Doors Distillery also offers full 90-minute tours for £24 per person. These include samples of five of the distillery's whiskies in its 'tasting room'.

Meanwhile, 8 Doors Distillery is also home to a 'whisky lounge'. The lounge, which is open to children as well as adults, serves up everything from drams and cocktails to coffee and cake.

This week's top Scotland Now stories

Elsewhere in John O'Groats, there are plenty of spectacular coastal walks to enjoy before or after your tour. While in the area, it is well worth hiking to Dunnet Head — the mostly northern point of the mainland.

The village is also home to The Inn at John O’Groats, which features a range of self-catering apartments and lodges you can rent out. The accommodation takes full advantage of the dramatic and extreme views, with large windows overlooking the sea.

More information can be found on the Doors Open Days website . Meanwhile, to book a tour, visit the 8 Doors Distillery site .

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here .

• Discover Scotland
• Things to do Scotland
• Scotland Now
• Most Recent

SPEYSIDE WHISKY TOUR:

The malt whisky trail.

Book our Speyside whisky tour and follow the Malt Whisky Trail!

The world’s definitive whisky experience!

For our tours we select three distillery tours or tastings per day, depending on availability from the list below:

Macallan, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenfarclas, Aberlour, Benromach, Benriach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glenallachie, Glen Grant, Glen Moray, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Speyside Cooperage (cooperage tour), Strathisla and Glendronach.

Whisky included

We operate our tours so that our customers receive tastings at each of the distilleries we’ve selected. Our Speyside whisky tours are a mix of local expert led full distillery tours and tutored tastings. Usually two or three samples available at each stop.

  Accommodation Is Included

We include accommodation If you decide to do a two day or three day tour we know the best local hotels, B&Bs and restaurants for your stay in this once in a lifetime trip. We recommend and can book bed and breakfasts and hotels such as the Aberlour hotel, the Dowans hotel, the Spey valley resort similar standard properties.

For transport on our Speyside whisky tours, we use comfortable, new and well maintained saloons or spacious 8 or 9 seat vehicles from Mercedes, Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen. Larger vehicles available on request.

Larger Groups

If you require a reservation for over six people, please call or email us. It would be great to hear from you and we are experienced with groups of all sizes.

We can also tailor the tour to your needs to make your Speyside Whisky Tour is the best possible and customizing tours is something we specialise in. Contact us for more information, let us know your favourite whiskies and must see distilleries. Group discounts are available if you email or call us.

If you decide to do a two day tour we know the best local hotels and restaurants for your stay in this once in a lifetime trip. We recommend bed and breakfasts such as the Aberlour hotel, the Dowans hotel and the Spey valley resort.

Whisky included We operate our tours so that our customers receive tastings at each of the distilleries we’ve selected. Our Speyside whisky tours are a mix of local expert led full distillery tours and tutored tastings. Usually two or three samples available at each stop.

Transport For transport on our Speyside whisky tours, we use comfortable, new and well maintained saloons or spacious 8 or 9 seat vehicles from Mercedes, Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen. Larger vehicles available on request.

Larger Groups If you require a reservation for over six people, please call or email us. It would be great to hear from you and we are experienced with groups of all sizes.

We offer customisable whisky tours in Speyside

One day whisky tour, choose your tour date:.

One Day Example Itinerary

Departure – 6:30am from Edinburgh (Later if you are located nearer to the tour location or we can adjust tour times if required)

• Glenlivet – 10:00am-11:15pm
• Macallan – 12:00pm-1:30pm
• Stop for lunch in Aberlour – 1:40pm-2:30pm
• Cardhu – 3:00pm-4:00pm

Return to Edinburgh around 7:30pm

All itineraries are examples we use as a guide, but there may be slight adjustments due to availability

Two Day Whisky Tour

Two Day Example Itinerary

• Departure – 6:30am from Edinburgh (Later if you are located near to the our location or we can adjust tour times if required)
• Stop for lunch – 1:40pm-2:30pm
• Highlander Inn whisky tasting (One whisky flight per person) – 3:00pm – 4:30pm
• Return to accommodation – 5:00pm
• Glenfiddich – 10:00am-11:30am
• Lunch – 12:00pm to 1:15pm
• Cragganmore – 2:00pm to 3:00pm
• Dalwhinnie whisky and chocolate tasting – 4:00pm-4:30pm
• Return to Edinburgh – 8:00pm 

Three Day Whisky Tour

Three Day Example Itinerary

• Departure – 6:30am from Edinburgh (Later if you are located near our tour location or we can adjust tour times if required)
• Lunch at the fantastic Glenfiddich Malt Barn  – 12:00pm to 1:15pm
• Cardhu Johnnie Walker experience – 4:00pm-5:00pm
• Return to accommodation around 5:30pm
• Speyside Cooperage – 10:00am-11:00am
• Ballindalloch Castle (Or Equivalent) – 11:30am-1:00pm
• Lunch at Granton on Spey – 1:30pm-2:30pm
• Dalwhinnie whisky and chocolate tasting – 3:30pm-4:30pm
• Return to Edinburgh – 7:00pm
• Return to Edinburgh – 8:00pm 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your covid-19 policy.

• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience.
• Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas.
• Gear/equipment sanitized between use.
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.
• Guides required to regularly wash hands.
• Regular temperature checks for staff.

What does the Speyside whisky tour ticket price include?

• Free pickup and drop off from your accommodation or from a location in Edinburgh. If outside Edinburgh contact for a bespoke quote.
• Three stops per day for whisky distillery tours and tastings or sightseeing – at least 3 whiskies provided per stop
• Accommodation included – well-reviewed hotels and B&Bs. Examples above.
• Driver Guide
• Bottled water provided in the tour vehicle
• Itinerary booked and planned and communicated by text or email
• Lunch table booked each day
• Free time in the evening
• Extra whisky

What group size is the whisky tour?

When does the whisky tour run, the tour dates i need are fully booked, i have another question.

If you have any questions not addressed here, please email us at [email protected] or call us on: 07549839684

Sample the best Speyside single malt Scotch whisky with WhiskyWheels

We provide bespoke whisky tours in Scotland.

07549 839 684 (UK)

CLICK HERE TO WHATSAPP

[email protected]

• [#IABV2SETTINGS#]

This website uses cookies

We do not use cookies of this type.

[#IABV2_TITLE#]

Distillery tours.

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

MALT MASTER EXPERIENCE

90 MINS / £100.00 PER PERSON

A guided tour of Glengoyne Distillery followed by extra special hands on experience in our Sample Room, where you'll take on the role of the Malt Master and create your very own bottle of Highland Single Malt from single cask whiskies specially chosen from our warehouse.

You’ll taste and tinker your way to a unique cask strength, un-chillfiltered Glengoyne Highland Single Malt. It’s a one-off creation, presented to you in a 200ml Glengoyne bottle with a record of your recipe.

You cannot book this experience anywhere else in Scotland.

Collection Tour and Tasting

90 MINS / £35.00 PER PERSON

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

FINE AND RARE TASTING

45 MINS / £60.00 PER PERSON

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

Storytelling Experience

120 MINS / £65 PER PERSON

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

GLENGOYNE TASTING EXPERIENCE

45 MINS / £27.50 PER PERSON

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

GLENGOYNE TOUR AND TASTING

75 MINS / £20.00 PER PERSON

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

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

Experience Gift Certificate

Our experience gift certificates are suitable for all of our experiences. Choose exactly which activity your loved one will take part in. The perfect gift for whisky lovers.

Distillery Shop

Visit our distillery shop when you will find the exclusive bottles of aged Rosebank and award winning gins and whiskies from Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Edinburgh Gin, alongside locally produced gifts and quality branded souvenirs. Open 10am to 5:30pm every day.

Visitor Reviews

Read our visitor reviews

"Amazing, Intimate Distillery"

We loved this distillery! It’s incredibly beautiful, and our tour guide (Alexandra, I think) was the best tour guide we have had anywhere. So fun and informative. The tasting was delicious and intimate, which made us feel at home. It was so nice to tour a smaller and not overly commercial distillery. We highly recommend!

"Must-do if you love whisky"

My brother and I did the malt master experience with Neil. He was incredible! Incredibly nice and knowledgeable. We tasted some beautiful exclusive whisky before creating our own. We had so much fun and it was authentically the highlight of our distillery tour around Scotland.

"A great experience, with a good tour for a wheelchair user."

We visited as a family with one wheelchair user and were very pleased with the tour provided although it was not as extensive as the full one. Our tour guide, Ellen, was very personable and friendly and took time to go over the distillery and the processes. She was knowledgeable and and answered our questions well. We had the chocolates with three whiskies tour and found the tasting helpful in enjoying the different ones offered and how the chocolate enhanced the flavours. All together a very pleasant experience and well worth the time and expense. Highly recommended.

Plan Your Visit

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

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

Opening Hours

We are open seven days a week, all year round.

Our distillery shop is open every day from 10am until 5:30pm.

Our distillery tours and experiences take place at set times each day and should be booked in advance

2025 Islay Tours Now Live! 2025 Tours at 2024 Prices!

WHISKY TOURS SCOTLAND

Experience the true taste of scotland on our small-group tours.

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

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.

Five-Day Islay & Campbeltown Whisky Tour

Our new Islay & Campbeltown Whisky Tour is for those who want to experience 2 incredible whisky regions in Scotland. We visit many distilleries on Islay, at least 2 distilleries in Campbeltown and have an overnight stay in a castle!

Custom Tour

We can organize every detail, including accommodation, attractions and events and will pair you with the perfect guide to match your interests to ensure you get the most out of your time in Scotland.

4-Day Islay & Campbeltown Whisky Tour

Glenkinchie whisky experience.

Travel from central Edinburgh and set off on an unforgettable trip to Glenkinchie Distillery. Choose from three exceptional distillery experiences, each offering a unique glimpse into the craft of whisky making. Sit back and take in the beautiful scenery while we handle all the transport, ensuring you enjoy a seamless and relaxing day out.

Themed Edinburgh Tours

Thunder dices.

Themed immersive guided tours and experiences in Edinburgh!

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Glasgow’s West End Whisky Tour

Once upon a whisky.

Discover local secrets on the West End of Glasgow on this tasting tour away from the city centre. Includes 4 premium single malt Scotch whiskies, and a dedicated and knowledgable guide.

Explore and taste Scotland with Scottish Routes! Discover the isle of Islay, the Scottish Highlands and the heart of Malt Whisky Country, Speyside, on our whisky tours. Book your tour today!

~ The Rabbie's Blog ~

The 10 Best Scottish Whisky Distilleries to Visit All Year Round

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Loida Garcia (@scotlandhiddenadventures)

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

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

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

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

• Campbeltown

Enjoy a Wee Dram With Rabbie’s Tours

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

Popular Posts

Fairways Scotland

Booking Hotline!

0800 246 1774

Scotland Distilleries and Whisky Tours

With over 120 active distilleries spread across Scotland, a distillery tour is a must for any visitor. In Scotland, distilleries are split into five whisky-producing regions; Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. Where a whisky is made, can have a huge bearing on its flavour. For instance, everything from the source of the water to the presence of peat in the local area will come through in the taste. Speyside is the largest whisky-producing region, which in fact boasts almost two thirds of Scotland’s distilleries. Speyside lies below the Grampian Mountain range between Inverness and Aberdeen and all the distilleries are located on the River Spey or adjoining rivers. Below is a selection of some of the more famous distilleries around Scotland. All of which offer some wonderful distillery tours in addition to tasting experiences. A great way to spend some ‘Off the Course’ time. Talk to us today about including a visit to your favourite whisky distillery within your Scottish Golf Tour. We are happy to recommend options for whisky distillery tours depending on where you are playing during your time in Scotland.

Aberlour Distillery

We can offer a wide range of suitable vehicles for your golfing party. For example we can provide large estate cars (suitable for 2 golfers) up to 7 or 9-seater vehicles for larger parties. The standard rental vehicle for a group of 4 golfers, is a Mercedes Vito, which can comfortable accommodate 4 sets of golf clubs and luggage for the group. Depending on your preference we can offer manual or automatic transmission, however we find automatic transmission most popular. In addition, every hire includes insurance & CDW (excluding excess/ deductible) and comes with a GPS system. A lot of clients choose self-drive as it is an affordable option and provides more flexibility for touring around Scotland.

Aberlour Distillery is located in the Speyside Whisky region of Scotland, surrounded by the dramatic Highland scenery of Ben Rinnes. Found just south of Elgin and the A96 road, which connects Inverness and Aberdeen. The whisky itself is renowned throughout the industry for being a rich, sweet, fruity whisky. This is due to the fact, the whisky is matured in sherry casks. Furthermore, the soft spring water used for making Aberlour whisky is also drawn from nearby natural springs.

The Aberlour Experience Tour is comprehensive and allows visitors to visit all areas of the distillery. Beginning with the distillation process in the stillhouse through to the maturation in the bonded warehouse.

For more information please visit the  Aberlour website .

6th Jan – 22nd Dec 2020 Mon to Sun: 9:30am – 5:00pm Tour price from £20 per person: 1.5 hr tour

Ardbeg Distillery

Ardbeg is based in the Islay region of the whisky world and is renowned for its mysterious backgrounds from the days of whisky smuggling. The distillery, particularly boasts some incredibly smokey, salty and heavily peated whiskies, which flavours originate from the surrounding land and sea. Through the tour you are shown around the distillation stills as well as the kilns where the heavily peated smoke dries out the barley.

The tour finishes with one of their award winning drams. Islay is an ideal location for whisky enthusiasts due to the 7 other wonderful distilleries also on offer. The island also boasts some spectacular scenery.

For more information please visit the  Ardbeg website .

1st Apr – 30th October 2020 Mon to Sun: 9:30am – 5:00pm 2nd Nov – 21st Dec 2020 Mon to Fri: 9:30am – 5:00pm Tour price from £10 per person: 1 hr tour

Glenkinchie Distillery

Glenkinchie Distillery is one of the six distilleries in the Lowland region of Scotland. It is located in the Glen of the Kinchie Burn, just 15 miles from Scotland’s capital. Therefore it is known as ‘The Edinburgh Malt’ and celebrated it’s 180th anniversary in 2017.

During your tour, you can spend some time at the museum which tells the story about malt whisky production. You will also witness the largest stills in Scotland, with a volume of 30,963 litres! In addition, Glenkinchie Distillery is proud to be the official single malt of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The distillery now also operates a shuttle bus service from the city so you can enjoy a dram or two!

For more information please visit the  Glenkinchie website .

Jan, Feb, Nov & Dec 2020 Mon to Sun: 10:00am – 4:00pm March – October 2020 Mon to Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm Tour price  from £10 per person: 1 hr tour

Glenmorangie is particularly unique as all its barrels are made from trees selected in Missouri, USA. These barrels are then loaned to Bourbon Whisky giants, Jack Daniels to flavour the barrels for 4 years. It is then that they are sent to Glenmorangie for filling with the Single Malt.

Once again, Glenmorangie Distillery offers a comprehensive tour. Visit the tallest stills in Scotland and experience the bonded warehouse where some of the finest casks are held for maturation.

For more information please visit the  Glenmorangie website .

Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov & Dec Mon to Fri: 9:45am – 5:00pm Apr, May, Sep & Oct Mon to Sat: 9:45am – 5:00pm June, July & Aug Mon to Sun: 9:45am – 5:00pm Tour price  from £8.50 per person: 1 hr tour

Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre, in Fife Scotland began its journey just a few years ago. Douglas Clement, a golf caddie at Kingsbarns Golf Links thought of the idea. As a result, he converted an old and semi-derelict farm, and himself and Director William Wemyss, who’s family bought the Kingsbarns project in 2013, opened the Distillery in November 2014.

The Distillery released a 2-year-old spirit drink, ‘New Make Spirit. In 2018 they were delighted to release their first single malt Scotch whisky; The Founders’ Reserve Inaugural Release. In fact, this was bottled solely for their Founders’ Club members. Subsequently, at the beginning of 2019, Kingsbarns released their first flagship whisky, ‘Dream to Dram’.

With a fantastic visitor centre and tours on offer Kingsbarns distillery is proud to hold a 5 star rating from VisitScotland. It is also right on the doorstep of Kingsbarns Golf Links and just 7 miles from St Andrews, who could resist a dram after a round of golf? 

For more information please visit the  Kingsbarns Distillery website

Jan, Feb, & Dec 2020 Mon to Sun: 10:00am – 4:00pm Mar, Apr, Oct & Nov 2020 Mon to Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm May – Sep 2020 Mon to Sun: 10:00am – 6:00pm Tour price  from £12 per person: 1 hr tour

The Macallan Distillery

The Macallan is also located within the Speyside Whisky region of Scotland and a little further south than the aforementioned Aberlour Distillery. In 2018 Macallan’s brand new distillery opened which certainly has the WOW factor! The new building was designed to celebrate the whisky making process. It is 120 metres long north to south, 68 metres east to west. It holds a single mash tun, 21 stainless steel washbacks, 12 wash stills and 24 spirit stills. The stills have been made by Forsyths of Rothes, who have been making stills for The Macallan since the 1950s. Specifically, they have been handcrafted to be exactly the same as the previous stills, which are the smallest on Speyside.

Macallan is a worldwide brand, which was made famous for its big, rich sherried speyside whiskies. Over recent years Macallan have added to their portfolio of various whiskies finished in different cask types to meet global demand.  

The ‘Six Pillars’ Macallan distillery tour takes you through how the finest casks dictate the natural colours, aromas and flavours, which make Macallan such a world famous dram.

For more information please visit the  Macallan website .

Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov & Dec 2020 Mon to Sun: 9:30am – 5:00pm Apr – Oct 2020 Mon to Sun: 9:30am – 6:00pm Tour price  from £15 per person: 1 hr & 25 mins tour * Due to popularity booking in advanced is recommended *

The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience located next to Edinburgh Castle is a five star visitor attraction offering whisky tours and  tastings , private dining and also houses Amber Restaurant and a whisky shop. The experience is home to  The World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky , with 3384 bottles of liquid gold. All touring visitors can enjoy a whisky tasting within this unforgettable setting. Or for a truly unique experience, dinner for groups of 10 can also be accommodated. Offering a range of different whisky tours, for the novice to those who already have a good knowledge of scotch whisky, you will find a tour to suit you. You can even step into the shoes of a Master Blender with their  ‘Blend your own whisky’  package where you will create your own whisky to take away and enjoy.

Amber Restaurant uses exceptional produce from our country’s hills, glens, lochs and seas so you are guaranteed to enjoy Scottish food at its best. In addition, the knowledgeable staff will even be able to recommend the perfect whisky to accompany your chosen dish.

For more information please visit the  Scotch Whisky Experience website .

Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec 2020 Mon to Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm Apr 2020 Mon to Sun: 10:00am – 6:00pm May & Jun 2020 Mon to Sun: 10:00am – 8:00pm Jul 2020 Mon to Sun: 10:00am – 8.20pm Aug 2020 Mon to Fri: 10:00am – 5:00pm Sat & Sun: 10:00am – 5:40pm Tour price  from £17 per person: 50 mins tour

Springbank Distillery

Springbank Distillery is located in Campbeltown whisky region, in Scotland. It is found on the peninsula named the ‘Mull of Kintyre’, made famous by Paul McCartneys song on the West coast of Scotland. On a clear day Campbeltown can be visible from the famous Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry. The distillery is also just a few miles away from other outstanding courses at Machrihanish.

Springbank offers three brands within the distillery.  Hazelburn , which is a smooth triple distilled spirit.  Springbank  which is lightly peated giving an oily, smokey taste and finally  Longrow  which is double distilled and heavily peated giving salty, very smokey flavours. Furthermore, Springbank is unique as it is the only distillery in Scotland where the entire process is handled on site. This includes, the growing of the barley, through to the distillation, maturation process and finally finishing with the bottling. An extensive tour is offered here to all visitors. You can witness the entire process and on some occasions ‘Muck in’. An area named ‘The Cage’ is also a place of legend, which allows visitors to purchase exclusive distillery bottles that will never make general sale.

For more information please visit the  Springbank website .

Jan – Dec 2020 Mon to Sat: 9:00am – 5:00pm Tour price  from £10 per person: 1 hr tour

Accommodation, Golf Tee Time Reservations, and Transport!

We take care of every aspect of your tour including accommodation, golf tee time reservations and transport needs along with any other individual requests including:

Accommodation

With such a range of accommodation available in Scotland, it can be difficult knowing where to start and that’s where we come in. You may wish to stay in 5-star luxury resorts, boutique hotels, quaint Scottish B&Bs or your very own exclusive use property. Our tour packages include a variety of options however please feel free to discuss with us your accommodation needs. Also check out our exclusive use golf tour packages for some inspiration!

We arrange and assist with all golf tee time reservations. To help you decide which of the many courses you wish to play in Scotland, check out our section on Scotland’s Golf Courses. Includes details of the top golf courses in the main golfing areas in Scotland.

From self-drive to chauffeur we can recommend and provide the right transport for your group. If you are looking for something really special we can even call in the chopper.

Not Just Golf..

As much as golf is the main event we know Scotland has a whole lot of other fantastic offerings off the course including famous scotch whisky distilleries, stunning historical castles and breath-taking scenery! We are happy to assist with any additional requests such as the following; Private dinners Whisky tastings Brewery tours Outdoor adventure

Working with Us

From the initial contact, our team work closely with you to plan each detail of your golf tour and provide you with your own personalised golf tour itinerary.

We've noticed that you're using an out of date browser. We recommend that you update to the latest version to enhance your browsing experience.

We've refreshed our website design so things may look a little different if you've been here before. We'll be making more improvements soon so watch this space.

Pagodas at a traditional Scottish whisky distillery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Return to Darroch Learg in the evening

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From £3100 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

June — June

Contact details

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

Tour information

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

Tour prices

From £3100 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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

Tour gallery

Tour company information

Geocultura ltd.

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

Social Channels

Visit GeoCultura Ltd

Opening times

Telephone enquiries welcome Monday-Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm

Other tours from this company

Journey to the Misty Isle: Scottish Highlands and the I...

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre

Bring Scotland’s legends, landscapes and long history to life on this exhilarati...

Price from:

Scotland and the Isle of Skye Landscapes and Photograph...

Explore and photograph the incredible mountains, lochs and coastlines of the Isl...

Scottish Highlands and Islands: Skye, Argyll and the Bl...

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.