scotch distillery tours scotland

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Whisky Tour Packages in Scotland

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

Try malt whisky on a tour of Scotland

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

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

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

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

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Visit a distillery on these small group tours

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

Wonders of Scotland

Scottish highlands, loch ness & isle of skye.

Highlights of Scotland

Try whisky on a privately guided trip.

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

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

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

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

Classic Scotland

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

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

Best of Edinburgh - Loch Ness & Highlands

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

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

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

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

Go on a small group tour complete with a distillery visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scotland’s whisky regions

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

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

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

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

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

Get a taste of Scottish cuisine

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

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

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

What do our customers say?

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

Well-organised tour

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

We were in good hands

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

Our guide was exceptional

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

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

One of the best trips we have ever taken

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

Our travel consultant was a delight to work with

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

Our experience was so special

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

We loved every day!

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

The most magical trip!

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

Seamless process

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

Enjoyed my tour so much!

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

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

Research Your Vacation

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

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Our Services

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

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• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
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• Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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]

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10 of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland

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

Nc’nean, Morvern

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

Dewar’s, Perthshire

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

Deanston, Perthshire

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

GlenDronach, Aberdeenshire

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

Clynelish, Sutherland

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

Strathisla, Moray

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

Ardbeg, Argyll and Bute

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

Oban, Argyll and Bute

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

Springbank, Argyll and Bute

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

Kingsbarns, Fife

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

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Creating your scotch grand tour.

Personally curated tours of Scotland’s Whisky heritage. Allow us to create the most immersive Scotch Whisky Tour experience you could imagine.

At Scotch Grand Tour we have second-to-none experience of Scotch, Scotland and travel. As every one of our guests is unique, no two tours are the same. We curate each tour to suit your desires and taste.

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Learn about the Scotch Whisky regions of Scotland, each with its own individual charm. Find inspiration from our regional overviews.

7 of the best Scottish whisky distillery tours

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

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

Auchentoshan , lowlands

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

Auchentoshan Distillery. Picture: TSPL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edradour , Highlands

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

Edradour distillery. Picture: Wikimedia

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

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

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

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

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

Springbank , campbeltown.

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

Picture: audrey_sel\Flickr

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arran distillery , Isle of Arran

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benromach , speyside.

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

Picture: Billy Abbott\Flickr

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

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

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

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

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

Ardbeg , Islay

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

Picture: Youtube

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laphroaig , Islay

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

Picture: Ayack\Wikimedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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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!

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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!

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Private Whisky Tours of Scotland

Discover the Taste of Scotland

Scotch Whisky is world-famous for its smokey, peaty, and smooth flavors, and with over 120 active distilleries around the country , you’ll not be short of ideas of where to visit on your private tour. 

Our bespoke Scotch Whisky Tours allow you to experience the art and craftsmanship of Scotland’s world-famous whisky brands and regions – soaked in history and legend.

Choose your own perfect blend of distilleries

With so many incredible distilleries around Scotland, it can be difficult to decide where to start; our Private Whisky Tours allow you to customize your itinerary and visit all your favorite distilleries and see some beautiful sites along the way – although depending on how many distilleries you’ve visited throughout the day, you’ll likely find everything beautiful! 

Our private tour expert will make recommendations and help you organize each step of your scotch whisky experience and transport you in luxurious comfort to all your desired destinations, all you have to do is decide how long you want your tour to last .

Click on some of our most famous whisky regions to see some of the distilleries Scotland has to offer and get in touch with us by clicking ‘Create my custom tour’ below and we can start planning your unforgettable whisky tour.

Please note: Alcohol is not included in the price of our private tours.

Popular Braw whisky tours

Talisker Whisky

Visit the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport in the village of Carbost: Talisker.

Glenmorangie Distillery

By the tranquil shores of the Dornoch Firth, amidst the golden barley fields, lies the famous Glenmorangie Distillery…

Blair Athol Distillery

Blair Athol Distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Perthshire…

Glenlivet Distillery

Visit one of Scotland’s favorite distilleries & enjoy a unique tasting tour with your own private guide…

Macallan Distillery

Visit the recently revamped distillery & visitor center with your private guides in the heart of the beautiful Macallan Estate…

Laphroaig Distillery

Renowned for the rich, unmistakable taste of its whisky, Laphroaig was first established in 1825 & still employs the traditional methods…

Request Your Whisky Tour Of Scotland

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

Whether your group is new to our famous spirit, or connoisseurs looking to visit your favorite distilleries, get in touch by filling out the form below and start planning your perfect whisky vacation today!

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Highlands Whisky Region

Number of distilleries: 47

Oldest Distillery: Glenturret (1775) 

Most popular distillery: Glenturret, Famous Grouse Experience

Flavor profile: fruity, malty, spicy & swee t

The vast and wild Highland region of Scotland produces varied and unique Scotch from distillery to distillery. Some peaty, some with a strong salty presence from the coast, and some fresh, light, and fruity. The Highlands has a bit of everything: perfect for a group whisky tour with varying preferences, and taste ambitions. 

Speyside Whisky Region

Number of distilleries: 50

Oldest Distillery: Strathisla (1786) 

Most popular distillery: Glenfiddich

Flavor profile: fruity, sweet, spicy & vanilla

Home to some of Scotland’s best-loved malt whiskies, Speyside is Scotch perfection! This beautiful region is filled with incredible valleys, glens, and – most importantly – over 50 distilleries producing some remarkable fine malts: truly whisky heaven and a perfect region for your private Scotch adventure!

Campbeltown Whisky

Number of distilleries: 3

Oldest Distillery: Springbank (1828) 

Most popular distillery: Springbank

Flavor profile: fruity, peaty, sweet & smoky

Steeped in flavor and history, Campbeltown is Scotland’s smallest whisky region but offers up some of the finest malts known to man. With its maritime roots, Campbeltown’s whisky is distinctive and world-renowned: truly a must-visit for a whisky connoisseur while opening the eyes of those less experienced explorers.

Lowlands Whisky Region

Number of distilleries: 18

Oldest Distillery: Auchentoshan (1800) 

Most popular distillery: Glenkinchie

Flavor profile: light, unpeated, citrusy, sweet, floral

The Lowland whisky region in Scotland is famous for its light-bodied single malts that are unpeated and lighter, with a gentle, elegant palate. 

This is an ideal region for both whisky connoisseurs and those new to single malt whisky, as it’s these triple distilled malts are in great supply and are very easy to drink!

Isle of Islay Whisky Region

Number of distilleries: 9

Oldest Distillery: Bowmore(1779) 

Most popular distillery: Ardbeg

Flavor profile: powerful, peaty, smoky, sweet & salty

Situated on the west coast of Scotland, Islay is often known as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ and is an island built on peat and improved with whisky. Renowned for its beautiful scenery and beaches as well as its fine single malt Scotch, the Isle of Islay is a must-do for any true Whisky fan. Most famous for the big smokes of Laphroaig, Lagavulin & Ardbeg.

Visit the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport in the village of Carbost, Talisker. You will see the 5 copper pot stills and the traditional worm tubs that make the Talisker so unique, then look at the casks in the warehouse where Angel’s Share is lost to evaporation during maturation.

By the tranquil shores of the Dornoch Firth, amidst the golden barley fields that border the Royal Burgh of Tain, lies the Glenmorangie Distillery where accompanied by their expert guides, you will journey through all stages of our award-winning whisky creation, from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.

Blair Athol Distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Perthshire. Set in open moorland south of the town, in the foothills of the Grampian mountains, Blair Athol’s ancient source of water – the Allt Dour – flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, contributing to the whisky’s, mellow quality and smooth finish.

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’s son of the founder, realized the importance of branding so in 1884 he took legal action to reserve use of the title “The Glenlivet”.

In the heart of the beautiful Macallan Estate sits Macallan Distillery. The Edrington Group, which owns the Macallan distillery, has taken the bold move to revamp the distillery and visitor center so it is now the most modern and high technology looking distillery in Scotland.

Where there were once large “sheds” for the mash tuns and still rooms, there are now cleverly landscaped semi-subterranean buildings that blend the distillery into the green fields of the landscape. The building is a stunning piece of modern architecture that combines functionality with organic shapes and materials. They have deliberately kept some pictures of the old distillery buildings in the gallery so you can see just how radically different the new distillery buildings are.

 Laphroaig (La-froyg) Distillery is renowned for the rich, unmistakable taste of its whisky and is the favorite of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and even bears his Royal Warrant.

Established in 1825 by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston, Laphroaig still employs the traditional methods and time-honored skills that have been used for centuries to produce the most distinctive single malt in the world.

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Whisky Tours

‘the water of life’.

So, you fancy yourself a wee dram of malt whisky while you’re here in Scotland?

Och, good on ya. It’s our national drink for a reason.

It’s hard to know for sure how long the process of whisky distilling has been around. At least the 15th century, probably long before.

We gather up the barely and soak it in water before spreading it out to germinate. After six or seven days, you’ve got green malt, perfect for the kiln. After it’s smoked in peat, it’s mashed down into a coarse grist and now its ready to ferment. Into the ‘pot’ it goes and so begins the distilling process. Only the purest liquid makes it through. Only the best .

There’s far more to it than that, but you’re just here for the drink, no?

So, go on then, enjoy yourself some uisge beatha … ‘water of life’.

Explore whisky tours

Why you'll love learning about Scotch whisky

Nuanced Flavours

Whisky has simple ingredients: barley, wheat or rye, yeast and water. The Scots drink it straight or with a dash of water.

But the drink is also complex. There's an abundance of different 'cask strengths', 'blended malts', and 'single grains'. Take a tour and learn the nuances.

Serene Surroundings

Whisky makers say distilleries are in remote locations because of fresh water sources. But this isn’t always true.

In the 18th century, distillers relocated to avoid tax collector routes. This was bad for distillers, but it’s great if you want to enjoy a dram near a delightful view.

Treacherous Tales

Distillers avoided tax by malting at night. Glaswegians rioted when Britain imposed a malt tax. And dragoons and highwayman patrolled the roads searching for whisky smugglers. Take a whisky tour and let your guide bring the history to life.

The Water of Life

Many of Scotland’s literary legends were influenced by the taste of whisky. Robert Burns penned entire poems in the drink’s honour.

Find out why the Scots call it ‘The Water of Life’ and you may be inspired to write a verse or two yourself.

Scottish Whisky Tours

A Taste of Scotland

A Scottish blend of whisky and cuisine. Fresh from your Platinum whisky tour, you’ll be seated in our award-winning Amber Restaurant to enjoy our renowned Taste of Scotland menu.

Taste of Scotland

This tour is strictly for those aged 18+ years old and is available in English only. Please bring ID.

Buy Taste of Scotland GIFT tickets here.

This tour includes:

The Platinum Tour PLUS

• Our three-course Scottish food experience menu in Amber Restaurant
• A ‘trio’ starter and a ‘trio’ main course, followed by dessert
• A dram of Scotch whisky matched with dessert
• Coffee or tea

The Platinum Tour includes;

• New! – Origins, The Art of Whisky Making, Maturation – an immersive whisky journey!
• Fully guided tour & tasting experience
• Sensory journey through Scotland
• Introduction to the art of blending
• Extended viewing of our world-famous Scotch whisky collection
• Membership of our Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society for 1 year
• A chocolate pairing
• Sample of a deluxe blend or blended malt in addition to 4 regional malt whiskies
• Gift bag which includes crystal whisky tasting glass and distillery map

Fantastic platinum tour with a fantastic selection of Whisky to taste too. We would also recommend the Taste of Scotland meal in Amber afterwards!

Thanks to all involved in our visit to Taste of Scotland Platinum Tour followed by traditional Scottish cuisine. All staff involved, from start to finish, were really pleasant and most informative, a real credit to The Scotch Whisky Experience.

We had the taste of Scotland tasting menu. 2 vegetarian and 1 meat eater. It was perfect. We could not fault it. Excellent flavours and the best meal I have had for a long time. The dessert was perfect - sticky toffee pudding with whisky.

We loved the haggis, vegetarian haggis, honey glazed carrots, tomato basil soup, and sticky toffee pudding for food! We also loved our whisky flight!

I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional quality and taste of the food here—it exceeded all my expectations. Plus, the location is incredibly convenient, just a stone's throw away from Edinburgh Castle. I indulged in some delicious Haggis and sampled a variety of whiskies.

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Our Taste of Scotland menu is also available to book on it's own - the perfect end to any of our tours.

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The Top 15 Scottish Distilleries to Visit in Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

The Top 15 Distilleries in Scotland

1. the scotch whisky experience.

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

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

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

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

2. Glenfiddich Distillery

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

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

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

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

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

3. Glenlivet Distillery

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

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

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

4. Highland Park Whisky Distillery

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

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

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

5. Laphroaig Distillery

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

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

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

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

6. Auchentoshan Distillery

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

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

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

7. The Clydeside Distillery

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

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

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

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

8. Ben Nevis Distillery

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

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

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

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

9. Jura Distillery

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

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

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

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

10. Talisker Distillery

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

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

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

11. Cardhu Distillery

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

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

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

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

12. Glenmorangie Distillery

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

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

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

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

13. Old Pulteney Distillery

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

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

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

14. Wolfburn Distillery

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

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

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

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

15. The Isle of Harris Distillery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Author:

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

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Highland Whisky Distilleries

With over 50 distilleries spread across the Highlands and Islands, the Highlands are by far the largest geographical whisky producing area, but account for just 1 of 5 whisky regions in Scotland. To call Highland whiskies diverse is an understatement: it boasts probably the widest array of styles, from rich and textured to fragrantly floral - these are whiskies that refuse to be pigeonholed.

Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye

© Talisker Distillery / Jakub Iwanicki

Explore Highland Whisky in Scotland

• Isle of Raasay Distillery

In this region you'll find some of Scotland's oldest distilleries and some of Scotland's newest, all of which pack a real punch with their range of unique flavours, notes and tones. 

Explore Highland distilleries and sample the region's distinctive malts and blends. You'll find some of whisky's most famous names here - and some of its most fiercely individual spirits.

• Glenturret  at Crieff 
• Balblair  at Tain
• Torabhaig Distillery  on Skye
• Ncn'ean Distillery  by Lochaline

Macallan Distillery and Visitor Centre

WHERE IS THE HIGHLAND WHISKY REGION? 

The distilleries of the Highland whisky region are spread far and wide and, in terms of geography, this whisky region takes the crown as Scotland's largest. Stretching from Orkney in the north to the Isle of Arran in the south, the region takes in the northern isles and most of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Argyll, Stirlingshire, Arran, parts of Perthshire and Aberdeenshire too.

You can find out more about this vast region and how to get here and get about by visiting our  Map of Scotland .

Glenlivet Distillery

HIGHLAND WHISKY CHARACTERISTICS

The Scotch produced in the untamed wilds of the Highlands is varied and unique from distillery to distillery thanks to the ever-changing landscape of coastline, moor and mountain and variable weather conditions. While some are peated, heavily sherried or have a salty tang from the sea, others are fresh, light and grassy.

It is helpful to categorise Highland single malts into four sub-regions. In the north (including Orkney), you'll find full bodied, heathery whiskies with a spicy character; lighter and fruity whiskies are found to the south, and similar drams with a touch more body are found to the east ( The Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire | PDF 3.9MB ). The whiskies from the western reaches offer full body with a peaty punch and sea air. Those from the islands tend to be sweet and smoky, with maritime influences, reflecting the heathery and salty peat that's used to dry the barley.

Explore more whisky Regions in Scotland

Ardnahoe Distillery

Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown and Lowlands

Although the Highlands as a whisky region is the largest, the other four regions of Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown and the Lowlands really pack a punch! Each region boasts whiskies that have their own unique characteristics, from bold and smoky aromas to fair and gentle tipples, there is a whisky to suit all palettes.

Wherever you venture in Scotland you'll be met by distilleries old and new that offer tours, tastings, experiences and more so you can learn all about the age old process of bringing Scotland's malt whisky to life.

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13 of the best distillery tours in Scotland

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

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

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

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

2. Johnnie Walker, Princes Street, Edinburgh

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

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3. The Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, Speyside

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

4. Lagavulin, Islay

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

5. Glenkinchie, Tranent, East Lothian

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

6. Edradour, Pitlochry, Perthshire

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

7. Bunnahabhain, Port Askaig, Islay

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

8. Macallan, Aberlour, Speyside

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

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9. Hearach, Tarbert, Isle of Harris

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

10. Jura, Isle of Jura

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

11. Strathisla, Keith, Speyside

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

Best hotels in the Highlands

12. Raasay, Isle of Raasay

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

13. Glenmorangie, Tain, Ross-shire

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

• Read our full Glenmorangie House review

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

Top Scotch Distilleries to Visit in 2024

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

Scotland Travel Logistics

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

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

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

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

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What is Scotch Whisky?

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

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

Top 10 Scotch Whisky Distilleries To Visit in Scotland

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

1. Glenmorangie House – Taste & Stay

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

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

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

2. Isle of Raasay Distillery – Taste & Stay

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

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

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

3. Laphroaig Distillery

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

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

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

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

4. Glenkinchie Distillery

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

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

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

5. Glen Scotia Distillery

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

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

6. Glenfarclas Distillery

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

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

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

7. Highland Park

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

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

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

8. Blair Athol

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

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

9. Dewar’s Aberfeldy

• Region / District:  Highlands
• Founded: 1896

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

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

10. The McCallan Estate

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

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

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

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

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

Scotch Whisky Tours & Day Trips

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

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

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

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

If you enjoyed this guide, follow us on Twitter and consider joining Winetraveler Facebook Group to connect with other Winetravelers and for additional travel inspiration around the world.

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Scotland in the News

90% of pubs fear they won’t survive winter, which ranks edinburgh as one of the uk's best city breaks - but says it's crowded.

Almost 90% of Scotland’s pubs and bars say they may not survive the winter without further support from the government. (Terry Murden - September 28, 2022 - DailyBusinessGroup.co.uk)

The capital scored top marks for cultural sights, accommodation and food and drink in the leading consumer awareness brand's research - though crowds are clearly a problem. (Iuliia Vlasova - August 15, 2022 - Edinburghlive.co.uk)

Top 20 Most Visited Tourist Attractions and Destinations in Scotland

Looking for the most popular attractions in Scotland? This list is based on actual visitor numbers from 2021*. We've got iconic castles, incredible museums, beautiful gardens and much more for you to explore. (VisitScotland.com)

7 Adorable Small Towns to visit in Scotland

The world's oldest known whiskey sells for $110k.

The Dalmore Decades collection features six rare single malt whiskies, each representing a different decade of the renowned brand’s history. (August 22 2021 - Samantha Priestley  -  TravelAwaits.com)

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

John Walker first opened the doors of his grocery store in 1820 and what better way to commemorate this fantastic brand and its history than opening the doors to a brand-new destination. (Ewan Gunn -  Diageo.com)

A historic whiskey, which could date back over 250 years, smashed auction estimates to sell for $110,000 on Wednesday. (July 1, 2021 - Rachel Trent - CNN.com)

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The Malt Whisky Trail is a uniquely immersive whisky experience — but the journey you’ll take along The Trail is about so much more.

As you embark along the road through malt whisky country, you’ll encounter a huge variety of sites to see and things to do.

You’ll find globally renowned textiles mills, cosy seaside cafes, and world-class outdoor pursuits.

As you follow the mighty River Spey from sea to source you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing short break or longer holiday. Learn more about what you can see and do on The Malt Whisky Trail here.

With so much to do, The Malt Whisky Trail is the perfect spot for getaways long and short. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend break or a few days on the road, inspire yourself with one of our suggested itineraries.

To the north of The Malt Whisky Trail lies the famous Moray Firth, so why not combine a visit to some of our sites with a trip to the coast?

At the south of The Malt Whisky Trail you’ll find forests and mountains, perfect for adventure lovers.

We all know the weather in Scotland can be a little unpredictable, so if you find yourself caught out, we’ve got you covered (literally!).

Consider following one of our Two Day itineraries, and add this on.

With five days, you’ll have ample time to journey The Malt Whisky Trail.

The Malt Whisky Trail puts a real sense of escape within easy reach. Wherever you’re coming from, Moray Speyside is simple to get to by air, rail and road.

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Distillery Map

Many distilleries welcome visits by members of the public.  It is often necessary to make arrangements in advance, but many distilleries have extensive visitor facilities and do not require prior warning of a visit.

Visiting a distillery allows you to indulge your passion for Scotch and, at the same time, discover the environment and meet the people that have done so much to shape our iconic product.

No matter which distillery you choose to visit - be it an island, mainland, large or small - you can expect great Scotch Whisky, a warm Scottish welcome, and a fabulous day out.

You can view the information of all current operating Scotch Whisky distilleries in the Google Map below. The SWA produces a downloadable map every May (correct at point of publication). You can download the latest 2023 version here . 

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Everything you need to know about English whisky

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

What’s happening in the world of whisky?  

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

Err… that doesn’t sound right.  

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

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

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

But is it any good?  

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

Where to drink English whisky

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

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

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

Three English whisky's to try

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

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

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

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The Spirits Business

England boosts uk distillery numbers.

The number of registered distilleries in the UK climbed by 8.7% last year, driven by new English producers.

The UK welcomed 54 new distilleries in 2023 to reach a total of 387 (up from 356 distilleries in 2022), according to national accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.

The number of distilleries in England soared by a fifth to 48 sites registered in 2023, up from 40 in 2022.

Scotland and Northern Ireland each saw an increase of three new distilleries last year, while Wales’ distillery numbers remained the same.

Among some of the new UK producers were Edinburgh-based Port of Leith, which opened its new £12 million (US$14.5m) distillery last year.

Meanwhile, Ad Gefrin launched a £14m (US$17.5m) whisky distillery and museum in Northumberland, England.

Titanic Distillers also become the first working whiskey distillery in Belfast in almost 90 years when it opened last summer.

According to HMRC data for the year ending 31 July 2023, UK drinks exports rose by 13% to £9.4 billion (US$11.8bn), up from £8.3bn (US$10.4bn) in 2021/22.

Citing data from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), UHY noted that whisky now accounts for more than a quarter of all UK food and drink exports at a value of £5.6bn (US$7bn) in 2023.

James Simmonds, partner at UHY Hacker Young, said: “The premium prices consumers are willing to pay for higher margin, luxury brands is seeing both entrepreneurs and bigger spirits companies continue to rush to capitalise on the market. Spirits, including whisky, have been one of the UK’s success stories.

“The expectation is that, longer term, there is much more growth to come in the UK’s heritage spirits brands.

“Strong levels of demand are seeing new distillers continue to enter the market, while savvy entrepreneurs in the business are also taking advantage of additional revenue streams such as distillery tours and tastings.”

Scotch whisky exports were up by 14% by value last year when compared with 2019 figures, the SWA revealed. However, the figures are a decrease on 2022, which was described as a ‘bumper’ year.

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