The Top 10 Whiskey Distilleries in Scotland You Should Visit
Whether you spell it ‘whiskey’ or ‘whisky’ (As we do here in Scotland) you’re w
elcome to a journey through the heart and soul of Scotland's ambrosia!
Scotland is renowned worldwide for its exceptional whisky, and the distilleries scattered across this breathtaking landscape stand as testament to it.
Scotland is a
whiskey lover's paradise - home to some of the world's best distilleries. With more than 120 whiskey distilleries in Scotland, you’ll need a way to whittle down the options.
From the windswept coastal regions to the misty Highland glens and the famous ‘Island of Whisky’, each distillery on our list offers a unique blend of history, innovation, and, of course, flavours!
Join us as we raise a glass and delve into the world of Scotland's finest distilleries, where age-old traditions meet modern innovation, resulting in liquid gold that delights connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
1. Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne
Glengoyne distillery (above pictured), a venerable whisky-making establishment, has proudly maintained its uninterrupted operation since its establishment in 1833. Situated in Dumgoyne, just north of Glasgow, Scotland, Glengoyne distinguishes itself by crafting Highland single malt whisky that matures in the Lowlands.
Found along the Highland Line, which demarcates the boundary between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, Glengoyne's stills reside in the Highlands, while the whisky they produce rests and matures in casks located just across the road in the Lowlands. This unique geographical positioning lends a distinctive character to Glengoyne's whisky, a testament to the complex interplay of tradition and terroir that defines its exceptional flavor profile.
A popular destination on our Stirling tour where we go to Stirling castle, Loch Lomond, Glengoyne Distillery and the Kelpies. Consider check it out here (from Edinburgh) and here (from Glasgow).
2. Dalmore Distillery, Invergordon
Located on the north shore of the Cromarty Firth overlooking Ben Wyvis, the Dalmore Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest and grandest distilleries. Established in 1839, the distillery produces some of Scotland's finest single-malt whiskies using traditional techniques that you can learn all about on their tours.
They’re set apart from the rest by the fact that they use sherry casks to imbue their whiskeys with extra flavor and that unique taste. Whiskey lovers can explore warehouses, sample whiskey and learn about the long history of Dalmore at one of its guided tours.
3. Glenfiddich Distillery, Dufftown
Set in the small town of Dufftown, the Glenfiddich Distillery is a firm favorite amongst whiskey enthusiasts. First established in 1886, the distillery produces some of Scotland’s most popular single malt whiskies using traditional copper pot stills and aged in oak barrels. Guests to the distillery can enjoy tasting sessions, guided tours and discover why Glenfiddich's range have won countless whisky awards over the years.
The distillery is family-owned and has been since its founding by William Grant in 1886. They’ve overcome countless hardships over the years to keep the place afloat and have come out winning more awards for their single malts than any other distillery around.
If you’re up in the highlands and partial to this classic Speyside Single Malt, make sure to check out the distillery, their tours and, of course, tasting!
If you’re up in the highlands and partial to this classic Speyside Single Malt, make sure to check out the distillery, their tours and, of course, tasting!
4. Glenlivet Distillery, Ballindalloch
The Glenlivet Distillery is in Ballindalloch, Aberdeenshire and produces one of the oldest whisky brands in Scotland dating back to1824. Although it’s said the founder, George Smith, had been illicitly distilling the whiskey for at least 2 years prior. So, we can say the brand has been around since 1822!
Glenlivet Distillery has an impressive range of single malt whiskies that make up their iconic portfolio. During your visit you will find out about the history of the area and gain an insight into the production process.
There are several tours to choose from that include a unique “Living History Tour” which uses historic film and photographs to explore the industry’s past.
The stunning, remote location of the distillery is worth the visit in and of itself so make sure to add this one to your list!
5. Balvenie Distillery, Dufftown
Home to the longest serving Malt Master, David C. Steward, Balvenie is forging ahead in the development of new whiskey making techniques and making a name for itself in the industry.
The flavor of their rum cask whiskeys is something special, fruity and uncommon in the whiskey making world. Balvenie is another favorite amongst our Scottish tour guides and we’re confident you’ll be more than pleased with a visit to their distillery in Dufftown.
6. Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain
It was in 1843 when farmer William Matheson and his wife, Anne, decided to start the Glenmorangie distillery.
Stellar whiskey has been made in the same spot ever since. The stills in this distillery are unique in that they have an extra-long neck for space to add taste and aroma.
You can visit to see how they craft that unique, creamy and complex single malt at their distillery in Tain. At Glenmorangie they’re not just making malts, they’re crafting an experience and a story of dedication and ingenuity.
We hit up Glenmorangie Distillery on a few of our multi-day tours -
Edinburgh to Orkney 5 day tour
Edinburgh to Lewis & Harris 5 day tour
You can always get in touch to organise a private tour to any or ALL of the Scottish distilleries!
7. Ardbeg Distillery, Isle of Islay
Ardbeg’s reputation proceeds it amongst whiskey connoisseurs. Over the years it has become somewhat a cult classic whiskey and has amassed and impressive following of devoted fans.
As a result, Ardbeg have recently managed to sell a single malt cask from 1975 for £16 million, an incredible record-breaking sum. You do have to wonder that after 46 years in a cask, if it will taste any good.
Joining Ardbegs worldwide committee means having access to their members-only whiskeys as well as VIP events and other exclusive content. Don’t miss this cult classic on your whiskey tour around Scotland.
We head to Ardbeg Distillery as well as Bowmore, Laphroaig and Lagavulin Distilleries on our 4-day tour to the Island of Whisky - Isle of Islay!
Check it out from Edinburgh here.
8. Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay
Another Isle of Islay distillery that begs mention is Laphroaig, one of my personal favorites as I’m a lover of that peaty, smoky flavor they infuse so well into the whiskey.
Founded in 1815 by members of the Clan MacDonald, they got to using the abundance of peat on the island to enhance the taste. This is quite typical of the island whiskeys, and you’ll notice some similarities in tastes among the various distilleries.
Laphroaig, however, stand out among the rest. Visit their distillery to learn how it’s all made by master distillers and to try their impressive range of whiskeys.
We head to Laphroig Distillery as well as Bowmore, Ardbeg and Lagavulin Distilleries on our 4-day tour to the Island of Whisky - Isle of Islay!
Check it out from Edinburgh here.
9. Talisker Distillery, Isle of Skye
It’s far from the only distillery on the isle of Skye but it is the oldest and quite possibly the most famous. Set on the shores of loch Carport in the quiet village of Carbost, the distillery itself is a marvel and the single malt whiskey produced their - some of the finest in Scotland.
Then history of the whiskey can be traced back to the 1830’s and the whiskey itself is still made with the same process as it was those 200 years ago. The stills in the distillery are replicas of the originals and you’ll find them to be quite an impressive sight as you sip a classic 10-year-aged Talisker.
10. Springbank Distillery, Campbeltown
Founded in the 19th century and still owned by its founding family. Springbank has a reputation for being hard to find but worth the effort.
They handle everything in house, from malting the barley to bottling up the tasty brew for their fans.
By keeping the amount of whiskey, they produce to only as much as the true fans of Springbank can consume, they maintain a scarcity that makes it a challenge to find.
By heading to the distillery in person you can beat the crowds and go straight to the source! 5 generations of passed down expertise and knowledge are a sight worth seeing.
So, there you have it! 10 of our favorite whiskey/whisky distilleries to visit while in the highlands of Scotland!
If you’re looking for guided whiskey tours, then check out our trips where you can see the beauty of Scotland and wet your whistle with the best distilleries around.
Just click the group tour tab at the top of the page to start exploring!
