Scotland's best distilleries: tours and tips

Visit the distilleries of Scotland Visiting distilleries is one of the best ways to experience the country. From the copper stills of Speyside to the windswept warehouses of Islay and the small country distilleries, each visit tells a story. Based in Edinburgh since 2012, we present our favorite Scottish distilleries, along with our practical tips.

What happens during a distillery tour?

The standard tour lasts between one and two hours. It begins by following the production stages: malting, brewing, fermentation, distillation, and then aging in barrels. It concludes with a guided tasting. Scotch Whisky Association It also lists the rules for the production of Scotch tape.

Some distilleries also offer more in-depth tours, including access to the warehouses and barrel sampling. Book online, as slots fill up quickly in the summer. Finally, tastings are reserved for those 18 years of age and older.

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The landscapes and the visitsSeveral distilleries along the route

Speyside distilleries in Scotland

Speyside has the highest concentration of distilleries in the country, centered around the River Spey. The whiskies there are generally sweeter and fruitier.

• Glenfiddich, in Dufftown, one of the few large houses that are still family-owned.
• The Glenlivet, in an isolated valley, pioneered legal distilleries in 1824.
• The Macallan, whose contemporary building, opened in 2018, is built into the hillside.
• Strathisla, in Keith, is considered one of the oldest still in operation.

Dufftown and Aberlour are excellent bases for exploring the region on foot or by taxi.

Islay, the island of peaty whiskies

Islay, on the other hand, produces whiskies marked by peat and sea air. The distilleries there are often located by the water, with their names painted in large letters on the warehouses.

• Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardbeg, aligned on the south coast, can be reached on foot or by bicycle.
• Bowmore, in the heart of the village of the same name, is home to one of the oldest warehouses in Scotland.
• Bruichladdich and Kilchoman, which are more recent, rely on local barley.

The island can be reached by ferry from Kennacraig, or by plane from Glasgow. Therefore, plan to stay at least two nights.

The Highlands, the Islands and the Lowlands

Elsewhere, distilleries are scattered across a wide variety of landscapes. Talisker, on the Isle of Skye, overlooks Loch Harport. Oban is located right in the town center, between the port and the ferries. Further north, Highland Park, in Orkney, is one of the northernmost distilleries in Scotland.

In the Lowlands, Glengoyne is less than an hour from Glasgow, while Edinburgh now boasts several urban distilleries. It's therefore the easiest option if your stay is short. Our guide to the whisky route in Scotland details each region.

Our tips for visiting distilleries in Scotland

• Book your visits online, especially from June to September.
• Plan to visit a maximum of two distilleries per day, so as not to do too many tastings in a row.
• Designate a driver: the blood alcohol limit for driving is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood in Scotland, lower than in the rest of the UK.
• Ask for a "driver's dram": most distilleries will give you your tasting in a bottle to take away.
• Finally, check the opening hours in winter, as some distilleries reduce their tours.

What is the best route for visiting distilleries in Scotland?

Generally, in four or five days, you can combine Edinburgh, Perthshire, and Speyside. With eight to eleven days, add the west coast and Islay. Peat lovers can even dedicate an entire trip to the islands, including Islay, Jura, and Skye.

To find out when to go, consult our guide. when to go to Scotland, And for local driving, our guide for rent a car.

Frequently asked questions about distilleries in Scotland

How many distilleries can you visit in one day?

Two at most, especially if you're driving yourself. Journeys between distilleries often take longer than you might think.

Do distillery tours need to be booked in advance?

Yes, online and in advance. The most sought-after tours, like those to Islay, are fully booked several weeks in advance during the summer.

Which region should I choose for my first whisky trip?

Speyside, particularly for its high concentration of distilleries and ease of travel. Islay is better suited to lovers of peaty whiskies.

Is it possible to visit distilleries without drinking alcohol?

Yes. The tours are still interesting, and the distilleries offer bottles to take away for drivers.

Visit Scotland's distilleries with Brightside Travel

Our team lives in Scotland and has personal knowledge of many distilleries. We offer, among other things, a 11-day whisky tour, adaptable to your dates, or a tailor-made trip to Scotland.

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