18 OF THE BEST WHISKEY DISTILLERIES TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND

The magic of distilleries has never ceased to capture the imagination of the world over and over; they invoke a sense of the mystical and the unknown, even though the process remains largely the same today as it was over a thousand years ago. 

Scotch whiskey is one of Scotland’s most iconic and celebrated exports, and with over 120 whiskey distilleries in Scotland, it’s no wonder the country draws enthusiasts from across the globe. 

There are two main types of Scotch whiskey: single malt and single grain. Single malt whiskey is produced from 100% malted barley at a single distillery, offering a more complex flavour profile. 

Blended whiskies, meanwhile, combine malt and grain whiskies to create smoother, more approachable spirits. Whichever your preference, touring these distilleries will not only educate you on the process but also immerse you in a tradition that has been evolving for centuries.

Whether you’re interested in a hands-on tasting session, a full behind-the-scenes production tour, or simply admiring the scenic settings, Scottish distillery tours offer a variety of experiences that reflect the unique character of each region.

Most of our visitors to Scotland and Ireland make time for at least one distillery visit during their stay. The main whiskey-producing regions of Scotland – The Highlands, The Lowlands, Islay, Speyside, and Campbeltown – each boast distinctive profiles and some of the best distillery tours in Scotland.

Whether they are bottling, blending, or creating their own private labels, each and every distillery showcases the same enthusiasm for one of Scotland’s most traditional crafts. Below is a list of 18 of our favourite stops for whiskey tours of Scotland, carefully selected to showcase the best that scotch has to offer.

Found underneath the Cuillin hills of Skye, this distillery boasts a very peaty and full-bodied malt from their copper stills.  The dramatic coastal scenery and wildlife are part of Talisker’s charm, and they offer a decent tour too.  Even better, it’s close to the Kinloch Lodge and wonderful Three Chimneys, a particular favourite of mine.

Possibly the smallest distillery in Scotland, Edradour is famous for its Highland single malt whiskey.  Found in 1825 and tucked away in the heart of Pitlochry, it also has a delightful shop and visitor experience and remains a bit of a hidden gem.

If you’re staying at Kinross House, this is an ideal distillery to visit.

This Scottish distillery is well worth the trip.  Orkney may be almost 310 miles from Edinburgh and Highland Park is certainly the most northerly distillery in Scotland, but it really does produce the most fabulous whiskey. 

Their 12-year-old with a touch of peat and smoky tones is divine, and the tasting makes visiting this distillery a real delight.  It is also a stone’s throw from the fabulous Balfour Castle on Shapinsay.  We can organise some fabulous Orkney whiskey tours – just get in touch!

Steeped in rich history, Lindores Abbey is known as the “Spiritual home of Scotch Whiskey” – believed to be the first recorded distillery to produce what is known today as whiskey.  The Abbey has housed Kings, Princes – even William Wallace, and in September 2017, they threw open their doors to the public for the very first time, bringing whiskey home.  

This is the brainchild of dear friends of ours, Helen and Drew MacKenzie Smith and at LTR, we wish them all the best. Guests of Birkhill Castle will be able to easily make a trip to Lindores Abbey.

On the southern bank of the Moray Firth comes the golden nectar that has been crafted by the men of Tain for centuries.  The Glenmorangie Distillery tour is a gentle amble through time and shows off the distillery and warehouses with rare access. 

If you overindulge, don’t worry because Glenmorangie House, next door, offers a very comfortable stay.

In common with the rest of the famous Islay family of distilleries, Ardbeg stands out, for me, as one of the greatest distilleries on earth.  As good on its own or splashed over oysters, Ardbeg whiskey evokes an unsurpassed flavour, and the distillery offers a fascinating insight into their secret world.

This special Speyside distillery not only offers visitors behind-the-scenes insight but also a vast range of tastings crafted from in-house floor maltings and locally hand-cut peat. Balvenie is a true delight and a fun trip to make if you’re staying at Gordon Castle, which is just a half-hour drive away.

We have very fond memories of visiting this distillery with a client some years ago for a very personal tour conducted by the owner.  We arrived by helicopter, blended, bottled and labelled our own whiskey and, after an excellent lobster lunch, we were very sorry to leave.  

Our client had ordered a cask, which is still sitting there, and he visits from time to time to check that the Angel’s share has not completely evaporated.  A really magical place.

Nestled deep in the wild and beautiful Speyside valley, Glenlivet Distillery is home to the production of its namesake and has grown to become one of the biggest single malt distilleries in order to keep up with global demand.  

Their single malt whisky is the biggest-selling in the US, and their distillery doesn’t disappoint.  The intimate tours are both educational and inspiring.  Kincardine Castle is next door and offers first-class, exclusive accommodation to the weary reveller.

This is a great little distillery, just south of Edinburgh, offering the best of lowland malts.  An exceptional visitor experience kicking off with an exhibition on the Malting Floors, a tour of the distillery production areas and finishing with more tasting. 

The stunning, Adam-designed Gilmerton House is a 10-minute drive and well worth a stay either before or after a visit to Glenkinchie.

As Knockando say themselves, they do whiskey “a little differently”.  Their award-winning AnCnoc (meaning “the hill”) is a refreshingly modern take on the traditional production methods, and the result is a lighter-tasting single malt.

Despite being a small distillery, Knockando is forward-thinking and the perfect embodiment of a modern establishment. Perfect for more adventurous whiskey fans!

Laphroaig offers one of the best distillery tours in Scotland in our opinion.  Expertly run, the staff at Laphroaig are informative and passionate about their craft.  

Check out the gift shop and make sure you grab your national flag and map, set out onto the bogs and claim your very own plot in a fun twist to the day. Modern and upscale, Laphroaig ticks all the boxes for the present-day whiskey lover.

Possibly one of my favourite distilleries. The sheer name conjures up such wonderful images of the world-famous whiskey, and the distillery more than lives up to its reputation.

Rich, smoky and full-bodied, Lagavulin is hard to beat. The Queen of the Hebrides, as Islay is often referred to, doesn’t disappoint with this gem as it is set fairly and squarely at the heart of it.

One of the highest distilleries in Scotland, the fabulously remote Dalwhinnie does whisky with a twist – combining their 15-year-old single malt with handmade chocolates!  If you don’t have time for a tour of the distillery, make sure you have time for a dram and a chocolate before you leave. It’s a distillery with real charm and a great pit-stop if you’re on your way north.

Located just outside Glasgow and easily accessible for those staying in Edinburgh, Glengoyne is ideal for a day trip. As one of the most scenic distilleries in the Highlands, it’s frequently included in the best whiskey tour Edinburgh region lists.

An icon of Scotch whisky, Glenfiddich is a global leader and one of the biggest distilleries in Scotland. Their expansive visitor experience and heritage centre make it an anchor point on any whiskey tours of Scotland.

Known for its traditional methods and family ownership, Springbank has a devoted following. For those seeking an authentic, less-commercialised tour, it stands as one of the best distilleries to visit in Scotland.

The Macallan is the last distillery on my list of Scottish distilleries, but by no means the least.  Its reputation precedes it and, for most of our clients outside of the UK, is the most well-known.  

Set in the heart of Speyside, the Macallan uses uniquely shaped copper stills in order to have maximum contact with the whiskey.  This, alongside many other Macallan secrets learnt on their exclusive tour, combine to make the world-famous flavour that we all know so well.  It is very well worth taking a Macallan distillery tour if you’re staying nearby.

As you can see, we are deeply passionate about the whiskey produced in this extraordinary country. We get immense pleasure from curating unforgettable castle holidays in Scotland, each customised to highlight the best distillery tours in Scotland. 

Whether you’re seeking the best whiskey tasting in Edinburgh, looking to explore the biggest distillery in Scotland, or simply hoping to find the best whisky tasting experience in Scotland, there’s something for every palate.

To find out more about our tours, contact our team or call us on +44 (0)1835 824 642.