distillery tours scotland speyside

Step inside The Distillery Doors of The Balvenie and discover how we make our whisky o u r w h i s k y .

What awaits you What awaits you

2.5 hour long whisky journey

See the making process

Visit the famous warehouse 24

Intimate whisky tasting

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Nestled amid rolling hills and meandering rivers , adorned with fields of golden barley swayed beneath the caress of the sun. Speyside is a tranquil and charming region that whispers tales of whisky artistry .

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You will learn even more, during the tour, when you meet and interact with  the Makers  of  our fine Single Malts .

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The Balvenie Whisky stands out with its traditional craftsmanship , in-house maltings m a l t i n g s , on-site cooperage c o o p e r a g e , and commitment to the Five Rare Crafts t h e F i v e R a r e C r a f t s . The result is exceptional whiskies embodying rich heritage and uncompromising excellence .

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Booking a tour booking a tour, what are the distillery tour prices.

The current price of the tour is £75.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all usual payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Do I need to book in advance?

Tours must be booked in advance.

How do I book my tickets?

Please book your tickets on our website.

Do you offer concession tickets?

We do not offer concession. If you think you are entitled to a reduction, please explaining your request.

Do I need to print and bring booking confirmation?

No, you do not need to print your booking. If you have proof of booking on your mobile device, that will be enough. We will also have a record of your booking.

What do I do if I want to change the date or time of my experience?

Please contact us c o n t a c t u s as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your booking. If you want to cancel, you must contact us c o n t a c t u s at least 24 hours prior to your tour to receive a full refund. The Balvenie tours are usually fully booked in advance, we cannot guarantee your preferred date/time. Please contact us c o n t a c t u s with your new request and we will do our best to accommodate you.

BEFORE YOU GO BEFORE YOU GO

I have a query, how can i contact you.

For any tour-related questions or special requirements, please contact [email protected] B o o k i n g s @ T h e B a l v e n i e . c o m

I’m driving, how can I make the most of my visit?

We offer a 'driver's pack', a 2cl sample of each of the 5 drams available during the tasting, which the driver takes away with them.

What if I am late?

We try to accommodate late arrivals. However, once the tour has departed, it may not be possible to join.

What is the nearest train station?

There are national railway stations at Elgin and Keith, both in Moray.

There is also a bus service running from Elgin to Dufftown on the hour (the no 36 bus).

Taxis can be pre-booked, and there are a few companies we can recommend. Please contact us c o n t a c t u s if you have any questions.

Where can I park?

There is a car park a short distance from the distillery. It is sign-posted from the A941 road.

Where is the Balvenie Distillery?

The Balvenie Distillery is located in Dufftown on the A941 road from Craigellachie to Tomintoul Road.

BALVENIE MALTINGS, Dufftown, Banffshire, AB55 4BB. 

What are the Balvenie Distillery's opening hours?

Balvenie is open Monday to Friday running tours at 10am and 2pm.

Can I just visit? Do you do walk-ins?

No, the tour is pre-booked only. We offer bespoke, small group tours that are typically reserved months in advance. However, if there are any spaces available on the day, you will be invited to join.

N o appointment is needed to visit our gift shop.

Is there disabled access?

The Balvenie building was constructed from 1893. Unfortunately, it offers limited disabled access. Please make a request as part of your booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Can I bring my children?

The Balvenie Distillery Tour is only suitable for 18-year-olds and over. Under 18s are not permitted on the tour.

Can I bring my dog/pet?

No pets are allowed in the distillery due to health and safety restrictions.

What should I wear?

Distilleries can be dusty and hot, and it rains quite a lot in Scotland. Wear sturdy shoes and casual wear that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Is there a Restaurant?

The Balvenie does not have catering facilities. However, outside of winter, there is an excellent café nearby, and there are a number of quality restaurants in the neighboring villages.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the Distillery?

We do not allow guests to bring food for safety reasons. Only bottled water can be carried.

Is accommodation available?

There is no accommodation available on site. However, there are a number of quality bed & breakfasts in and around Dufftown, as well as excellent hotels in nearby Craighellechie and Aberlour.

AT THE TOUR AT THE TOUR

What are the experiences/tours on offer.

We currently run small group tours of a maximum of 8 guests. These run twice a day at 10am and 2pm.

How long each tour is?

Distillery tours last 2 ½ hours.

How often do the experiences run?

Twice a day, 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday.

Are there tastings included in the tour?

Yes, you will get to taste five Balvenie expressions.

Can I do tastings but no tour?

We do not pre-book tastings only experiences. We offer them on request depending upon our capacity on the day.

Is the tour/experience indoors?

A visit to Balvenie combines both indoor and outdoor elements, so, come dressed suitably!

What languages are the tours available in?

The tour is in English, we do not offer translations.

Can I take photos on the tour?

Generally, yes. However, there are safety restrictions upon filming and photography in both the maltings and the warehouse. Your guide will give you the information before your tour begins.

Please note that any filming equipment beyond a mobile phone requires written permission and advanced notification of at least two weeks.

Is there a bar?

The Balvenie does not have its own bar. We have a whisky lounge located at our sister distillery, Glenfiddich, where Balvenie whisky can be sampled. Please ask in advance as the whisky lounge is not always available.

Is there a shop?

Yes, there is a gift shop.

Are all tours guided?

Yes, an experienced guide will show you around the distillery and will answer your questions and engage in a great conversation about whiskey.

Mclean Scotland Whisky Tours

Whisky distilleries in speyside.

The most densely populated region in the world, famous for fertile glens and, of course, the River Spey amongst other rivers.

I like this one, a huge still outside, great shop, nice layout.  Big stills inside, warehouse is good, a great tour we had especially to see the bottling plant. One December in heavy snow we were the only two people mad enough to be there, apart from the two workers, one of whom showed us around, an extra special tour we really appreciated. Liz and Paul did the whole tour privately, gardens, waterfall, hidden cask – well worth everyone doing this. Dram enjoyed most here: Five Decades. Recently changed the visitor centre around – for the better. Campari own this one, get along there.

A large distillery producing some good single malts and most going to blends, closed to the public.  It’s rather like a huge chemical plant. I must say when I went around this one, it was with a group at Speyside whisky fest. As they do not normally have visitors, it is a boring place to wander around, but the Belfast lass that took us was enthusiastic and passionate, we had a taste of the 12 year old. Have been here again with Ingvar Ronde, nothing has changed.

Glenfarclas

We love coming here, great tour, very friendly staff (even a Maclean here!) and a superb location. Good shop and even better tasting room, some of their drams are on the 9/10 level – what more can I say? Go see it. The older the dram here, the better, try the 105 range. We take tours here every year both groups and private tours. Paul’s favourite: 25 year old, but is aiming on tasting the 40 year old soon, going through changes we think, keep an eye open.

On the Glenlivet Estate, a rare find and a great tour we had by the Distillery Manager, Tom. Unusual as the stills are exact copies of each other, I cannee mind another distillery like this. A rare old dram they produce, well a few actually. Owned by Angus Dundee Distillers, this was a pleasure to see. Our tour was in the close down time, there were wee lids here and there, maintenance going on but this just made it better. Not only that it was very educational, we soaked it in. The drams were perfect, especially the Ballantruan. We shared a dram even though it’s closed to the public, we can get you in!

Whisky is good, another Diageo but they do things a little differently. Lovely location and a nice tour. However, the best thing is the hairy coos behind the distillery, they totally love digestive biscuits, honestly! (Liz). Have been on tour here (Paul) more times than I can recall. A good selection of drams available and you can add drams to your tour at the shop when you do the tasting. Gold Reserve is good, as is the 18 year old, save some for us! We have had many tastings in the new shop/bar areas, many thanks to the girls here for a great dramming time!

Aye, been in here too, a huge place run by two guys. Diageo of course and closed to the public. Tim (Russia) and myself had a tour here one evening, it’s not in the slightest bit neat and tidy, it’s a working distillery not meant to be taken on a tour, but we did. It was really interesting, we had a great tour many thanks to the lads there! Another blend distillery, it would be nice to see a Dufftown Special one day!

It was just after Christmas (2022) that I arrived to a superb new distillery just outside Grantown on Spey. They knew I was coming, and really nice, upon arrival everyone said hello, knew my name and used it, nice touch. I was sat doon with a cup of tea and waited for Andy, he came presently and we had a long half hour chat, I learned a lot. My tour was then starting; this is super new and modern, I loved it. If you can imagine a tour at Knockdhu (an Cnoc), then come here – you have just experienced both ends of the scale. Back to the Cairn. A well done video wall to start. For this old fud with legs giving out, thankfully there are lifts! Up to the first floor, mash, wash backs and stills all in a circular space, and – with plenty of room for additions, so well thought out. I thought every thing so far was good, but then we came downstairs (myself in the lift) and saw the parts you don’t normal see, another video room, more great details, then the lift again to the second floor for the tasting room. I really enjoyed the whole experience, if taking a whisky tour in Speyside (with us or no), this distillery is a MUST. Saying that, it wasnee a favourite of Liz, you will have to see for yourself.

Pronounced Murray. Good shop, good food and refreshments, excellent tour. I like this place, Elgin and easy to get to once you found your way round the houses. The product is not bad either and the drams are great prices, thanks as always to Iain, Visitor Centre Manager and Emma who really looked after us. We visit here so often I think we may get an invite to the xmas dinner? Paul was here with Ingvar Ronde when the very first peated whisky was released, all 7 of us got a signed bottle. Do consider their aged drams, excellent value. A new tasting room exists.

The Gaelic translation of ‘mill on the hill’, named in part after the historic former carding mill which sits on the site of the distillery. Local farmers would bring their sheep fleeces here in the summer months to be made into wool. Their story began in 1966 (the best thing that happened in Britain that year!) with the opening of the distillery in the rural village of Tomnavoulin, Scotland. Notice the two different spellings here. Although the doors were closed in 1995, it reopened in 2007 after a major distillery refurbishment. Since then, they’ve crafted exceptional single malt whisky with a true Speyside character; rich, smooth and mellow. I do like the sherry finish by the way, great tour here. Excellent bottles and low cost!

A single malt whisky distillery – Diageo owned. It was founded in 1853 by farmer William MacKenzie.  The name means ‘the green vale’ in Gaelic. In 1863 The Strathspey Railway arrived, bringing the Dailuaine nectar to the world.  It is one of the biggest in the highlands in terms of production. In 1889 it becomes the first Scottish distillery to be fitted with architect Charles Doig’s pagoda roof. Aye well, Ingvar took me in here and boy was I happy! It is huge, with many areas abandoned and almost in a state of collapse. It was in the still room, one of the two guys there said “I know you don’t I”, sounded like the police to me, I said “maybe” and grinned. He used to work at Glenfiddich and recognised me from taking tours. Felt good actually.

The distillery closed in 1983 and today is owned and run, as a visitor whisky museum by Historic Scotland. A state-owned distillery, with a shop! Aye it’s a museum and in my view, worth a visit. There are rumours this will open again as a distillery, if you like to find out more on the whisky process and enjoy a great shop, pay a visit. It’s not far from Elgin/Forres.

Strathisla A Chivas Distillery

One which we have been to many times. It is stunning,  possibly the most scenic distillery in Scotland, it’s more like a five star hotel than a distillery. The makeover in 2018 is incredible. With short, small copper stills and natural spring water, Strathisla produces a full-bodied single malt Scotch whisky. It is the heart of all the Chivas Regal blends.

Another favourite of mine, Gordon was just Gordon, one of the nicest people in whisky! The day included a great long tour, with his dogs! Warts an all this place, dinnee expect a clean and tidy place, this has grime and dust – it makes spirit! Excellent an Cnoc drams afterwards.

Royal Brackla

No the friendliest but a big place in a nice location. Another tour thanks to Ingvar, a common theme here eh? I do like their drams.

What can I say about this one; been here so often, and now it’s been enlarged to one of the largest in Scotland. Good for tourists and whisky lovers. Some good displays here, great shop, superb whisky lounge. I am a Guardian and have my key for upstairs. I also took a 3 day whisky course that was excellent and I learned a lot. Ok bit touristy but it’s worth a tour here. We were guests here at the 2015 Speyside whisky festival, drivers and brand ambassadors looking after us, lunch with our pal Charlie (Maclean), private drinks with Ian Logan, masterclasses with Charlie and Allan Winchester. Favourite dram has to be the 50 year old Ian gave us! New developments afoot here.

Glen Lossie

Closed to the pubic but we went around with Ingvar. We did like our tour here, top guys are passionate about what they do, in fact two of them have over 30 years there.  Considering they do not do tours, nice space to donder around, loved it!

Another we wormed our way into, not open to the public, but we are not public eh! Another Chivas distillery right behind Ben Riach, shares the same site actually. It is a big one, very clean actually. Once again, a private show round, with Ingvar getting drinks, myself looking on with a jealous look on my face. Many Scottish whisky distilleries were founded during the whisky boom at the end of the 19th century – in contrast to many of them Longmorn survived and has constantly produced without any terms of mothballing up to now.

Near Craigellachie. A huge distillery, with its “town” of warehouses, a vastly new designed distillery, this is something to behold!  Everyone knows their drams but it’s a wee bit of a concern now the “no age statements” are coming more to the fore.  Liz likes the Sienna. We are unsure what we think, at the end of the day it’s up to you, we think it’s a wee bit arty farty, Hollywood and gimmicky. Tour costs have risen quite high.

Mannochmore

A closed to the public distillery but we visited again with our pal Ingvar.  It’s in the centre of the Glenlossie plant, very similar but more modern, again lots of room to move, still room is good. Spent a good hour here, learned a lot. They have a unique feature, the bottom of the stills are made from stainless steel.

Allt-A-Bhaine

Located near Dufftown – built to supply whisky for the Chivas Brothers blends, pronounced Ollt-err-VANE it was founded in 1975, the distillery’s name derives from the Gaelic, ‘Allt a’bhainne’ meaning ‘burn of milk’. I didnee see much evidence of the milk, but we had a great private tour there, no visitor centre and not open to the public, I managed it with Ingvar, we do get to these places when on tour! They have since released a bottle and aye, it’s really – just enough peat to start a fire.

Another December visit in heavy snow. Again we were the only mad fools to be there but we had a good nosey around the place, it’s big! Very scenic in the summer. Rothes has a few other distilleries, we went to see where Cappaerdonich used to be, just a pile of rubble when we were there, a shame. Returned with Ingvar Ronde, great tour, stills, cooperage and tasting. Have been here a few times just calling in.

Glenfiddich

Their general tours are good but a wee bit show reel stuff.  It’s a very clean and tidy distillery and a weird point – the ladies toilets are amazing! We normally do the special tours and they are brilliant. The full day tour of Glenfiddich and Balvenie is just stunning.  You will see many tourists and indeed, special tour people coming for the longer, more intense tours. Definitely a lounge to linger in. Another good point, they have stopped taking coach tours of tourists! The more expensive the tour the better.

Cragganmore

In Ballindalloch, owned by Diageo.  This is strange but nice distillery, spread out, up a wee road, through the village. The Single Malt is the most complex of the Speyside Malts. It is in limited supply as it is one of Speyside’s smaller distilleries. It’s unique flat-topped spirit stills and traditional wooden worm-tubs, shows off Cragganmore’s complexity. At Christmas they opened up especially for us, well done Diageo, we appreciated this, a great dram room by the way which I could easily live in!

Ballindalloch

For us, whilst it’s tidy and clean, it’s a little on the pretentious side – a small distillery with an attitude AND over priced! We have been on tour here twice and today our thoughts stay the same. Our guests tell us the same, can we all be wrong?

Situated a mile inland from the village of Cromdale, Balmenach is one of Speyside’s most traditional distilleries and makes what could be classed as an ‘old-style’ whisky? The fermentation is long, the stills small and run quickly and the vapour runs into worm tubs, rather than shell and tube condensers. Inver House has no plans to release this highly distinctive whisky as a single malt. The reason for this is that the make – whose style is unusual these days – is too highly-prized as fillings for blends, both by Inver House and other firms. I managed to get in here with my pal Ingvar, as usual with him, we had a very private and grand tour, just a shame I was the driver, as drams were flowing.

I urge all whisky fans to do this one, you won’t be disappointed. Own malting floors, watch the peat fires, great, it has it all! Has to be Liz’s favourite. All our guests emerge overjoyed and full of whisky, huge smiles and holding purchases. This is one of the great distillery tours to do and we can arrange it! If you do one distillery to find out what whisky is all about – do this!

One of my favourites on Speyside, a ‘warts an all distillery’, doesn’t pull punches and not designed for happy tourists on a whisky sightseeing trip, we do take tours in here and it’s really worth it. The warehouse drams are superb. Sold to the Jack Daniels folks.

Not the biggest, or most well-known, but a lovely wee place and a great tour. I like this one a lot, nice shop too, friendly staff and an all-round good visit. Not far from Elgin and on the way to Speyside, I do encourage you all to try this one. Located in Forres, this is a distillery owned and run by Gordon & MacPhail, a different approach to marketing, bottle design etc, I do like so many of their drams!  Again, try for the more expensive tour, it is worth it!

What can I say? It was mind blowing, from the front door, to the space age still room, unique features everywhere, green aware, wood taken from the old Imperial wash backs for the entrance.  We were so lucky to get a tour before it was officially opened. We happened to be outside the door taking photos, wearing our whisky tour jackets, a man came out, we had a chat, we went in! Star Wars meets whisky distillery, the whole plant is superb, including all the outbuildings and bio plant etc. We are told everything will go to blend. But there have been several single malt releases.

Certainly architecturally (like its contemporary, Allt-a-Bhainne) it stands out – a white, modernist structure in the moorland.  Auchroisk was first bottled as single malt in 1986 and was the first to carry the prefix ‘Singleton’, a name now attached to single malts from Glen Ord, Glendullan and Dufftown. Most of the whisky from the Auchroisk Distillery goes into the J&B blended Scotch whisky. The 10 year old of the Flora and Fauna series is perceived as the distillery bottling.

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]

Speyside Whisky Trail 3 day tour

Relax with a dram in Speyside’s finest malt whisky distilleries on this tour from Edinburgh.

Tour Highlights

Lindores Abbey Distillery - The oldest written reference to whisky mentions this location. Sample a dram at the modern distillery and drink in the history.

Dalwhinnie Distillery - Try not to get too light-headed as you sample whisky at Scotland’s highest distillery.

Cairngorms National Park - Gaze in awe at Scotland’s most beautifully rounded peaks.

Speyside Cooperage* - Learn about the lifecycle of a whisky cask.

Cardhu Distillery* - The first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming

Speyside  With 50 whisky distilleries, this region is the heartland of Scotch whisky production. It also enchants with tranquil rivers, rolling hillsides and wee villages where hospitality is as warm as a dram by the hearth.

Elgin - Visit this spirited town and explore the best little whisky shop in the world.

Royal Deeside - Throughout history, the Royal Family have loved exploring this gorgeous region of Scotland.

Your journey

Join this whisky tour and wake up in a whisky lover’s paradise. This tour takes you to Speyside, home of over half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries. You get the chance to explore four distilleries, learn how whisky is intertwined with Scottish culture, and venture through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park.

Tour Details

Students, and seniors over 60

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Unfortunately, we don't carry anyone under 18 years old on this tour
• Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
• Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
• Distilleries may be substituted
• Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Tour accommodation
• Attraction entry tickets
• Travel through the inspirational landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park
• Sample your first delicious whisky of the tour

You head north through the Kingdom of Fife, to your first distillery; Lindores Abbey. This is a modern Scottish distillery built on the site of the first-ever recorded distiller in the country in 1494. Visit this site to discover the historic legacy of the area blended with innovation and sustainable practices all captured in their fine whisky.

Continue north towards the UK's largest National Park, Cairngorms National Park. This will be a stunning drive, so keep your cameras ready. You stop in Braemar and have some time for lunch and a little explore.

A bite to eat is a good idea though because your next stop is the Whisky Castle. This whisky emporium has been selling the finest malt whiskies for over 120 years and is stocking over 600 malts. Savour three Speyside whiskies to get familiar with a distinctive taste of this region.

Once you’ve warmed with this dram of “the gentle spirit”, you continue through the Cairngorms National Park before reaching Grantown-on-Spey, your base for two nights.

• Understand the craftsmanship of the whisky cask at the Speyside Cooperage
• Discover a distillery pioneered by a woman

Time for some fun. Today you spend the whole day exploring Scotland’s most famous whisky region. Your first stop is Cardhu Distillery, which is the first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming. Today, Cardhu is the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label.

After lunch in nearby Aberlour, you travel along the Spey River to Craigellachie for a visit to the Speyside Cooperage*, where you see another aspect of the whisky making process.

After a scenic drive towards the coast, you head to Glen Moray**, where you can try whisky matured in a wide selection of casks.

Time permitting, your driver-guide might stop in at Sueno's Stone for a quick photo, where you can admire this incredible Pictish standing stone. From here you travel back to Grantown-on-Spey.

*Speyside Cooperage is visited on Monday and Wednesday departures.

**Please note that Glen Moray Distillery will be under works starting 18th March 2024 for 2-3 weeks. Passengers will still receive a tasting but not in the distillery - the tasting will be at Glen Moray House instead. We apologise for the inconvenience.  

• Visit Dalwhinnie, Scotland's highest distillery
• Venture through the dense woodland of the Hermitage

In the morning get ready for a whisky and chocolate tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery, set in splendid mountain scenery at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. 

You then leave the Highlands and journey south to Perthshire. Lying in the heart of Scotland, Pitlochry is a beautiful little town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The time is yours to explore and have some lunch. 

Next, you stop for a walk among towering Douglas firs in the Hermitage, a lovely forest with a roaring waterfall. From here the route south takes you to the stunning wee village of Dunkeld, where you've got some time to explore before heading to your final whisky experience of the tour. 

You then over the Firth of Forth, take in the magnificent South Queensferry bridges, and head back into Edinburgh.

**Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Lindores Abbey Distillery
• Glen Moray Distillery
• Speyside Cooperage (Strathisla Distillery will be visited during April-May instead)
• Cardhu Distillery

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay two nights in Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park.

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE .

Alternatively, please email us your questions at [email protected] or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab : types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices,  per person per night :

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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Prices from £195.00

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Discover Speyside

Glistening lochs, sweeping mountain ranges, pine trees and verdant valleys, strathspey/speyside in the cairngorms national park is perfect for adventurers who love a view or a wee dram or two. speyside whisky tours.

Located in The Cairngorms National Park, Strathspey is the name given to the middle reaches of the River Spey from Aviemore in the south to Craigellachie in the north. Within and better known in the area is Speyside  home of the world renowned Speyside Single Malt Whiskies. Playing host to more than 50 distilleries Speyside has the greatest concentration of malt whisky producers compared to every other whisky producing region in Scotland. Speyside whisky tours is an interesting way to see the region.

Check out what Speyside has to offer

Speyside whisky tours, visit local speyside distilleries and taste the renowned speyside single malt whiskies..

Speyside scotch whisky tours are an ideal way to explore the heart of whisky country. Speyside is home to some of the best whiskies in the world. In the glens and valleys along the Spey, are many distilleries.  From Glenfiddich, to Cardhu, Glendullan, The Balvenie, The Macallan and Glenfarclas and Cragganmore, the landscape is rich with whisky. We will show you a selection of distilleries and explain the history of whisky.

Whereas a distillery will normally concentrate on its own single malt. However when you choose a tour with Simply Speyside, you will have expert guidance from Calum, who has a passion for Whisky and everything about it.

Cultural Tours

Speyside and the surrounding areas are steeped in history. castles, battlefields, forts and much more are all within a short distance..

Cawdor Castle. Famous for its connection with Shakespeare’s play Macbeth (The Scottish Play).

Ballindalloch Castle. Family home to the Macpherson-Grants since the 15th Century.

Culloden Battlefield. Powerfully emotive and atmospheric battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end.

Fort George. Following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden, King George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest.

Scenic Tours

The cairngorms national park, loch ness, glen affric and so many more beautiful scenic locations you’ll be spoilt for choice..

Whether you’re an outdoors activity fan or just want to take in the beautiful sights and refreshingly clean air we have something for everyone. Because we’re situated in The Cairngorms National Park and with Aviemore on our doorstep it’s the ideal location for those looking for something different. We can liaise with local adventure activity providers and ensure a best outdoor adventure experience.

For something a little more sedate we we can arrange driven day tours across the Highlands. View the waterfalls at Foyer before heading down the side of Loch Ness. Or an excursion to Glen Affric to take in the amazing scenery or a day on the Moray Coast, and maybe spot a dolphin or two.

Whatever your preference Simply Speyside take care of all the details for you so you can relax and enjoy. Alternatively if you are looking for a mixture of distilleries, castles and other attractions, look no further, Whisky or Highland Tours, Simply Speyside can arrange a bespoke tour for you in one of our luxury SUV's

We love whisky, it is a simple as that!  That is to say we love taking our guests on guided whisky tours around our beautiful area. Home to the highest concentration of distilleries anywhere, Speyside has dozens of amazing distilleries.

Let us take the strain of arranging your distillery tour off of your shoulders.  We know which distilleries have visitor centres, which offer tours and what those tours include and we also know the best routes to get to the distilleries and see the countryside at the same time. The beautiful muted colours and slopes of Speyside that produce the softest water for our whiskies.

Our whisky tours take in a range of different distilleries, chosen to show you the best the region has to offer.  Because we are passionate about our local distilleries and whiskies and love to take our guests around we can show them the very best places to taste fantastic single malts.

All the distillery tour bookings are made by Simply Speyside on your behalf.

We look forward to showing you the wonders of a single malt in the heart of single malt country, Speyside

*PLEASE NOTE: Some distilleries and other attractions do not open at weekends i.e. Speyside Cooperage also many distilleries have shorter opening hours or close over the winter period.

We also love showing off the beauty of the surrounding area of the River Spey, Be it the hills and heather, a castle or two, the deer and grouse.

All this and more is in the region, Speyside and The Cairngorms is a natural holiday destination for either an activity break or just to sit back and enjoy the beauty of what Speyside has to offer.

As with our Whisky Tours Simply Speyside takes the stress out of making the day a success. We pre-book attraction tickets on your behalf. Tours are start / finish at your accommodation, and we even know some great eateries where you can sample local fare.

The Five Whisky Regions of Scotland, Showing Speyside

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Speyburn Distillery

Tour & tasting.

Embark on a journey of discovery and experience the heart of Speyburn with our exclusive behind-the-scenes distillery tour and tasting.

Our tour guides will take you on an immersive adventure through the ages of dedication, expertise, and tradition that culminate in the creation of our award-winning single malt whisky. 

Behind the Scenes: Tour & Tasting

Adult £20pp Child £10pp

Approx. 1hr 45mins

Tuesday - Saturday: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm

Established in 1897, discover Speyburn Distillery in the heart of Speyside, From our Historic Scotland listed Drum Maltings to understanding the process of using pure water source of the Granty Burn, your guide will demonstrate how this tradition has continued and evolved for over 125 years, as Speyburn has establuished itself as a quintessential Speyside Single Malt Whsiky. The tour concludes with a tutored tasting of four whiskies encompassing the Speyburn range. All tours are conducted in English. 

The Hopkins Experience

Adult £50pp

Approx. 1hr 30mins

Wednesday - Friday 1.30pm

For the whisky enthusiast, take the opportunity to discover some of our older and rarer whiskies. Your in-depth tour will conclude with a tutored tasting of five whiskies including limited releases, single casks and special bottlings All tours are conducted in English. 

Manager's Tour and Masterclass

Email or Call to Enquire

An exclusive, insightful experience with our Distillery Manager or Assistant Distillery Manager for an intimate group tour and masterclass. Enquire now directly to book. Sessions are subject to availability.

All tours are conducted in English. 

Further Information

What should i wear on the experience.

The experiences take place in Speyburn Distillery, and as you will enter the production area, we suggest wearing comfortable, layered clothing due to the warmth of our stills. Sensible footwear is also advised; no open-toed shoes or high heels as there are mesh and grated areas.

Can I bring my dog to Speyburn Distillery?

Only assistance dogs are permitted at Speyburn Distillery and we ask that you bring relevant documentation with you for example Assistance Dogs UK branded ID book. Where possible, we ask that you inform us in advance if you are bringing an assistance dog onto Speyburn Distillery. You can contact us on +44(0)7977 70667 6 or email [email protected] to inform us. Speyburn Hosts will be available to assist guests should assistance dogs find the grating unpleasant and be unable to walk across it.

What is your cancellation & refunds policy?

A full refund will be issued for cancellations made up to 72 hours before tour date. You are entitled to a full refund if you give us notification, via email, of your wish to cancel your tickets up to 72 hours before your tour begins.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility?

One of the unique aspects of Speyburn is the clever use of a compact site, meaning most of the distillery and the maltings are two or three storeys high. Being an old building, there are no lifts, and the tour does take visitors up and down several flights of stairs. Much of the tour route is also on open-grid flooring, which is perfectly safe but can be disconcerting for those who are uncomfortable with heights. The tasting room and shop are accessible by wheelchair.

How can I book for large groups?

Space within the distillery is very limited, so we cannot accommodate groups larger than 10 people on a tour.

Should I book in advance?

Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Due to a number of potential hazards within the maltings and the production area of the distillery, we can only allow children aged 12 and over to join the distillery tour.

Want to discover more?

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8 Famous Distilleries Along The Speyside Way Whisky Trail

Those who hike the Speyside Way Whisky Trail can enjoy beautiful Scottish landscapes, charming villages and traditional meals. But it’s virtually impossible to talk about the Speyside region of Scotland without talking about whisky in the same breath. After all, half of all of Scotland’s single malt whisky – which is quite a bit – is produced within this area. So in this post, we investigate 8 famous distilleries along the Speyside Way Whisky Trail.

What is the Speyside Way Whisky Trail?

Never heard of the Speyside Way Whisky Trail? This multi-day walking route of 116 kilometers (72 miles) is one of the ‘Great Trails’ of Scotland. The tour runs right through Speyside and thus past a large number of distilleries. Hence, the trail is called a ‘Whisky Trail’.

History of Speyside

The Speyside region of the Scottish Highlands is named after the River Spey. The fertile valley around this river is today the heart of Scotland’s single malt whisky production. This status is partly due to the good quality of the spring water in this area, but also to the remoteness. After all, when the first whiskys were produced here, this was an illegal trade.

In 1822, King George IV took a trip to Speyside, where he got to taste one of these illegal whiskys. He immediately developed a love for Highland whisky, which suddenly was recognized for its high quality. After his visit, more and more licenses were gradually issued for distilleries, putting the Scottish single malt whisky from Speyside on the map in one fell swoop.

Today, the Speyside distilleries are known worldwide. Some of the most famous brands of Scotch whisky are produced in the area, but a large number of lesser-known distilleries can also be visited in Speyside.

• Speyside Way Whisky Trail

The Speyside Way Whisky Trail runs from the town of Buckie on the coast of the Moray Firth to the more southerly mountain ranges of the Cairngorms National Park. The first part of this route was opened in 1981. After that it was further expanded to include more different distilleries.

The route is mostly on flat terrain. Sometimes it follows old railway lines that are no longer in use; other parts take old military roads and paths through the forest. The route is on the list of 29 ‘Great Trails’, a series of famous distance walks, of Scotland. It is also one of the four official long distance routes in Scotland (along with the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way and the Southern Upland Way).

The Speyside Way Whisky Trail is a clearly signposted route. The signposts contain the image of a thistle in a hexagon, the logo of the Speyside Way. Every year the route is walked by about 50,000 people – about 3,000 of them walk the entire route. Some parts of the route are also accessible to cyclists.

Not a fan of whisky?

Those who are not very fond of whisky can still walk and enjoy this route of course. In addition to the whisky-related sights, the path passes several special places to admire.

For example, visit the Scottish Castle of Ballindalloch, enjoy a walk through the forest and learn about the old railways – sometimes part of the trail – that are now part of Scotland’s National Heritage.

8 Famous distilleries along the path

There are some fifty distilleries in Speyside, including some of Scotland’s best-known brands. Take, for example, these 8 famous distilleries along the Speyside Way Whisky Trail:

1. The Macallan

Perhaps the greatest pride of this distillery is the oak barrels in which the whisky is aged. These are specially chosen and made for each type of whisky that The Macallan produces. The distillery has an extensive visitor center, where guides offer guided tours and recount the history of The Macallan – one of Scotland’s first licensed distilleries – and the whiskys made here.

2. Glenfiddich

This world famous distillery was founded in 1886 by William Grant, the whisky manufacturer who is also behind Kininvie and Balvenie.  Glenfiddich is not only the world’s best-selling single malt whisky. The brand has also won the most international awards of all Scottish single malt whiskys.

The centuries-old family business has, in addition to the standard whiskys in the range, also marketed a number of very exclusive whiskys. For example, a 64-year-old whisky in 2001, of which only 61 bottles were made.

3. Aberlour

Of all the distilleries along the Speyside Way Whisky Trail, this is perhaps the most atmospheric. The Aberlour Distillery offers visitors a warm welcome and an educational tour – in combination with a tasting, of course. Both outside and inside, this place has a traditional and inviting character. The room for tastings in particular has been tastefully decorated and is a lovely area to relax.

4. Glen Grant

As one of the first distilleries in the Scottish Highlands to be licensed to produce whisky, Glen Grant has a fascinating history. Founded in 1840, the distillery was instrumental in the construction of one of Scotland’s first railway lines. Innovation continued to play an important role at Glen Grant into the twentieth century. In 1900, it became the first distillery to have electric light. The owner at the time, James Grant, was the first person in the Scottish Highlands to own a car.

5. Cragganmore

The Cragganmore Distillery is located in a beautiful valley on the River Spey. The special shape of the stills is an important feature of Cragganmore. The kettles have a flat top and a relatively short neck. The whisky distilled in these stills is known as one of the most complex and distinctive whiskys along the Speyside Way Whisky Trail.

6. Chivas Regal

Brothers James and John Chivas came from the Scottish countryside, but moved to Aberdeen and started their own luxury goods store there in 1801. They produced their first whisky blend around 1850.  Chivas Regal did not enter the market until the early twentieth century, made by the brothers’ successors. Chivas Regal became the first luxury whisky and became extremely popular in New York. Today there are different types of Chivas Regal.

The famous whisky has been produced in the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands since 1950. The Strathisla distillery dates back to 1786 and is worth a visit for that reason alone.

7. The Glenlivet

With a remote yet idyllic location, The Glenlivet Distillery is well worth a visit. The Glenlivet is said to have been a favorite whisky of Charles Dickens. In 1852, he wrote a letter to a friend in which he recommended the single malt whisky.

The Glenlivet is also doing well outside the British Isles. This brand accounts for about half of all Scottish malt whisky sold in the United States. Those who visit the distillery will be treated to stories of a fascinating history of smugglers – and, if you wish, to a tasting!

This distillery also has a history of smugglers, although the company was licensed as early as 1824. But there are more details in Cardhu’s history. It was the first distillery founded by a woman, Helen Cumming. In 1872, it was taken over by another female pioneer, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Cummings.

The whiskys that Cardhu makes have won several international awards. They are known for their sweet, rich flavors and exquisite smoothness.

We hope that you enjoyed this guide to famous distilleries along the Speyside Way. If you’re interested in a Speyside Way walking tour , just get in touch.

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Speyside Distillery Guide

This is our Moray Speyside distillery guide, here you will find out about the wonderful array of historic and iconic distilleries that are based in our region. Discover the intriguing history behind our great distilleries, uncover secret tales of their past and learn about how they operate in present day.

A number of the following distilleries offer amazing tours that show the fascinating distilling process and many of the tours also offer a tasting session at the the end.

This is whisky country, this is Moray Speyside.

We would suggest contacting each distillery ahead of your visit as many are at different stages of re-opening after the COVID-19 restrictions and all require pre-booking for tours.

Aberlour Distillery

“the mouth of the chattering stream”

Main Street, Aberlour, Moray, AB38 9PJ

+44(0)1340 881249

Built on its current site in 1879 by James Fleming, Aberlour has grown to become the no.1 single malt in France which is the world’s largest volume market. Fleming was a great benefactor to the village paying for the local Hospital and Village Hall to be built, he also bequeathed the funds in his will to pay for the graceful Victoria Bridge which spans the River Spey a few hundred metres from the distillery.

www.aberlour.com

ALLT A’BHAINNE DISTILLERY – Located in Dufftown but closed to public. Allt A’Bhainne Website .

Ballindalloch Distillery

“Baile na Dalach”

Ballindalloch, Moray, AB37 9AA

+44(0)1807 500331

The first single estate distillery built in the region and only using barley grown on Ballindalloch Estate. The estate and castle are home to the MacPherson-Grant family, the current owner being the 23rd generation to live there and going back to the construction of the castle in 1546.

www.ballindallochdistillery.com

Balvenie Distillery

“Baile Bhainidh” (Beathens Farm)

Dufftown, Moray, AB55 4BB

+44(0)1340 822210

Whisky creation is still overseen by David Stewart, a 56 year veteran of the Scotch Whisky Industry. The distillery offers you the chance to take in a working Maltings, a rarity now on Speyside. Balvenie was the second distillery built Wm Grant and his family, the first being Glenfiddich.

www.thebalvenie.com

Benriach Distillery

“speckled mountain”

Longmorn, Elgin, Moray, IV30 3SJ

+44(0)1343 862888

The latest site on Speyside to offer tours and also a great new Visitor Centre experience, founded by John Duff who also built the nearby Longmorn Distillery. A small site but offering a wonderful range of diverse whiskies.

www.benriach.com

Benromach Distillery

“shaggy mountain”

Inverene Road, Forres, Moray, IV36 3EB

+44(0)1309 675968

Brought back to life in 1998 by the Urquhart family, owners of the independent bottle Gordon & MacPhail the distillery has went from strength to strength. A small production team led by Keith Cruickshank ensures the highest quality at every stage.

www.benromach.com

BRAEVAL DISTILLERY – The highest distillery in Scotland sits near The Glenlivet distillery in Chapeltown. It is closed to the public.

CAPERDONICH DISITLLERY – The Caperdonich Distillery has now been dismantled and no longer exists.

Cardhu Distillery

“black rock”

Knockando, Aberlour, Moray, AB38 7RY

+44(0)1340 872555

Regarded by many as the Speyside home of the Johnnie Walker family of Blended Whiskies, Cardhu dates back to the days of illicit distillation. Sitting high on the hills above the River Spey there are some wonderful views all around.

www.malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/cardhu

Cragganmore Distillery

“the big rock”

Ballindalloch, Moray, AB37 9AB

+44(0)1479 874700

Located very near to where the River Avon joins the River Spey, another one of those signposts you have keep a lookout for this time on the left as you approach Ballindalloch. Founded in 1869 as much for the natural resources as it was for the location of the Speyside railways of which many of the distillery owners were directors of.

www.malts.com/en-row/distilleries/cragganmore

DAILUAINE DISTILLERY – Is closed to the public but was once the the largest distillery in Speyside. It is located in Aberlour.

DALMUNACH DISTILLERY – Located in Carron this distillery is now closed to the public and offers no tours.

DUFFTOWN DISTILLERY – Founded in 1895 in Dufftown, this distillery is now closed to the public.

Dunphail Distillery

“t aking the traditions of the past to shape the whisky of tomorrow ”

Dunphail, Moray, IV36 2QR

Dunphail is a resolutely traditional distillery, dedicated to crafting the finest whisky the way it used to be made. From malting the highest quality barley from side to side to a demanding production regime that is completely guided by hand, we take all the time that is necessary with every stage of our whisky making process.

www.dunphaildistillery.com

GLENBURGIE DISTILLERY – Located near Alves the Glenburgie is not open to visitors.

GLENDULLAN DISTILLERY – Producers of The Singleton this distillery is situated in Dufftown.

GLEN ELGIN DISTILLERY – Owned by Diageo and situated in Elgin but currently closed to the public.

Glenfiddich Distillery

“the valley of the deer”

Dufftown, Moray, AB55 4DH

+44 (0)1340 820373

Started in distilling on Christmas Day 1887 under the auspices of William Grant and still owned by the same family today. Glenfiddich went a long way to taking Single Malt Scotch Whisky to the world in the early 1960’s and also the first ever Visitor Centre.

The only distillery on Speyside with its own bottling facilities on site.

www.glenfiddich.com

“is the only distillery named after a family, the founders J&J Grant”

Elgin Road, Rothes, Moray, AB38 7BS

+44(0)1340 832218

Famous for its beautiful gardens as much as it is for its distillery, the site offers and experience for everyone. The garden is filled with plants from all over the world brought back by the owners in the 19 th century, there might also be a ghost story or two also to look into.

www.glengrant.com

The Glenlivet

“valley of the smooth flowing one”

Minmore, Ballindalloch, Moray, AB37 9BS

+44(0)1340 821720

A newly renovated Brand home experience awaits guests in summer 2021 with a complete re-build within the current buildings. One of the largest distilleries single malt distilleries in Scotland producing 21 million litres every year, it was also one of the founding distilleries in the industry as we know it today.

www.theglenlivet.com

GLENLOSSIE DISITLLERY – Is situated in Elgin but closed to the public and offers no tours.

Glen Moray Distillery

“glen sea settlement”

Bruceland Road, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1YE

+44(0)1343 550900

The only distillery in the county town of Elgin and located on the banks of the River Lossie, the site can be seen as you leave the town heading west. Known for its imaginative use of casks the distillery has been at the forefront on innovation over the past decade.

www.glenmoray.com

GLENROTHES DISTILLERY – The Glenrothes sits on the edge of Rothes town centre. It is closed to the public.

GLEN SPEY DISTILLERY – Is situated in Rothes but is closed for tours and the public.

KININVIE DISITLLERY – The Kininvie Distillery is located in Dufftown but no tours are available.

KNOCKANDO DISTILLERY – Closed to the public and not offering tours.

LONGMORN DISTILLERY – Can be found just outside of Elgin but is closed to the public.

The Macallan

“the field of St. Fillan”

Easter Elchies, Craigellachie, Moray, AB38 9RX

+44(0)1340 872280

The view from the new distillery out across Speyside is one of the most memorable you will find, that alongside the most modern distillery on Speyside will leave memories that will last a long time. One of the original distilleries founded in 1824 after the passing of the Excise Act of 1823 which made legitimate distilling more feasible.

www.themacallan.com

MANNOCHMORE DISTILLERY – Is closed to the public and can be found outside of Elgin.

MILTONDUFF DISTILLERY – Miltonduff Distillery is part of the Gordon & MacPhail family and can found southwest of Elgin but is closed to he public.

MORTLACH DISTILLERY – Founded in 1823, the Mortlach Distillery can be found in Dufftown. It is closed to the public and offers no tours.

PARKMORE DISTILLERY – Is located in Dufftown but is closed to the public for tours.

PITTYVAICH DISTILLERY – The Pittyvaich was run between 1974 and 1993 but is closed to the public now.

SPEYBURN DISITLLERY – Speyburn Distillery in Aberlour has been running since 1897 but is closed to the public.

Tamdhu Distillery

“black hill/little dark hill”

Knockando, Aberlour, Moray, AB38 7RP

+44(0)1340 870221

Built in 1898 just before the huge Whisky crash instigated by Pattisons in Edinburgh, the distillery has grown in prominence over the last decade. Renowned for the use of exceptional ex-sherry casks it offers a rich intense whisky hidden from view almost on the banks of the River Spey.

www.tamdhu.com

TAMNAVULIN DISTILLERY – Tamnavulin was founded in Ballindalloch in 1966 but offers no tours to the public.

Tomintoul Distillery

“little hill of the barn”

Tomintoul, Ballindalloch, Moray, AB37 9AQ

+44(0)1807 590274

Just over the hill from The Glenlivet nestled in the valley of the River Avon, pronounced A’an . Tomintoul is a fairly recent distillery being opened in built in 1964. Avonside was also a place where many illicit distillers would have been based.

www.tomintouldistillery.co.uk

TORMORE DISTILLERY – The beautiful Tormore Distillery was built in 1953 in the heart of Speyside. It is closed to the public.

Speyburn Distillery

“it is Speyside. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

Rothes, Aberlour, Moray, AB38 7AG

+44(0)7977706676

Embark on a journey of discovery and experience the heart of Speyburn with our exclusive behind-the-scenes distillery tour and tasting. Our tour guides will take you on an immersive adventure through the ages of dedication, expertise, and tradition that culminate in the creation of our award-winning single malt whisky.

www.speyburn.com

Strathisla Distillery

“the valley of the Isla”

Seafield Avenue, Keith, Moray, AB55 5BS

+44(0)1542 783044

Spiritual home to both the Chivas Regal and Royal Salute Blends. The oldest working distillery in the highlands of Scotland starting production in 1786. Regarded by many as one of the most picturesque distilleries in Scotland.

Of all of the activities offered chance to blend your own whisky is a must-do.

www.chivas.com

With thanks to Ian Logan @iantheguardian

Whisky Distilleries in Scotland

There are nearly 150 active whisky distilleries spread across Scotland, which are split into five whisky-producing regions: Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. Where a whisky is made can have a huge bearing on its flavour, everything from the source of the water to the presence of peat in the local area. Browse the listings in our Scotland's Whisky Distillery Map below to learn more or find a behind-the-scenes whisky tour near you.

Whisky samples at the Clydeside Distillery.

© Digital Tourism Scotland / Matt Davis

Map of Whisky Distilleries in Scotland

Explore distilleries.

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Whisky Distillery Regions in Scotland

Scotland is home to many whisky distilleries and experiences, as well as dedicated whisky regions; the Highlands, the Lowlands, Isle of Islay, Campbeltown, and Speyside. Each boast their own unique flavours in their whiskies, all of which reflect the landscapes and surroundings in that region. Have a dram of them all to see which is your favourite!

Lagavulin Distillery, Islay

Regarded by many as 'whisky island', Islay lies in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. It might be just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, but Islay punches well above its weight for producing single malt Scotch whisky. There are ten whisky distilleries on the island, including the most recently opened Port Ellen . 

Most of Islay's original distilleries - some long since lost to history - started as farm distilleries and retreated to secluded glens and caves during the 17th century when the excise man came calling. You'll find distillery staff much more welcoming these days and it's well worth taking a tour around all of Islay's whisky distilleries.

Number of distilleries: 10 Oldest distillery: Bowmore (1779) Most popular distillery: Ardbeg Flavour profile: powerful, peaty, smoky, sweet, salty

Whisky barrels at the Springbank Distillery, Campbeltown

Campbeltown

Although Campbeltown is Scotland's smallest whisky-producing region, consisting of just three distilleries (in its heyday there were more than 30), its single malts boast unique characteristics that are considered by serious malt lovers to represent a distinct region in its own right. The distilleries that survive today produce some of the finest malts you're likely to find.

Springbank malts are robust and smoky with hints of their maritime roots. Glen Scotia malts are lighter with grassy notes. Glengyle's Kilkerran malts are lighter and sweeter, but with the distinctive oily and salty notes you'd expect from a Campbeltown whisky. 

Number of distilleries: 3 Oldest distillery: Springbank (1828) Most popular distillery: Springbank Flavour profile: fruity, peaty, sweet, smoky

Glenfiddich Distillery

Speyside is whisky heaven! This breathtaking area sits in a fertile valley of rivers and secluded glens and accounts for half of Scotland's whisky production. 

Speyside is arguably the driest and warmest part of Scotland and the fertile farmlands in and around the region are ideal for growing barley, which when combined with soft local water tumbling down off the mountains, produces some of Scotland's best-loved malt whiskies.

Sample the remarkable flavours of Speyside's fine malts as you explore the region, and follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail™ - the world's ultimate Scotch whisky experience - comprising of nine 'must-visit' sites including seven working distilleries, Dallas Dhu historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage - the only working cooperage in the UK.

Number of distilleries: 52 Oldest distillery: Strathisla (1786) Most popular distillery: Glenfiddich Flavour profile: fruity, sweet, spicy, vanilla

Glenkinchie Distillery & Visitor Experience

The distilleries of the Lowland region can be found picturesquely set amongst the lush, rolling countryside of southern Scotland. Reflecting the gentle, rolling hillscapes and fertile farmlands, Lowland Scotch whiskies offer the perfect introduction to single malts if you have never tried this tipple before, due to their lighter, sweet and floral tones. As a result, malts from this region have earned themselves the collective nickname of the 'Lowland Ladies'.

The area has long, historic associations with whisky, with Friar John Cor producing whisky here in 1494 for King James IV. Although you'll find fewer distilleries here than regions further north, this is an area growing in whisky production. For example, whisky production returned to Glasgow in 2017 with the opening of the Clydeside Distillery and Glasgow Distillery Company . 

Number of distilleries: 22 (+6 grain distilleries) Oldest distillery: Bladnoch (1817) Most popular distillery: Glenkinchie Flavour profile: light, unpeated, floral, citrusy, sweet

Isle of Raasay Distillery

The largest of Scotland’s whisky regions, the Highlands do not disappoint. With a vast range of changing landscapes, the whiskies you can find in this area of Scotland feature many aromas, both strong and gentle, fragrant notes, and tantalising tones.

There are many ways to experience the unique elements of the Highlands, from age old distilleries, educational tours, tastings and more, you’ve got plenty to get stuck into.

Explore the Highland whisky region

Scottish Whisky Distillery Tours

The Strathisla Distillery

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Find a tour

There are many fantastic Scottish whisky tours to enjoy. Discover the art of constructing the barrel and find out how the master distillers craft the flavour to absolute perfection. Of course, you will get the chance to sample a dram or two! Each whisky is unique, so why not visit a few Scottish distilleries and see if you can find your favourite? 

What's new in the world of whisky?

For a traditional Scottish drink going back centuries, there's always something new to discover.

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Stirling Distillery

Stirling Distillery have filled their first whisky cask - the first time whisky has been made in the city for 171 years!

The Hearach

Sample the long-awaited release of single malt whisky from the Isle of Harris Distillery.

New Whisky Tasting Events at Dewar's

Tours of this traditional distillery take place throughout the day, and include options for whisky aficionados.

Cirque du Soleil Spirit

Created by Cirque du Soleil in collaboration with The Macallan for its 200th anniversary celebrations. Enjoy a theatrical experience like no other!

Find experiences

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Check out our brand new 5-day Islay & Campbeltown Tour!

WHISKY TOURS SCOTLAND

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

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• Map Marker Islay
• Hour Glass 4 days

Four-Day Islay Whisky Tour

This tour takes you to a Scottish island paradise. Islay is home to stunning scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and nine of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries.

• Hour Glass 5 days

Five-Day Islay Whisky Tour

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

Five-Day Islay & Campbeltown Whisky Tour

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

Custom Tour

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

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Glasgow’s West End Whisky Tour

Once upon a whisky.

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

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