Are you looking for the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland? We look at the main Scottish whisky regions and list the world famous whisky production distilleries.
What Are the Main Scottish Whisky Regions?
Scotland is known for quality whisky production and is home to some of the UK's best distillery tours. With visitor centres dotted throughout the Scottish Highlands to the English border, many whisky distilleries and whisky experiences await you.
This article will take you through a few distilleries and whisky tasting options across different regions if you're interested in Scottish whisky distillery tours. This ensures that you will enjoy something, regardless of whether you're whisky connoisseurs or a complete beginner.
The main Scottish whisky regions are the Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay.
The Lowlands Whisky Region
This part of Scotland covers Glasgow, Edinburgh, Galloway, Fife and the Scottish border, offering nearly 20 of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland.
Traditional distilleries such as Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and Glenkinchie can be seen in the Lowlands, some of which have been distilling whisky since the 1820s.
We recommend trying a whisky sample from the Lowlands region if you are new to the whisky-making process. The flavour is light and sweet, pleasing even the most experienced of whisky fans.
You can visit these distilleries from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other major cities and towns via train and bus, making it an accessible and exciting day out.
The Highlands Whisky Region
The Scottish Highlands and Highlands whisky region are the largest on this list, housing over 45 distilleries. Famous names such as Glenmorangie, Oban and Tomatin can be found in this area of Scotland.
You will find each one a picturesque distillery in the Highlands, and the region spans as far as most of the Scottish islands.
Islay is excluded from this list and is its own region for whisky production. The flavouring of this whisky is generally fruity and sweet, sometimes tasting more like traditional malt whisky.
The visitor experience from the Highlands is unlike any other, and you can have a whisky tour with tutored tasting, all while soaking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Speyside Whisky Region
Receiving its name from the River Spey, Speyside resides between Aberdeen and Inverness in the North East of Scotland.
There are 50 distilleries in this region alone, which is why it deserves its own region altogether. Some of the most famous single malt whisky brands are from Speyside.
Glenfiddich, Dalwhinnie, Balvenie, The Glenlivet and The Macallan are all whiskies that anyone must try during their Scottish experience.
If you want to sample whisky straight but are new to what a distillery offers, these flavours are generally sweeter and lighter than any other whisky.
This can be an ideal first whisky for many, as you can explore different flavours of fruit, spices and even caramel.
Pre-designed tours such as Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail have been designed around this region and links many distilleries for you to explore. The closest distillery to Aberdeen is the Glen Garioch Distillery, which provides a classic tour of its ancient premises.
Campbeltown Whisky Region
Located to West Glasgow is the Kintyre Peninsula, where the Campbeltown Whisky Region lies.
Campbeltown Loch is a small sea loch, and the town Campbeltown is situated at the head of the peninsula. Despite being a small region, there were once over 30 whisky distilleries in the area.
This has now whittled down to three: Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank.
Springbank is debated as the oldest working distillery in the area, but all three have been running for just under two centuries. Each distillery produces a unique flavouring, providing a smoky flavour with hints of fruitiness and sweetness.
Islay Whisky Region
The Islay Whisky region houses nine unique distilleries, many of which you will know the name of.
Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Bruichladdich are among the most popular ones. Port Ellen has many travel routines and tour operators to take you to the desired whisky tours.
Parks and Recreation's Ron Swanson has titled Lagavulin as his favourite!
The flavourings provided by the Islay region are smoky and are heavily peated. Peaty whisky has a distinctive flavour due to the coastal location and peat fired kilns, which can be overwhelming for many new whisky drinkers.
Best whisky distillery tours in Scotland
If you're looking for a few drams with your picnic lunch or would like to own your own bottle of Scotch, here are the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland.
Ardbeg, Argyll & Bute
Located on Islay island, you can take a guided tour over the peat hills and have an outdoor tasting session among beautiful scenery.
The dramatic views may be stunning, but to avoid disappointment, you should look into pre-booking as they can get busy at peak times. These tours are designed and accommodate all, whether you're a new whisky drinker or a connoisseur.
Clynelish, Sutherland
One of the older distilleries in Scotland, Clynelish, is located near Brora in the Highlands. This unique distillery is one of the Four Corner distilleries of the Johnnie Walker Experience, and their rich Highland malt is shipped globally.
A vital component of Johnnie Walker whiskies, this is a stop you must add to your list. A malting roof can be seen on the build, and regularly slabs of the footing will slip away onto the coastline below.
Glengoyne, Killearn
This is an incredibly picturesque distillery located approximately 1 hour and a half from Edinburgh. Glengoyne distillery was founded in 1833 and consistently produces Highland single malt whisky.
Dewar’s, Perthshire
With the river Tay flowing through the region, Tommy Dewar's distillery is perhaps one of the more famous whisky blends in the US and UK.
Located along the Upper Tay and just outside of Aberfeldy, this distillery once enlisted the aid of Thomas Edison, who filmed a commercial. In Aberfeldy, the interactive heritage museum outlines the story of this partnership.
Springbank, Argyll and Bute
Campbeltown houses many distinct whisky tours, with Springbank being the most famous. The original building was constructed in 1828, and the fortress-like site can still be visited today.
You can see the entire production line take place at Springbank, with the floor maltings and bottling plant all happening in-house. This plant has a rich history, and you will not be disappointed by your experience.
Edradour, Perthshire
This is one of Scotland's smallest distilleries and has been in operation since 1825. Mountain Ben Vrackie supplies the distillery with pure, clean water. The taste of the whisky is fruity and sweet, all while enjoying drams in the old malt barn and ending with tea and fudge.
Hearach, Isle of Harris
The Isle of Harris distillery has become famed for its products of whisky and gin. The drinks utilise the Hebridean water running across the surrounding rocks and is maturing in bourbon and sherry casks, providing a unique taste among Scottish drinkers.
Nc’nean, Morvern
Situated on the West Coast of Scotland, Nc'nean distillery can be found at the end of a country road track on the Morvern Peninsula.
If you're looking for a little distillery with character, Nc'nean provides an enriching and sustainable environment. Each whisky tour comes with hot drinks and cake, along with furthering your understanding of the yeast strains they are currently experimenting with.
Deanston, Perthshire
Perfectly located by the River Teith, Deanston was once a textile manufacturing plant. It was changed in 1966, and the mill beside it allows this distillery to generate its own power.
When you visit the tour guide at Deanston, you will experience the remains of the largest waterwheel in Europe, replaced by turbines. The whisky produced at Deanston is nutty-spicy and uses a modern production style, giving a nice contrast to many of the older distilleries on this list.
GlenDronach, Aberdeenshire
Now owned by the American company Brown-Forman (the same behind Jack Daniel's), this quaint distillery in Aberdeenshire was home to over 50 people in the 19th century, workers and masters alike.
The whisky produced in this distillery is unlike any other throughout Scotland, with a tour of a Victorian whisky village before you taste the juicy whisky in their own tasting bar.
Strathisla, Moray
Moray in the Scottish Highlands houses this 1700s distillery that provides a wonderful experience for all whisky fans. The Chivas Blending Experience will allow you access to the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands with a truly unique look.
The cobbled courtyard and interior are akin to a science laboratory, and you will truly enjoy the concoction you create. Whisky tastings held at Strathisla are a once in a lifetime opportunity and is a must-visit for your journey.
Top Speyside Whiskey Tours
Although there are many opportunities to take a virtual tour, exploring some of Speyside's top tours in person is something you must do. Here is a list of the best whiskey tours in Speyside:
The Glenlivet, Moray, Speyside
Besides the Cairngorm National Park lies the Vlenlivet, recently refurbished with a brand new visitor centre.
A trip to the Glenlivet results in a greater understanding of the history and whisky production in the area while allowing you to taste rare whiskies and old cocktails.
Casks strength can be decided by you, giving you flexibility depending on your requirements.
Ballindalloch Whisky Distillery, Speyside
If you're looking for a single malt distillery tour with more interactive elements, Ballindalloch allows a more hands-on experience. You can get involved in distilling whisky and its artform for the entire day, understanding the craft involved with whisky production.
If you want a more relaxed tour, you can book one that lasts three hours, hosted in the Macpherson-Grant ancestral family estate.
Balvenie Whisky Distillery, Speyside
In the Scottish Highlands, distilleries have come and gone throughout the years, but Balvenie Whisky Distillery still has its own working floor maltings readily accessible for viewing.
These tours are more intimate than others, consisting of a maximum of eight people. At the end of the tour, you can bottle your own Balvenie directly and take it home with you.
Macallan, Aberlour, Speyside
Speyside's Macallan distillery is located on the Easter Elchies, and the award-winning building is unique in its architecture.
A £140 million budget was invested into this unique visitor experience, and the whisky distilled from this property has been enjoyed all over the isle and the world.
If the thought of exploring and sharing a 'wee dram' with other passionate whisky drinkers sounds good, perhaps it's time for a holiday in the Cairngorms. Please contact our team today if you're interested.
Speyside is home to the world famous Whiskey distilleries of Scotland. If you are planning a holiday or short stay in Speyside, we have some great luxury cottages available. For Speyside accommodation follow the link below.