If you are visiting the highlands, you may ask: what distilleries are on the Speyside whiskey trail? We look at the world famous distilleries you can visit on the Scottish whiskey trail.
Speyside's Malt Whiskey Trail
A truly unique experience for anyone visiting Scotland, the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail is the only one of its kind anywhere in the world.
Whether you are a whisky drinker or simply want to take a dedicated tour through the beautiful scenery of Speyside by the River Spey, this trail is one of the best ways to experience Scotland.
Along the way, you will visit several world-renowned Speyside distilleries that produce some of the finest whisky in the world, as well as a number of historic distilleries and the famous Speyside Cooperage.
Speyside itself is one of the most famous whisky-producing regions anywhere in the globe, affectionately known as "Malt Whisky Country" for the particular type of whisky they distil there.
Unsurprisingly, it is not the only one of Scotland's malt whisky trails. It is, in fact, one of five whisky regions you can find in Scotland, alongside the Highland, Lowland, Islay and Campbeltown whisky regions, and is home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries. Therefore, the Speyside Whisky Trail is a must-see for any malt whisky lovers out there.
Speyside Malt Whiskey Distilleries
There are many distilleries to visit in the region of Speyside, famous for its malt whisky production.
If you want to take full whisky tours of each local distillery, it may take you a few days, but they are well worth a visit for any fans of Scottish whisky.
You don't even have to be a whisky fan to enjoy Speyside distillery tours, as they offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into one of Scotland's biggest industries.
The Speyside Distillery Trail is one of the easiest ones you can do, with all the distilleries in the region being within a short drive of other distilleries.
The Glenlivet Distillery
We suggest that the first step on your Speyside whisky distillery tour be the Glenlivet Distillery.
You can find this particular distillery in Banffshire, with the classic tour offering fascinating insights into the history of the Glenlivet malt.
You can have yourself a fresh dram taken straight from the casks during the tour of Warehouse no.3, with the opportunity to taste a further two samples in their dedicated dram room. This is a brilliant first stepping stone to start your Speyside whisky distillery trail.
Cardhu Distillery
Your next stop on the distillery trail lies a few miles north in Knockandu, where you will find the Cardhu Distillery.
There are two separate tours of this particular distillery that you can choose from, with each one offering the opportunity to learn all about the only Scottish malt whisky distillery that a woman pioneered.
The resident Cardhu whisky expert will take you through a whisky tasting and nosing session so you can show off all of your new whisky expertise when you get home.
Taking their "Cardhu Collection Tour" will land you with a complimentary whisky glass to add to your cabinet.
Speyside Cooperage
A few miles in the direction of Dufftown, and you will find yourself in the very heart of the Speyside whisky region. The attraction you will find there is the captivating Speyside Cooperage with its giant pyramids of aged oak barrels.
This is the only cooperage still in operation in the UK, providing you with a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this ancient craft.
The professional coopers will take you through the process of creating authentic, traditional whisky barrels using time-honoured techniques and traditional tools. You can even have a go yourself, with the resident experts helping you make your own mini cask.
Glenfiddich Distillery
The tours on the trail detailed so far will probably take up an entire day, meaning these next steps are possibly best saved for your second day on the trail. While still in Dufftown, you can visit a distillery of one of the more famous Scotch whisky producers - Glenfiddich.
William Grant first built the distillery, taking 18 months to complete, with the first drams of whisky poured out of its stills on Christmas day in 1887. Their distillers will take you for a masterclass in whisky tasting and nosing alongside your tour.
For a truly excellent experience, we suggest that you book a slot on their half-day Pioneer's Tour. Here you can bottle your own Glenfiddich whisky freshly from their casks.
Glen Grant Distillery
Next on the list takes you on a short journey over to Rothes, where you can find the Glen Grant Distillery.
Uniquely, this is the only Scotch whisky distillery producing that has been named for its founders.
The distillery is set within the surrounds of a gorgeous Victorian property and garden, which visitors are encouraged to explore.
There are, of course, guided tours alongside private tasting sessions where resident distillers will take you through some of the distillery's most delicious whiskies. They will help you gain a newfound appreciation for Glen Grant's most distinctive signature drams.
Strathisla Distillery
Twenty minutes down the road from Glen Grant, you'll find the Speyside town of Keith, which is home to the Strathisla Distillery.
It is one of the oldest working distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, as the Stathisla distillery dates back to 1786. The guided tours of this distillery will give you a one-of-a-kind insight into the blending process, perfected over the centuries by their master distillers.
Strathisla produces some of the most top-of-the-range whiskies in the world, including a range of Chivas Regal premium blends. You can also grab yourself a bottle of their signature single malt, the Strathisla 12-Year-Old, to remember them by.
Glen Grant Distillery
Reaching the Moray Firth in the Moray Speyside region, we are into our third day of the Speyside whisky distillery tour, with three more world-famous distilleries left to visit.
The first of these final three is the Glen Moray Distillery in Elgin, one of the largest communities in the Speyside whisky region on the banks of the River Lossie.
This is another famous name amongst the hallowed pantheon of Scottish whiskies, with their signature single malts being loved the world over.
You can soak up the peaceful atmosphere amongst the charming farmhouse cottages that house the distillery itself. Their small but expert team can take you through the process of creating their famous single malts on their regular tour.
However, we recommend the "Fifth Chapter Tour" if you want a more in-depth look. This comprehensive tour is conducted by the Distillery Manager themselves, providing you with 360-degree insights into the world of a small but renowned Scottish whisky distillery.
Benromach Distillery
Another short twenty-minute drive will bring you to the Benromach Distillery in Forres. Duncan McCallum first founded this distillery in 1898, but today they are better known as the world's first organic single malt whisky producer to be certified as such.
During the "Exclusive Manager's Tour", you can discover how Benromach creates their delectable and inimitable single malts.
Alternatively, if you want to have a go yourself, you can opt for the hands-on "Bottle Your Own Experience Tour", which, as the name suggests, allows you to bottle your very own dram of Benromach whisky freshly.
Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery
One final trip ten minutes down the road will have you arriving at the final distillery on the Speyside Trail, Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery. This distillery was the brainchild of Alexander Edward in 1898.
After changing hands numerous times and unfortunately suffering from a fire, the distillery was finally closed in 1983. The last barrel rolled out of the distillery on the 16th of March of that year.
The property has since been turned into a museum where you can find out all about the distillery's fascinating history and the traditional processes they once used, such as taking power from a water wheel and steam engines.
The Speyside Cooperage Tours is one of the popular attractions in the Speyside area. 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.