10 Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland You Must Visit

Ask anyone what comes to mind when you mention Scotland, and it’s likely to be one of these: shortbread, tartan, kilts, or bagpipes. Also possible is whisky. In Scotland, there are 125 distilleries and six distinct whisky-producing regions, many of which give visitors tours and tastings to get a glimpse into the production process. Here is our list of some of the top places to visit.

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Distilleries in Scotland #1 Highland Park

10 Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland You Must Visit — Highland Park Distillery | © Rob Sutherland / Alamy

This is Scotland’s most northern whisky distillery, located on the Orkney Islands, and it provides a range of tours at various price points. Visitors can sample seven various whiskies on one tour, the Magnus Eunson. Even a specialized tour is an option, allowing the enthusiastic traveler to spend a day working at the distillery. In contrast to most modernized distilleries, Highland Park still uses a traditional malting floor where the grain is turned by hand. Highland Park has been producing whisky since 1798 and has three times been named Best Spirit in the World.

Distilleries in Scotland #2 Old Pulteney

The Old Pulteney distillery in Wick is only a short drive away if you drive across the turbulent Pentland Firth on your way south after visiting Orkney. Old Pulteney, also known as the “maritime malt,” was established in 1826, when Wick was regarded as the herring capital of the world. The distillery suffered a catastrophe when the town was made an alcohol-free zone in 1922. Fortunately, the prohibition was ended 25 years later, and since then, whisky has grown stronger and stronger. There are two tours per day, so reservations are suggested.

Distilleries in Scotland #3 Isle of Harris Distillery

The Isle of Harris Distillery, which stands proudly over Tarbert Bay as you approach by land or sea, is not difficult to miss. It was only established in 2015, making it a very new distillery in comparison to its competitors, but it is no less excellent in terms of the quality of its output. Its single malt whisky, known as “the Hearach,” is infused with sugar kelp to give it a sweet flavor that captures the maritime character of the island. Its gin, for which the distillery has already attracted a lot of attention, also uses this as a key botanical. The distillery typically welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a canteen on site that offers hearty soups and bread in the winter and cheese boards and seafood to go with your libation in the summer.

Distilleries in Scotland #4 Blair Athol

This distillery, which is located in Pitlochry, the Perthshire town at the entrance to the Highlands, creates malt whisky that is added to the renowned Bell’s blend as well as a small number of single malt bottles. The tour is interesting and well-planned, and the knowledgeable guides can address even the most difficult questions. This tour is for you if you prefer your whisky without even a hint of peaty, smoky flavor or aroma.

Distilleries in Scotland #5 Glenkinchie

The distillery known as “Edinburgh Malt” is conveniently located nearby and is highly recommended. The visitor center features a fantastic model of the distillery and offers a variety of tours. You don’t have to worry about picking a driver when a convenient shuttle bus from Edinburgh is available.

Distilleries in Scotland #6 Lagavulin

This Islay distillery offers a variety of tours, in addition to the standard tour, such as a warehouse demonstration, paired whisky and food treats, or premium tasting. Lagavulin, sometimes referred to as the aristocrat of Islay whiskies, is a must-visit if you enjoy peaty whiskey.

Distilleries in Scotland #7 Laphroaig

The Laphroaig brand, which is one year older than Lagavulin, is the most well-known and consistently has the highest global sales of all the Islay whiskies. By definition, the name refers to “the lovely hollow by the broad bay.” Additionally, this distillery provides a variety of experiences, from tastings to a four-and-a-half-hour “water to whisky” experience. The option to take your wee dram home in a miniature as part of the standard tour is a nice addition.

Distilleries in Scotland #8 Talisker

The only distillery left to visit on the renowned Isle of Skye is Talisker, where visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the Cuillin mountains. It is advisable to reserve a tour in advance because this distillery can get very busy in the summer. The whisky is heavier than those from Speyside or other Island whiskies but less peaty than those from Islay. For those who can’t spare the time for the full tasting, the standard tour also comes with a “bolt on” whisky flight.

Distilleries in Scotland #9 Isle of Arran

This distillery, which is still fairly new, is the only one operating on the Isle of Arran right now. It offers a first-rate visitor experience, winning Scottish Field Magazine’s Distillery Visitor Experience of the Year for two years in a row. In addition to tours and tastings, there is also a café on-site. The two eagles on the logo feature an intriguing bit of trivia: while the distillery was being built, a pair of golden eagles built a nest on some nearby cliffs, forcing work to stop until the young fledged.

Distilleries in Scotland #10 The Glenlivet

This Speyside distillery, which is also a multi-award-winning tourist attraction, is located in a remote Cairngorm glen rich in intriguing history. A favorite of Charles Dickens, the Glenlivet distillery sells about half of its single malt to the United States. The distillery also offers information on various local walks in the area that are related to the history of the whisky smugglers, in addition to a variety of tours and tastings.

Topic: 10 Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland You Must Visit

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