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TOP 20 DISTILLERIES THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND
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Ardbeg Distillery
Port Ellen
Isle of Islay
Argyll
Perched on a wave-washed, rocky headland the Ardberg Distillery was founded in 1815 by the MacDougalls of Ardberg and the distillery's scattered white-washed buildings, reminiscent of a Dutch settlement, add to the dramatic coastal landscape. Ardberg has had a chequered past and in recent times was closed down. Glenmorangie plc acquired Ardberg in 1997 and has set about restoring this unique distillery to its former glory. Our economics essay writer even mentioned that in his recent historical essay: a detail worth more than just a short glance.
Hours: June - Aug Mon - Sun 10:00 - 17:00; Rest of the year Mon - Fri 10:00 - 16:00
Ben Nevis Distillery
North of Fort William
The Dew of Ben Nevis is a distinctive blend of choices from all over Scotland. You are invited to share the knowledge of the creator of Dew of Ben Nevis and the founder of the distillery in 1825, John MacDonald. Go and see the miracle and magic of whisky making, be prepared to be entranced when you learn the secrets of the three principle stages of Germination, Fermentation and Distillation; see the copper pot stills, mash tun and other items of equipment, also, find out about the mighty Ben itself.
Hours: Easter - Oct Mon - Fri 9:00 - 17:00
Cardhu Distillery
Knockando
Morayshire
A visit to Cardhu (from the Gaelic meaning 'Black Rock') takes you to the very heart of the highland distilleries. Here, hidden in a fold of the glorious Spey Valley, you can see the distillers at work, harnessing fresh local spring water in the timeless production of the distinctive Cardhu single malt, long famed for its inclusion in Johnnie Walker blended whiskies. Take your time as you enjoy a complimentary dram and soak in the flavour of the atmosphere of the genuine article.
Hours: Mar - Nov Mon - Fri 9:30 - 16:30; Dec - Feb Mon - Fri 10:00 - 16:00; July - Sep Sat 9:30 - 16:30, Sun 11:00 - 16:00
Clynelish Distillery
Brora
Sutherland
A visit to Clynelish, with its commanding views of the holiday town of Brora and the North Sea beyond, is to follow in the footsteps of Scotland's earlier gold rush. Here you can see distillers at work, producing their own brand of 'liquid gold' using pure water from local springs that runs over veins of gold on its way down the mountains. As you enjoy your complimentary dram of Clynelish malt, you'll be enjoying a local resource unchanged in character since the pioneering days of the last century.
Hours: Mar - Oct Mon - Fri 9:30 - 16:30; Nov - Feb Tue - Thur 9:30 - 16:00
Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery
Mannachie Road
Forres
The last distillery to be built in the 19th Century. Visitors can wander at will through this completely preserved time capsule of the distiller's craft. Explore the fine old Victorian distillery and then enjoy a dram in the audio-visual theatre as the story of Scotch Whisky unfolds before you.
Price: Adult £2.50 Child £1.00
Hours: Apr - Sep Mon - Sun 9:30 - 18:30; Oct - Mar Mon & Wed - Sat 9:30 - 16:30, Thurs 9:30 - 12:30, Sunday 14:00 - 16:30
Fettercairn Distillery
Distillery Road
Fettercairn
AB30 1YE
One of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, it was established in 1824. When you visit the place you can meet the people who make Old Fettercairn Single Malt Scotch so special. Discover firsthand the secrets of the distilling process that gives this whisky its unique character and makes it sought after by discerning whisky drinkers worldwide. Learn the history of life in the Mearns, how farming, barley-growing and whisky production has gone hand in hand for generations. Listen to the Fettercairn story; from 1824 to the present day, entertainingly recounted in the comfort of our audio-visual presentation suite. Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria who visited Fettercairn and fondly recalled it as a "small quiet town". See for yourself the magnificent stone archway erected in the village to commemorate her visit.
Price: Admission free
Hours: May - Sep Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:30 (last tour 16:00)
Glenfarclas Distillery
Ballindalloch
Banffshire
AB37 9BD
Visit Glenfarclas and enjoy an old fashioned Highland welcome. Let us introduce you to the Glenfarclas family of single Highland malt whiskies, including the unique cask strength "105". The enviable reputation of Glenfarclas has its roots in a family tradition of cherished independence stretching back more than 150 years. Since 1836, five generations of the Grant family have distilled the spirit of Speyside in a premium malt whisky of superb quality and character.
Hours: Open all year, extended ours during the summer
Glenfiddich Distillery
Dufftown
Grampian
We invite you to visit The Glenfiddich Distillery, owned and managed by the fifth generation of the Grant family. Glenfiddich is the only "chateau-bottled" Highland malt whisky. Bottling at the distillery using a single source of water gives Glenfiddich its unique purity of taste.
Price: Admission free
Hours: Jan - mid Dec Mon - Fri 9:30 16:30
Glengoyne Distillery
Blane Valley
Near Loch Lomond
Lang Brothers Limited will be delighted to welcome you to Glengoyne where you can enjoy a tour of the picturesque distillery. You can also visit our distillery shop, see a video about the history and creation of the whisky and, of course, enjoy a taste of the magic that is Glengoyne.
Glen Grant Distillery and Garden
Rothes
Aberdeen & Grampian
Founded in 1840 by the two Grant brothers, Glen Grant Distillery produces a light floral malt whisky that is clearly different. Enjoy a tour and discover the secrets of the distillery, including the delightful Victorian garden originally created by Major Grant, now restored to its former glory, where you can enjoy a dram from the Major's safe in the heather thatched dram pavilion.
Price: Adult £2.50 Child Free
Hours: Mid Mar - Oct Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:00, Sun 11:30 - 16:00; June - Sep Daily until 17:00
Glenkinchie Distillery
Pencaitland
Tranent
East Lothian
A visit to Glenkinchie, home of the Edinburgh malt, involves a short and pleasant drive from the city centre into the rolling farmland of East Lothian. Here you can see the distillers at work, employing the excellent Scottish barley and pure, clear water from the nearby Lammermuir Hills in the making of a capital malt in every respect. A brand new exhibition of malt whisky is housed in the listed red brick maltings and a complimentary dram in the distillery bar usually satisfies any further thirst for knowledge.
Hours: Mon - Fri 9:30 - 17:00
The Glenlivet Distillery
Ballindalloch
Banffshire
AB37 9DB
The Glenlivet weaves an unbroken thread through Scottish history and culture. The favoured whisky of Dukes and soldiers, writers and lawyers - and of King George IV himself - revered by connoisseurs, flattered by its imitators, the Glenlivet can only be made in one particular spot, in a single glen, in the heart of Scotland's finest whisky-making country. In a unique audio-visual programme, you can eavesdrop on the Glenlivet smugglers, discover their secrets, and learn about the dangers they faced as they led their hardy ponies over rough mountain tracks - laden with new whisky for the dram houses.
Price: Adult £2.50 Child Free
Hours: Mid Mar - Oct Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:00, Sun 12:30 - 16:00
The Glenmorangie Distillery Tour
Tain
Ross-shire
The name Glenmorangie means 'Glen of Tranquillity', which is a particularly good description for its calm and scenic location. The distillery was licensed in 1843, and has since built an outstanding reputation at home and abroad. The tour will introduce you to the natural elements and the time-honoured traditional skills which make Glenmorangie so special, the uniquely hard mineral rich water rising from the Tarlogie Springs, the gleaming swan-neck copper stills, the tallest in the Highlands and the casks of American oak. In the visitor centre you can learn about the heritage of Glenmorangie and purchase some of the fine whisky that was made in the distillery you just walked through.
Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 17:00 daily; June - August Sat 9:00 - 16:00, Sun 12:00 - 16:00
Glen Ord Distillery
Muir of Ord
Ross-Shire
A visit to Glen Ord, on the neck of land linking the Black Isle to the Highlands west of Inverness, is a delight to both the eye and the taste buds. Here you can see the distillers at work, shaping the character of the malt with the magical combination. The pure, cool waters of the famous 'White Burn' combine the peaty spring water and soft rainwater of two lochs in the hills high above the distillery. Upon tasting your 'perilously drinkable' complimentary dram, tradition has it you'll find it hard to resist a repeat experience.
Hours: Mar - Oct Mon - Fri 9:30 - 17:00 July - Sep Sat 9:30 - 17:00, Sun 12:30 - 17:00
The Glenturret Distillery
Crieff
Perthshire
PH7 4HA
In this award winning visitor centre you can enjoy a guided tour through Scotland's oldest distillery, followed by The Water of Life Audio-Visual Presentation and The Spirit of the Glen Exhibition. The Smugglers Restaurant, Pagoda Room and Kiln Room offer excellent Scottish fare in a unique setting, with the restaurant terrace overlooking the Turret Burn. The Glenturret shop sells the complete range of The Glenturret whiskies and liqueurs and quality gifts. There is also the whisky tasting bar where you can prop yourself on a stool and sample the full range of fine drinks.
Hours: Feb - Dec Mon - Sat 9:30 - 18:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00
Isle of Arran Distilleries
Visitor Centre
Lochranza
Isle of Arran
KS27 8HJ
 Isle of Arran Distillers is Scotland's newest distillery and it is their aim to produce a single malt of the finest quality. They began production in 1995 and visitors can now enjoy a dram of the unique Arran Malt at the end of the distillery tour. The water used in making the whisky comes from the mountains, which makes it ideal for making single malt. The guides are there to answer any question you may have on the making of the whisky.
Hours: Apr - Oct 10:00 - 17:00
The Macallan Distillers
Easter Elchies
Craigellachie
AB38 9RX
The Macallan - universally recognised as one of the world's greatest single malt Scotch whiskies. The Macallan - consistently awarded top ratings by the world's leading journalists and writers on single malt whiskies.
Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 18:00
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
354 Castlehill,
The Royal Mile,
Edinburgh EH1
This award-winning centre is one of Scotland's most prestigious visitor attractions, which tells the story of the country's most famous products. The entire tour can be conducted in eight different languages. One of the biggest features of the centre is an electrically driven barrel-car ride which takes the visitor on a ride through 300 years of Scotch Whisky history, with life like figures, sounds and aromas. The ride finishes with a free dram for the adults.
Price: £4.95 adult, £3.50 concessions, £2.50 under - 18's, £12 family ticket.
Hours: 10:00-17:30 daily. Extended hours during the summer season.
Speyside Cooperage
Craigellachie
Grampians
Multi award winning working cooperage with unique visitor centre. Come and see our highly skilled coopers and our apprentices practicing their ancient craft. Each year we repair around 100,000 oak casks which will be used to mature many different whiskies.
Price: Adult £2.95 Child £1.75
Hours: Jan - Mid Dec Mon - Fri 9:30 - 16:30
Strathisla Distillery
Keith
Grampian
At Strathisla Distillery, the home and heart of Chivas Regal, we welcome you as our guests. Enjoy our hospitality and the unhurried pace of the self-guided tour of the oldest working distillery in the Highlands, founded in 1786. Discover the art of the blender before sipping a superb dram in luxurious comfort.
Price: Adult £4.00 Child Free
Hours: Feb - Nov & Mid Mar - Nov Mon - Sat 9:30 - 16:00, Sun 12:30 - 16:00;
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