With Scotland’s largest and most profitable export being whisky, it’s no surprise to learn that there are over 130 active distilleries in the country. No matter how far you go, a distillery won’t be too far away. This is because geography has a huge bearing on a whisky’s flavour. Everything from the water to the presence of peat in the local area will have its say in how a whisky tastes.
Many of these distilleries welcome visits by members of the public, although most require notice in advance. Celtic Routes can plan this into your itinerary as part of a whisky holiday or through our curated Highland whiskies experiences.
Most distilleries these days have whole sections of their facility designed specifically with visitors in mind. Let’s take a look at some of the country’s most beloved distilleries.
lagavulin
Photo by B K on Unsplash
When you think of a swamp, your first thought might not be the ‘perfect location for a distillery’. But for those who called the island town of Islay their home, they saw something no one else could see. Opportunity.
Located south of the island, lies the Lagavulin distillery, one of the longest-established distilleries in the country. Overlooking the bay, you can spy the remains of Dunyvaig Castle as you watch the calm tides roll back and forth.
Sourced from the flowing streams of Loch Soran north of the facility, it’s the peat bog that gives Lagavulin whisky its distinctly rich and smoky flavour.
Advanced bookings are essential for visits. A trip to Islay pairs perfectly with a Highlands and Islands tour.
glenkinchie
Photo by Jim Divine on Unsplash
Tucked away in the natural beauty of East Lothian’s countryside is the Glenkinchie distillery. This quaintly remote facility could be confused for a hidden rural village.
Within the walls of their newly refurbished red brick Victorian mill, Glenkinchie distils its distinctly sweet brand of whisky, rolling into a dry, almost liquorice-flavoured aftertaste.
Throughout the facility, there are beautifully arranged seating areas for visitors to dine and enjoy the soothing atmosphere of open country air. Everything feels exactly where it was meant to be and so will you.
For those who plan on visiting Glenkinchie, prepare for an utterly charming outing as every inch of its visitor centre and orchard gardens emanates the picturesque magic of life in the country.
Just a short drive from Edinburgh, Glenkinchie makes a fantastic day trip if you’re staying at the Hotel du Vin Edinburgh. For any families looking to spend the day here, be aware that they only allow children over the age of eight.
macallan
Peter Moore / Approach to the Macallan Distillery/Visitor Centre (opened 2018)
If you’re in the mood for something a little more modern, why not try the Macallan estate tour? Home to Moray’s exquisite single malt whisky, the Macallan distillery blends Scotland’s traditional approach to whisky production with a flash of modern flair.
The structures that allow the malt to germinate, while practical, have been designed to be admired – with gently undulating roofing to signal visitors of the activities housed beneath.
This distillery is truly an architectural masterpiece – a real must-see for those with an interest in unique buildings and unique whisky.
Please note: you must be over the age of 18 to visit the distillery.
isle of raasay
Anne Burgess / Raasay Distillery
Built just six years ago, the Isle of Raasay Distillery has to be one of the youngest facilities on our list.
After finally receiving planning permission, work went underway to revitalise the island’s famous Borodale House into a state-of-the-art distillery, visitor centre, and luxury accommodation.
The two co-founders made it their mission to bring those long-lost Hebridean whisky back into the world, allowing those with an experienced palate to taste the rich dark fruit flavours of ancient Scotland.
The island provides more than just a remarkable whisky profile. The Isle of Raasay offers visitors a beautiful view of the Sound of Raasay.
To visit, you’ll have to make use of the ferry service. This will usually run alongside tour times. and usually runs in part with tour times. Advanced booking is not required for the use of the ferry.
Raasay sits just off the coast of Skye, so you can combine your visit with a stay at Duisdale House Hotel or Hotel Eilean Iarmain as part of a Scottish Highlands and Skye tour. Families are welcome to visit, but children must be above the age of eight.
oban
The Oban Distillery by John Lucas via Wikimedia Commons
When two brothers arrived at the frontier of the Hebrides in 1793, they found a quaint harbourside town to call home.
From here they decided to make their fortune brewing ales, using the local ingredients found in Oban.
Over the years, the brewery changed ownership multiple times, seeing the town around it grow.
Oban Distillery wears its title as ‘one of the smallest scotch distilleries’ with pride.
Oban is also the gateway to some of Scotland’s most spectacular islands. Combine your distillery visit with a stay at the Pierhouse Hotel on the shores of Loch Linnhe, or hop across to the Isle of Mull Hotel for an island escape. For those looking to make a day out of their visit to Oban, why not take the ‘single frame’ challenge proposed by Oban Distillery? By rowing just a few metres out to sea you can capture the entire town of Oban within the single frame of a camera.
blair athol
Alan Jamieson via Wikimedia Commons
Known as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Blair Athol Distillery is perfect for anyone looking for fine flavour while experiencing the majesty of Scotland’s mountainous moors.
Blair Athol’s signature flavour comes from an ancient source of water, the Allt Dour. Flowing down from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, this contributes to the whisky’s mellow quality and smooth finish.
The Dunkeld House Hotel is just a short drive away, set within the wooded Perthshire countryside, making it an ideal stop on a Heritage Scotland tour. For a more rugged experience that takes you deep into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, we can’t recommend the Blair Athol distillery more highly.
As you can see, no matter where your journey takes you, Scotland has a distillery to be explored. Whether you’re planning a dedicated whisky tour, a gastronomic holiday combining distillery visits with Scotland’s finest dining, or an iconic driving route with whisky stops woven in, Celtic Routes can craft the perfect itinerary.
To see where your Scottish route will go, enquire now.
