The Top 10 Whiskey Distilleries in Scotland You Should Visit
As a local tour company we’ve led thousands of tours to the best whisky locations in Scotland, join us on a personalised private tour where you can sample all your personal favourites!
Join us as we raise a glass and delve into the world of Scotland's finest distilleries, where age-old traditions meet modern innovation, resulting in liquid gold that delights connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
1. Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne
Glengoyne distillery (above pictured), a venerable whisky-making establishment, has proudly maintained its uninterrupted operation since its establishment in 1833. Situated in Dumgoyne, just north of Glasgow, Scotland, Glengoyne distinguishes itself by crafting Highland single malt whisky that matures in the Lowlands.
Found along the Highland Line, which demarcates the boundary between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, Glengoyne's stills reside in the Highlands, while the whisky they produce rests and matures in casks located just across the road in the Lowlands. This unique geographical positioning lends a distinctive character to Glengoyne's whisky, a testament to the complex interplay of tradition and terroir that defines its exceptional flavor profile.
A popular destination on our Stirling tour where we go to Stirling castle, Loch Lomond, Glengoyne Distillery and the Kelpies. Consider check it out here (from Edinburgh) and here (from Glasgow).
2. Dalmore Distillery, Invergordon
3. Glenfiddich Distillery, Dufftown
Set in the small town of Dufftown, the Glenfiddich Distillery is a firm favorite amongst whiskey enthusiasts. First established in 1886, the distillery produces some of Scotland’s most popular single malt whiskies using traditional copper pot stills and aged in oak barrels. Guests to the distillery can enjoy tasting sessions, guided tours and discover why Glenfiddich's range have won countless whisky awards over the years.
4. Glenlivet Distillery, Ballindalloch
The Glenlivet Distillery is in Ballindalloch, Aberdeenshire and produces one of the oldest whisky brands in Scotland dating back to1824. Although it’s said the founder, George Smith, had been illicitly distilling the whiskey for at least 2 years prior. So, we can say the brand has been around since 1822!
5. Balvenie Distillery, Dufftown
Home to the longest serving Malt Master, David C. Steward, Balvenie is forging ahead in the development of new whiskey making techniques and making a name for itself in the industry.
The flavor of their rum cask whiskeys is something special, fruity and uncommon in the whiskey making world. Balvenie is another favorite amongst our Scottish tour guides and we’re confident you’ll be more than pleased with a visit to their distillery in Dufftown.
6. Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain
We stop at Glenmorangie Distillery on a few of our multi-day tours -
Edinburgh to Orkney 5 day tour
Edinburgh to Lewis & Harris 5 day tour
You can always get in touch to organise a private tour to any or ALL of the Scottish distilleries!
7. Ardbeg Distillery, Isle of Islay
We head to Ardbeg Distillery as well as Bowmore, Laphroaig and Lagavulin Distilleries on our 4-day tour to the Island of Whisky - Isle of Islay!
Check it out from Edinburgh here.
8. Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay
We head to Laphroig Distillery as well as Bowmore, Ardbeg and Lagavulin Distilleries on our 4-day tour to the Island of Whisky - Isle of Islay!
Check it out from Edinburgh here.
9. Talisker Distillery, Isle of Skye
It’s far from the only distillery on the isle of Skye but it is the oldest and quite possibly the most famous. Set on the shores of loch Carport in the quiet village of Carbost, the distillery itself is a marvel and the single malt whiskey produced their - some of the finest in Scotland.
Then history of the whiskey can be traced back to the 1830’s and the whiskey itself is still made with the same process as it was those 200 years ago. The stills in the distillery are replicas of the originals and you’ll find them to be quite an impressive sight as you sip a classic 10-year-aged Talisker.
10. Springbank Distillery, Campbeltown
Founded in the 19th century and still owned by its founding family. Springbank has a reputation for being hard to find but worth the effort.
So, there you have it! 10 of our favorite whiskey/whisky distilleries to visit while in the highlands of Scotland!
If you’re looking for guided whiskey tours, then check out our trips where you can see the beauty of Scotland and wet your whistle with the best distilleries around.
Just click the group tour tab at the top of the page to start exploring!