Whiskey Lovers’ Guide to the Best Scotch Tours

The whisky industry is big business. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, there are 148 distilleries currently in operation across the country, producing some of the most popular and highest-quality whisky worldwide. Scotch lovers and enthusiasts from around the world flock to this small northern hemisphere country to immerse themselves in the rich and fascinating history of this liquid gold.

Whether you enjoy your whisky straight or on the rocks, paired with a delicious steak dinner or tobacco vape pen, there is no better place to experience the authentic and robust flavors from the best scotch distilleries

Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne

Glengoyne Distillery has impressively and proudly maintained uninterrupted operations since its establishment in 1833. Located in Dumgoyne, just north of Glasgow, it sets itself apart by crafting Highland single-malt whisky that matures in the Lowlands.

The distillery is situated along the Highland Line, which acts as the official boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands in northern Scotland. The building resides in the Highlands while the whisky rests and matures in casks across the road in the Lowlands. This unique and somewhat whimsical geographical positioning only adds to the complex character of their whisky and the interplay of terroir and tradition that makes up its distinctive flavor.

Arbikie, Angus

The Stirling Family, who has farmed the fertile lands along the Angus coast for four generations, not only produce the first climate-positive gin, made using homegrown peas that are later fed to the cattle, and potato vodka in the UK, but they are responsible for crafting the first Scottish rye whisky in over 200 years.

Using grain that is grown across their 2,000-acre land and water taken from an underground lagoon, the farm-to-bottle single Highland scotch is aged to perfection in a high-tech distillery housed in a former barn. The hour-long experience tour takes guests around the estate, providing a detailed farm history, a visit to the fields, and the old cowshed barn distillery before a guided whisky tasting overlooking Lunan Bay.

Glenfiddich Distillery, Dufftown

Nestled away in the small town of Dufftown, the Glenfiddich brand is one of the most popular and iconic among whisky lovers and enthusiasts around the world. First founded in 1886 by William Grant, the distillery continues to be family-owned by the Grant family today.

The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills and oak barrels to produce and age its famous single malt whiskies. Guests can enjoy tasting sessions and informative guided tours to discover why the Glenfiddich range has achieved the success it has.

Hearach, Tarbert, Isle of Harris

This Isle of Harris distillery is best known for the product it produces while it waits for its first whisky to mature: Gin. But that doesn’t mean that whisky enthusiasts shouldn’t make a stop to this unique and history-making establishment.

Reviving whisky-making techniques last seen 170 years ago, their first lightly peated Hearach has been created using soft Hebridean water running along some of the oldest rocks on planet Earth. This liquid gold is currently maturing in sherry and bourbon casks, and only time and taste will reveal when it is ready to be bottled.

Visitors can learn more about the people and processes making this special whisky come to life, as well as the natural influence of the wild surrounding landscape on the edge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Dalmore Distillery, Invergordon

Found on the north shore of the Cromarty Firth, with spectacular views overlooking Ben Wyvis, one can find the grand Dalmore Distillery, one of the oldest establishments in Scotland. Founded in 1839, the distillery produces some of the best single-malt whisky in the world using traditional techniques that guests can learn more about on any of their tours.

The company sets itself apart from other whisky producers by using sherry casks to infuse its whisky with extra flavor, resulting in a delicious and unique taste that can’t be found anywhere else. Guided tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore warehouses, sample whisky, and learn more about the history of the distillery and the surrounding areas.

Nc’Nean, Lochaline, Morvern

Mc’Nean Distillery is an organic, sustainable, and independent whisky producer first established in 2017 from old farmland on the west coast’s Morvern peninsula. The company proudly showcases its eco-conscious credentials at the first whisky distillery to reach net-zero operation emissions in the UK.

It derives its name from Gaelic for ‘goddess of the spirits,’ an appropriate moniker for a light and floral whisky that is crafted by a female-led team under the watchful eye of founder Annabel Thomas. Tours of the distillery are very informative and casual, with tea, cake, and whisky tastings included.

Glenlivet Distillery, Ballindalloch

The Glenlivet Distillery, located in Aberdeenshire, produces one of the oldest brands of whisky in Scotland, dating back to 1824. It is said that founder George Smith, was illicitly distilling whisky for years prior to its official opening, further adding to its rich history.

The distillery has an impressive range of single malt whiskies that make up the majority of its famous portfolio. Visitors can choose from several tours that reveal a fascinating insight into the history of the area and the production process, including the ‘Living History Tour,’ which uses historic photographs and film to showcase the industry’s past.