Speyside Whisky Tours

Speyside is home to the Malt whisky trail and over half of Scotland's whisky distilleries.

Aberlour Distillery

‘Aberlour’ is a Gaelic word meaning ‘mouth of the chattering burn [stream]’. The distillery lies in a beautiful glen, surrounded by glorious scenery dominated by the rugged peaks of Ben Rinnes a short distance away.Pure spring water for making the whisky is drawn from underground springs, and the maturing spirit in the warehouse beneficially inhales the moist Speyside air. Here, the abundance of nature and the centuries-old passion for making single malt whisky conspire to make the generous and multi-layered whisky of Aberlour.

Whisky Tour Details

This exclusive, fascinating, intimate and in-depth Whisky tour of the distillery allows visitors plenty of time to enjoy a memorable experience. Relaxed and informal, you will have the chance to hear about the history and production of Aberlour Whisky, and to nose and taste new distillate and five of our best single malts. For many, the highlight of the Whisky tour is the opportunity to hand-fill and purchase your very own personalised bottle of single cask selection. The perfect memento.

Opening Times
April to October - Monday - Sunday
November to March, Monday - Friday

Balvenie Distillery

Situated in Dufftown, Banffshire, The Balvenie is unlike all other single malt Scotch whiskies thanks to a unique combination of human craft and natural alchemy. Neither the craft nor nature’s mysteries have changed in over a century.

Whisky Tour Details

Balvenie aim is to give you a truly personal experience, for this reason their tours are limited to a maximum of eight people. The Balvenie tour takes around three hours, including a nosing and tasting. It visits parts of a distillery not normally seen by the public, including the cooperage and working floor maltings. The tour starts off with a coffee and a chat and always end with a dram or two.

Opening Times

January to December - Monday - Thursday 10am and 2pm / Friday - 10am only

Benromach Distillery

The distillery – Speyside’s smallest - is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres, in north-east Scotland. Just two experienced distillers passionately hand-craft Benromach using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They personally ensure that only the highest quality spirit is filled into sturdy oak casks before being left to mature at Benromach for many years. Only when it has matured to our highest quality standards do they bottle it and proudly label it – Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Benromach Distillery is owned a managed by Gordon & MacPhail - a family business for over 100 years.

Whisky Tour details

Enjoy a personal tour with a friendly guide or from the man behind the malt', Distillery Manager, Keith Cruickshank. Experience a tutored tasting, wander through our museum or exclusively hand fill your own unique bottle of Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky. To commemorate your visit, view the full range of expressions available in the Benromach portfolio and browse an exclusive selection of clothing and merchandise, all available to purchase at the Malt Whisky Centre Shop. Visitors are also provided with the opportunity to bottle their experience and hand-fill their own unique bottle of Benromach.

Opening Times

February to May- Monday - Friday 10am – 4pm
May- Monday - Saturday 9.30am – 5pm
June to August - Monday - Saturday 9.30am – 5pm / Sunday 12pm – 4pm
September - Monday - Saturday 9.30am – 5pm
October - December – Monday - Friday 10am – 4pm

MARK - see below - we could just say special tours available ... contact us for more details?

Essential Tour (Booking essential)

£12.50 per person (available Monday – Friday at 11am in June, July & August)

Includes an in-depth tour followed by a tutored tasting of various expressions from the Benromach range.

Exclusive Managers Tour (Booking essential)

£40.00 per person an insight into Benromach Distillery from Manager Keith Cruickshank, including a tutored tasting of at least four whiskies from the Benromach range.

Bottle Your Own Experience

£60.00 per person Hand-fill your own unique bottle of Benromach.

Groups of 12 and over are welcome - please phone in advance.

Cardhu Distillery

Visit Cardhu Distillery and listen to the story of the only malt distillery pioneered by a woman. The malt whisky produced here has a warmth and cleanliness of taste which experts describe as "silky" and is used in some of the award winning Johnnie Walker blends.

Whisky Tour Details

Enjoy a guided tour of the whisky making process at Cardhu Distillery and listen to a short talk of the Distillery’s history. Lasting around one hour, visitors can expect to round off the experience with a dram of Cardhu.

Opening Times
4th January to Friday 30th March - Monday – Friday 11am – 3pm
2nd April to 30th September – tours run regularly throughout the day with our last tour leaving 1 hour before closing
Easter Weekend - Sat 7th April 10am-5pm /Sun 8th April 11am – 4pm.
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Weekend - Saturday 5th May 10am- 5pm /Sunday 6th May 11am – 4pm
Monday 2nd April to Friday 1st June - Monday - Friday 10am- 5pm
Monday 4th June to Friday 31st August - Monday - Thursday 10am – 5pm/ Friday 10am – 7pm
Monday 3rd September to Friday 28th September - Monday - Friday 10am-5pm
July to September - Saturday 10am – 5pm/Sunday 11am – 4pm
Monday 1st October to 21st December - Monday - Friday: 11am-3pm
 

Cardhu Distillery Tour
£5 (Voucher £3 off purchase x 1 70cl malt whisky)

Guided tour of the whisky making process at Cardhu Distillery and short history rounded off by a dram of Cardhu.
"Glassic Tour"
£7 (Voucher £3 off purchase x 1 70cl malt whisky)

Guided tour of the whisky making process at Cardhu Distillery and short history rounded off by a tutored tasting of 3 of our single malts. Complimentary glass.

The last tour for both the Cardhu Distillery Tour and the "Glassic" tour is 1 hour before closing.
Cardhu Collection Tour
£20 (voucher £3 off purchase x 1 70cl malt whisky)

Guided tour of the whisky making process at Cardhu Distillery and short history followed by a tutored nosing and tasting of 5 of our single malts. Available Wednesday @14.00 & Thursday @ 11.00.

Cragganmore Distillery

Cragganmore Distillery, on the banks of the river Spey, is home to one of the most complex and characterful malt whiskies of the revered Speyside region. However, the whisky is in limited supply as it is one of Speyside's smaller distilleries, now working 7 days a week to keep up with demand. The Distillery's unique flat topped spirit stills and slowly condensed in traditional wooden worm-tubs, promotes Cragganmore's complexity.

Whisky Tour Details

Enjoy a guided tour of the whisky making process at Cragganmore Distillery and listen to a short history. Lasting around one hour, visitors can expect to round off the experience with a dram of Cragganmore single malt.

Opening Times

Opens Monday 7th May to October - Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm

June to August – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am – 5pm /Wednesday 10am – 6pm

Cragganmore Expressions Tour

£10 (Includes a £3 discount voucher redeemable in the Visitor Centre Shop against any 70cl bottle of Malt Whisky).

This includes a guided tour of the distillery, a visit to the Exclusive Cragganmore Clubroom where you can sample 3 of our finest Cragganmore whiskies.

Dallas Dhu Distillery

Situated in Forres, Dallas Dhu is a Scotch whisky distillery in the famous Speyside distilling region of Scotland. The distillery closed in 1983 and today is owned and run as a visitor museum by Historic Scotland. Dallas Dhu remains a perfectly preserved time-capsule of the distiller’s art.

Whisky Tour Details

Visitors can wander at will through this completely preserved time capsule of the distiller's craft using our new audio tour in French, German, Italian, Spanish and English. Explore this fine old Victorian distillery and then enjoy a dram in the audio-visual theatre as the story of Scotch Whisky unfolds before you. Audio-visual theatre, exhibition, gift shop, picnic area.

Opening Times

 1 April to 30 September - Monday - Sunday 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

1 October to 31 October - Monday - Sunday 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

1 November to 31 March - Monday - Sunday 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Glen Grant Distillery

Since 1840, Glen Grant’s passion for clarity and the unconventional has underpinned everything they do. From the maverick style of the Grant brothers who founded Glen Grant, to the design of their distillery and its surroundings, to their whisky’s clean, contemporary flavour. nThe fresh air, bright sunlight and sparkling streams of Scotland’s Highlands not only give their whisky its distinctive, pale golden appearance, but also a clean taste that has seen it win friends around the world.

Whisky Tour Details

Visitors can discover the mysteries of malt whisky making, and the extraordinary life and times of the distillery's most famous guardian, Major James Grant. Then, relax and appreciate the subtle flavours of Glen Grant for yourself in 'Major Grants Study'. Spirited fresh and light, the essence of Glen Grant is reflected in the woodland setting of the distillery where dappled sunlight and pure Highland air and water come together in the enchanting informal garden.

Opening Time

May to October - Monday – Sunday 9.30am – 5pm

November to April - Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5pm /Sunday 12pm – 5pm

Glen Moray Distillery

Glen Moray Distillery nestles on the banks of the River Lossie in the city of Elgin, the capital of Speyside. Glen Moray Single Malt Whisky has been distilled here since 1897 by a small dedicated team of craftsmen. In over a century of distilling at Glen Moray, much has changed, however the ingredients, processes and skills of those responsible for producing Glen Moray remain constant.

Whisky Tour Details

There are regular daily tours of the distillery, covering the history of Glen Moray and the malt whisky making process. You can meet some of the craftsmen responsible for ensuring that the very high quality of Glen Moray is sustained. The delight of a of visit is the chance to explore a friendly and authentic working distillery, where your tour guide could be one of the distillery workers, all of whom love to share their knowledge of the art of whisky making.

The tour includes a tasting of some of the Glen Moray range, or you can just have a tasting if you don’t have time for a full tour. Sample the range of Glen Moray main expressions to judge the differences for yourself.

Opening Times

All year round - Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

May to September - Monday - Friday 09am - 5pm / Saturday 10am - 4.30pm

 Fifth Chapter Indepth Tour: £15 (advance booking only) You can also pre-book a more in depth tour of the distillery, followed by an informal tutored tasting of Glen Moray across the last 5 decades with the Distillery Manager, Graham Coull.

Glenfarclas Distillery

Glenfarclas, the `Glen of the Green Grassland', is situated at the foot of the majestic Ben Rinnes, in the heart of Speyside's Malt Whisky Country. Since 1865 Glenfarclas has been owned and managed by just one family, the Grants of Glenfarclas. To this day Glenfarclas is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to remain family owned and managed. Now in the hands of the fifth and sixth generation of the family, the Grants remain committed to the vision of creating the best quality Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky. Glenfarclas is renowned for producing Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky in the traditional Speyside style, with a heavy Sherry influence.

Whisky Tour Details

Glenfarclas was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to open a dedicated visitor centre in 1973. They still pride themselves on the warmth of their welcome. Take a tour of the distillery with one of their knowledgeable guides and discover not only the magic of malt whisky production, but the unique history of Family owned Glenfarclas. After your tour relax with a dram in the splendour of the Ship’s Room.

Opening Times

January to March - Monday - Friday 10am – 4pm
April to June – Monday -Friday 10am - 5pm
July to September – Monday- Friday 10am- 5pm / Saturday 10am- 4pm
October to December - Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm
  

Connoisseur's Tour & Tasting

For the connoisseur we offer a more indepth experience by prior appointment at 2PM on Fridays in July and August. Enjoy a tour of Family owned Glenfarclas, after which one of the Glenfarclas Brand Ambassadors will introduce you to a selection of four of their favourite expressions of Glenfarclas.

£20.00 per person.

Glenfiddich Distillery

William Grant, the founder of Glenfiddich, was born in 1839 in Dufftown. His dream was to build his own distillery and create the best dram in the valley. Set in the heart of the Highlands, Glenfiddich (meaning ‘Valley of the Deer’ in Gaelic) is a place of breathtaking beauty. Glenfiddich is little changed since 1886, when William Grant and his nine children rolled up their sleeves to build the Distillery with their bare hands. It took them almost 18 months and the first spirit flowed from the stills on Christmas Day 1887.These same silent warehouses and steamy mash rooms produce the world’s favourite and most awarded single malt Scotch whisky today.

Whisky Tour Details

You can visit the Glenfiddich Distillery for free with the Glenfiddich Classic tour. During this complimentary tour, you will be shown the legacy of William Grant’s endeavours. Discover how the flavour of the world's most awarded single malt Scotch whisky is created using techniques William himself would recognise. The tour concludes with a tasting of 12, 15 and 18 year old Glenfiddich.

Opening Times

Open all year - Monday - Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Glenfiddich Explorers Tour

Find out more about our tradition and craft. Following a visit to the process areas, your guide will take you into the famous Solera Warehouse where some of our most prized casks are held. Your tour will conclude in our VIP suite with a tasting of four of our award winning whiskies. Over 18's only please. £10 per person. To secure a time for this tour, email us at Glenfiddichbookings@wgrant.com or call 01340 820373
Glenfiddich Pioneers Tour

Today, five generations on, William Grant's descendants still demonstrate the pioneering spirit that he showed in back in 1887. In the company of a Senior Guide, experience our rich history and heritage with this 3 hour tour taking in a detailed view of the distillery and a tasting of Glenfiddich whiskies up to 30 years old. As part of your visit, you will be invited to bottle a rare, cask strength bottle of Glenfiddich. Housed in a remote corner of Warehouse 8, The Malt Masters Selection is a 20cl bottle, only available as part of the Pioneers tour and is not available for purchase. Over 18's only please. £75 per person.

Glenlivet Distillery

Since 1824 the wild and remote setting of Glenlivet distillery in Ballindalloch has been the home of the single malt that inspired the Speyside region. From this beautiful glen comes the raw combination of elements -from the mineral rich spring waters of Josie's Well, the crisp mountain air and uncompromising terrain comes a Scotch Whisky of infinite elegance.

Whisky Tour Details

Along with the other special attractions of the distillery visit, which include the magnificent scenery that surrounds it, this fascinating hands-on display of The Glenlivet and its history is not to be missed. To attend is free and visitors can expected a guided tour that takes in the distillery and the vast bonded warehouse. Let the guides share tales of illicit stills, whisky smugglers, proud whisky men and of course, sample a dram of the greatest whisky of all – The Glenlivet. The tour will be finished with a dram of The Glenlivet 12, 18 years old, or Nàdurra.

Opening Times

Monday 2nd April to Friday 26th October – Monday – Saturday 9.30am - 4pm/ Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Macallan Distillery

At the heart of a beautiful Estate, high on a hill overlooking the River Spey, with magnificent views across to Ben Rinnes a warm greeting and personal services awaits all who visit the Macallan Distillery. First distilled in 1824, the distillery’s portfolio offers a perfect dram to suit every taste.

Whisky Tour Details

In small groups to ensure a personal experience, The Macallan’s friendly and knowledgeable guides will show you how they make the rich new make spirit and how their unparalleled investment in the finest casks, contributes to the natural colours, aromas and flavours that distinguish The Macallan.

All tours booking essential due to restrictions on group size.

Opening Times

November to Easter – Monday – Friday 11am - 3pm
Easter to August – Monday-Saturday 9.30am -4.30pm
September to October – Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm

 For those of you who wish to understand the creating of The Macallan in even greater depth and appreciate some of our older whiskies, we are delighted to host you on our previos Tour. We will guide you on an extended tour of the production, maturation and marrying process, ending with a tutored nosign and tasting in the nosing room, which will take you through and outstanding range of Macallan whiskies. Tour duration 2 hour 15 mins.

Speyside Cooperage

In the heart of Scotland’s rolling hills lies Speyside Cooperage, the only working cooperage in the UK where you can experience the ancient art of coopering. Since 1947, the family owned Speyside Cooperage in Craigellachie has produced the finest casks from the best American Oak. Today the cooperage continues to work and produce the age-old product, still using traditional methods and tools.

Whisky Tour details

Join Speyside Cooperage as they take you on a journey through the lifecycle of the cask. Their Acorn to Cask exhibition will take you on a journey through the lifecycle of the cask, where you will learn why, in years gone by, every household and every business depended on a Cooper. See their highly skilled Coopers at work, still using the traditional methods and tools. Learn what our casks are used for today and why many are shipped across the world. If you are feeling adventurous try coopering for yourself with their mini casks, or simply relax and enjoy their gift and coffee shop.

Opening Times

Open all year– Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm
Closed 23rd December - re-opens 9th January 2012

Strathisla Distillery

A warm welcome awaits you to the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands There is no better place to experience the age-old craft of whisky making at first hand. Dating from 1786, much of the buildings have changed little, from the old cobbled courtyard to the distinctive double pagodas, making it one of the most picturesque distilleries in Scotland.

Whisky Tour Details

You will be welcomed on the tour with a dram of Chivas Regal 12 year old. Learn about single malt and blended whiskies and how the history of both are entwined, and experience the "Chivas Life" with an induction video in the Isla room followed by an in-depth guided distillery tour where you will also be provided with the opportunity to view the traditional bonded warehouse. The tour ends, appropriately, with a dram of the Strathisla 12 Year Old. For those looking for the perfect memento, a personalised label service is offered for Chivas Regal 12 and 18 bottle purchases

Opening Times

4 April to 28 Oct - Monday to Saturday 09.30am – 4pm / Sunday 12pm – 4pm

The Ultimate Chivas Experience ~
Saturday 12:00 noon to 15:00
This exclusive tutored tasting takes place in the private oak-panelled boardroom at Strathisla and show-cases Chivas Brothers most prestigious premium blended whiskies. The Art of the Master Blender comes to life when you are taken through the range that includes Chivas Regal 18 and 25 years old, Royal Salute 21 year old and the ultra premium, 100 Cask Selection. An experience not to be missed.

Straight From The Cask ~
Sunday 12:00 noon to 15:00
This in-depth tour of one of Scotland's oldest distilleries takes you on a journey from spirit to cask, and culminates with the unique experience of sampling five of Chivas Brothers Cask Strength Edition single malt whiskies. A fascinating journey of some of the finest malt whisky names from Speyside!. This is the only tour in Scotland offering all cask strength whisky!