Scotland’s distilleries
No one really knows precisely when Scotch whisky distilling began but there are some references to it going back as far as the late 15th century. After many years of development, Scotland is now inextricably linked to and recognised as the home of whisky. If you’re visiting Scotland, don't miss a trip to one of the many whisky distilleries, where you can see how you’re favourite whisky is made, and even sample a dram.
Glenturret Distillery
Where: Crieff, Perthshire
What: The Glenturret Distillery is home to the best-selling whisky in Scotland - The Famous Grouse Finest Scotch Whisky. At the award-winning interactive Famous Grouse Experience you’ll see how the Glenturret single malt is made, and how the distillery marries its whiskies to create Scotland’s favourite – The Famous Grouse Finest itself. You can also round this off with an extra malt tasting. Don’t miss Warehouse No.9, where you can taste the entire Famous Grouse Malt range straight from the cask.
Web:
The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)
Glenfiddich Distillery
Where: Dufftown
What: Glenfiddich Distillery is home to Glennfiddich, the world's favourite single malt Scotch whisky. Choose from the free Original Tour, or the more detailed Connoisseurs' Tour, which is followed by a tutored nosing. Afterwards, visit the exclusive gift shop and pick up a souvenir to take home.
Web:
Glenfiddich Distillery (www.glenfiddich.com)
Speyside Cooperage
Where: Craigellachie
What: Winner of 14 awards, Speyside Cooperage is the only working cooperage in Britain with a visitor centre. In the viewing gallery, watch the skilled coopers and their apprentices repair oak casks which will be used to mature many different whiskies - each year, Speyside Cooperage repairs over 100,000 of them.
Web:
Speyside Cooperage (www.speysidecooperage.co.uk/)
Glenlivet Distillery
Where: Ballindalloch, Banffshire
What: Discover the wild and lonely setting of the home of the world famous single malt Scotch whisky at the Glenlivet Distillery. Enjoy a guided tour of the distillery and warehouse where the spirit matures to the splendid whisky we know and love, and enjoy a complimentary dram afterwards.
Web:
Glenlivet Distillery (www.theglenlivet.com/)
Glen Grant Distillery
Where: Rothes
What: Founded in 1840, Glen Grant is one of only 2 Scotch whisky distilleries named after its owners. Witness Major Grant's legacy on a guided tour, where you'll visit his study and sample a dram of Glen Grant pure malt whisky at the Major's heather-thatched dram pavilion in the beautiful Victorian garden.
Web:
Glen Grant Distillery (www.glengrant.com/)
Glen Moray Distillery
Where: Elgin, Speyside
What: Glen Moray has been located on the banks of the River Lossie since 1897, and in over a century, everything but the ingredients and skills of those responsible for the splendid malt whisky has changed. Enjoy a tour of the distillery and meet the craftsmen, then savour the taste of this fine whisky before you leave.
Web:
Glen Moray Distillery (www.glenmoray.com/)
Benromach Distillery
Where: Forres, Speyside
What: Benromach Distillery is the smallest working distillery in Speyside. In 1993, malt whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhall rescued the empty distillery and set about restoring it to its former glory. Visit The Malt Whisky Centre, formerly the drier house, sit in the 'wee nook' and watch a video depicting the history of Gordon & MacPhail or enjoy a tutored tasting.
Web:
Benromach Distillery (www.benromach.com/)