Scotland is home to more than 130 working distilleries, from giant Speyside operations to tiny island producers. This guide covers the distilleries we know best – the ones we visit regularly with guests on private whisky tours. Each page includes history, tasting notes, visitor information and how to get there with a private driver-guide.
Speyside distilleries
Glenfiddich
The world's most-visited single malt distillery, family-owned since 1887 in the heart of Dufftown.
Est. 1824The Macallan
One of the world's most prized single malts, The Macallan's striking new distillery on the Easter Elchies estate is an architectural landmark.
Est. 1879Aberlour
A Speyside favourite known for its sherry-cask-matured whiskies, set in the charming village of Aberlour on the River Spey.
Est. 1836Glenfarclas
One of the last independent family-owned distilleries in Scotland, Glenfarclas has been in the Grant family for six generations.
Est. 1786Strathisla
The oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands and the spiritual home of Chivas Regal.
Est. 1892The Balvenie
A craft-focused Speyside distillery with its own floor maltings and cooperage, producing some of Scotland's most respected single malts.
Est. 1840Glen Grant
A Speyside classic in Rothes with a stunning Victorian garden, producing one of the best-selling single malts in Italy and worldwide.
Est. 1824Cardhu
The golden heart of Johnnie Walker, Cardhu was pioneered by Helen Cumming and remains one of Speyside's most important distilleries.
Est. 1898Benromach
A small, hands-on Speyside distillery owned by Gordon & MacPhail, producing characterful whisky with a touch of smoke.
Est. 1824The Glenlivet
The distillery that started it all – The Glenlivet was the first legally licensed distillery in the parish of Glenlivet and helped define Speyside whisky.
Highland distilleries
Glenmorangie
Home of Scotland's tallest stills, Glenmorangie produces an elegant and complex Highland malt on the shores of the Dornoch Firth.
Est. 1897Dalwhinnie
Scotland's highest distillery at 1,164 feet, producing a gentle and honeyed Highland malt in the heart of the Cairngorms.
Est. 1897Tomatin
A large Highland distillery on the old A9 that was once the biggest in Scotland, now producing approachable and well-regarded single malts.
Est. 1967Clynelish
A cult-favourite Highland distillery in Brora, known for its distinctive waxy character and proximity to the legendary Brora distillery.
Est. 1790Balblair
One of Scotland's oldest distilleries, Balblair has been producing whisky in Easter Ross since 1790.
Est. 1825Edradour
Scotland's smallest traditional distillery, tucked into a hidden glen above Pitlochry, producing just 12 casks a week.
Est. 1798Blair Athol
One of Scotland's oldest working distilleries, Blair Athol sits at the gateway to the Highlands in Pitlochry and is the key malt in Bell's blended Scotch.
Est. 1845Royal Lochnagar
A small, traditional distillery beside Balmoral Castle that earned its 'Royal' warrant after a visit from Queen Victoria in 1848.
Est. 1797Glen Garioch
Scotland's most easterly distillery, Glen Garioch (pronounced 'Glen Geery') has been distilling in Aberdeenshire since 1797.
Est. 1826GlenDronach
A renowned sherry-cask specialist in Aberdeenshire, GlenDronach produces some of the richest, most intensely sherried single malts in Scotland.
Est. 1826Old Pulteney
Scotland's most northerly mainland distillery in the historic fishing town of Wick, known as 'The Maritime Malt.'
Est. 1794Oban
One of Scotland's oldest distilleries, Oban sits in the heart of the bustling harbour town and is a Classic Malt gateway to the Western Highlands.
Island distilleries
Private whisky tours across Scotland
We build bespoke whisky tours around the distilleries you want to visit. Private vehicle, dedicated driver-guide and flexible routing from Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen.