Scotland is home to over 150 whisky distilleries, each with its own story, style, and setting. From sleek, modern operations to timeworn sites steeped in history, there’s no shortage of places to explore. But with so many options, where do you start?
I’ve been lucky enough to visit several distilleries across Scotland, and whether you’re a seasoned whisky fan or just getting into the spirit, these six stand out. Each offers something unique—be it breathtaking scenery, hands-on experiences, or incredible drams you won’t find anywhere else. So, if you’re planning a trip and looking for a distillery (or six) to add to your itinerary, here’s where I’d recommend.
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list – I have not visited every distillery in Scotland. If you have others to recommend to whisky lovers, let me know in the comments below.
Port of Leith Distillery, Lowlands
Tours From £20
Located on Whisky Quay in Leith, Edinburgh, the Port of Leith Distillery is unlike any other. This striking vertical distillery, next to the Royal Yacht Britannia, maximizes space by using gravity in whisky production—starting at the top and filtering down to the new make spirit at the base.
I toured Port of Leith in August 2024 and was thoroughly impressed. Our guide, Adeline, provided an engaging walk-through of the whisky-making process, followed by a tasting featuring Table Whisky and ports bottled for the Leith Export Co. The top-floor bar offers stunning views, delicious food, cocktails, and an extensive scotch selection.
While Port of Leith’s own whisky is still maturing (they only began distilling last year), the Leith Export Co. already delivers fantastic drams—building anticipation for what’s to come. (I still think about the Leith Export Co. White Port to this day—do yourself a favor and try it.)
Additionally, the Lind & Lime Gin Distillery is just down the road, and well worth a visit.
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, Highlands
Tours From £17.50
Tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, to the south of Cairngorms National Park, Dewar’s Aberfeldy was founded by John Dewar & Sons in 1896 and now serves as the Dewar’s brand home. The visitor center contains a cafe, a well-stocked gift shop, and a bar. Then, you are ushered through to the Heritage Museum. Whisky lovers can (and I did) spend hours in here. The well-curated exhibition tells you everything you could wish to know about Dewar’s and Aberfeldy through rare bottles and whisky-making artifacts.
The Warehouse Experience brings whisky maturation to life, with displays on coopering and a striking wall of cask heads. From there, you head into the tasting room, where a short quiz helps match you with the perfect drams. The relaxed, semi-circle seating makes it easy to chat and compare notes, whether you’re a whisky newbie or a seasoned enthusiast.
With great whisky, fascinating history, and a laid-back tasting experience, Aberfeldy Distillery is well worth a visit. For a deeper dive into my visit to Aberfeldy, check out my full write-ups here and here.
Glenfiddich Distillery, Speyside
Tours From £30
Visiting the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown is a journey into the heart of Scottish whisky-making. As one of the few family-owned distilleries (not to mention one of the most well-known names in scotch whisky), Glenfiddich offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The Explorer Tour guides you through the whisky-making process, from mashing to maturation, and concludes with a tasting of their single malts, including the Flagship Collection.
A standout feature is Warehouse 8, home to the solera process used for their 15-year-old expression. Here, you can witness the marrying of whiskies aged in various casks, ensuring a consistent and rich flavor profile.
Also on-site is a cozy bar and restaurant where you can relax after your tour.
There are a variety of tours on offer for different budgets. The most expensive option is £250, and takes you on an in-depth tour of the distillery, its history, and its process, followed by a tasting of rare expressions and a two-course meal.
Additionally, The Balvenie Distillery is just next door. Two tours in one day? Why not?
Laphroaig Distillery, Islay
Tours From £20
If you would like to truly experience the rugged and windswept feel of Islay, Laphroaig is the place to do it. Located on the south coast of the island (just along the road from Ardbeg and Lagavulin, also brilliant distilleries to visit) Laphroaig is an Islay icon.
Nestled on the island’s southern coast, it’s known for its intensely peated whisky and deep-rooted traditions. Tours take you through the malting floors, kilns, and stillhouse, offering a hands-on look at how Laphroaig’s unique smoky character is crafted.
The Warehouse 1 Experience is a highlight, letting visitors taste whisky straight from the cask in the historic dunnage warehouse. The Distillers Wares Tour goes a step further, allowing guests to hand-fill and take home their own bottle. Visitors can also join the Friends of Laphroaig program, claiming a square foot of Islay land and even visiting their plot.
Even if peated whisky isn’t usually your thing, the atmospheric experience at Laphroaig makes it well worth the visit.
Glen Scotia Distillery, Campbeltown
Tours From £12
Visiting Glen Scotia Distillery in Campbeltown offers an intimate glimpse into one of Scotland’s smallest yet most storied whisky producers. Established in 1832, Glen Scotia is celebrated for its distinctive single malts that blend peat smoke and fruity notes, embodying the quintessential Campbeltown character. This makes the whisky more approachable than Springbank, for example, which is a little heavier on the peat.
The distillery offers several immersive tours including the Distillery Manager Tour – an exclusive 2.5-hour experience led by Distillery Manager Iain McAlister, offering an in-depth look at production and sampling of five whiskies drawn straight from hand-selected casks.
Adding to its heritage, Glen Scotia is also known for its resident ghost. In 1930, then-owner Duncan MacCallum reportedly drowned himself in a nearby loch after a devastating financial loss. His spirit is said to linger within the distillery walls, adding an eerie allure to the Glen Scotia experience.
Talisker Distillery, Isle of Skye
Tours From £20
Visiting Talisker Distillery is an adventure in itself. Tucked away on the Isle of Skye, it’s out of the way—but absolutely worth the trip. Skye’s rugged beauty sets the scene, with the distillery perched by Loch Harport, backed by the dramatic Cuillin Hills. For much of its history, Talisker was the only legal distillery on the island, and its whisky reflects its wild surroundings.
Talisker’s “Made by the Sea” motto isn’t just marketing. The whisky carries a distinct maritime character—briny, smoky, and peppery, shaped by Skye’s coastal air. The tours walk you through its old copper stills and worm tubs before finishing with a tasting, where the sea salt and spice really come alive.
If you love whisky with a bold, untamed edge, Talisker is a must-visit. The stunning setting alone makes it special, but the whisky—bold yet beautifully balanced—truly completes the experience.
