The Water of Life or “Uisge Beatha” is a product that immediately comes to mind when thinking of Scotland and the Highlands is no different with more than 50 distilleries churning out high-quality whisky across the land every year.
This is Scotland’s biggest geographical area in whisky production, so the whiskies here are beautifully diverse, each reflecting the character of the regions and landscapes.
As the autumn creeps in, the days get shorter and the darkness extends. What better way to enjoy the season than to sample some of the finest whisky and find your perfect tipple to cosy up to warm fire and enjoy a dram?
Here are 5 Highland distilleries that warrant a visit in your autumn visit to the Scottish Highlands.
Glenmorangie
Founded in 1843, Glenmorangie Distillery has grown to become one of the most noteworthy distilleries across Scotland and does a phenomenal job of blending its historical roots with modern, rich hospitality.
Glenmorangie is a Gaelic word which translates to ‘valley of tranquillity’ and pays homage to this distellerie’s deep connection to the local land in which it resides.
Whisky lovers can visit for distillery tours and have several options for tasting experiences ranging from a 1-hour group tour with two drams to ‘The Wonder Tour’, a 4-dram single-malt tasting experience accompanied by fine cheeses and chocolates.
Better yet, if nobody wants to be the nominated driver, visitors can stay at Glenmorangie House, a boutique Scottish hotel just moments away from the distillery.
The Singleton Distillery
Nestled in the heart of the Black Isle, the Singleton Distillery is close to Inverness and just off the North Coast 500 route making this an extremely popular whisky stop.
Constructed in 1897, the Singleton brand has enjoyed success across a variety of demographics from the court of King Edward VII to everyday whisky drinkers the world over.
Tourists can visit the Glen Ord Distillery which is one of three distilleries that create the Singleton brand and treat themselves to a classic immersive experience, an exquisite food and whisky pairing class, or The Singleton Malt to Cask Tour which is the ultimate tour for whisky lovers providing a behind the scenes look of the single malt creations and six 15ml samples straight from the cask.
Glendronach
Glendronach has been practising the art of maturing whisky in sherry barrels since 1826 and it’s safe to say that they’ve got the hang of it by now!
Situated amongst the rolling Highland hills in Aberdeenshire, Glendronach is bursting with whisky heritage and a range of experiences exist for budding whisky tourists and curious visitors.
Experiences you may want to try this autumn include the Classic Tour: where you’ll discover the ins and outs of sherry cask maturation and sample three whiskies from the Glendronach flagship range along with handmade chocolate truffles, or go all out for the Boynsmill Experience where upon receiving a welcome drink you’ll be transported through Glendronach’s 200-year history, followed by a full-production walk through and culminated with fine whisky and food pairing menu.
Clynelish
In Brora, Sutherland you’ll find the Clynelish distillery. The original distillery was built in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford to provide a market for barley grown by his tenants and was replaced by a more modern operation in 1968.
Whisky fans will be familiar with the work of Clynelish since it is one of four corners distilleries of Johnny Walker.
Tourists who come here can taste an abundance of Clynelish single malts and experiences range from express tastings to premium Clynelish tastings, as well as hosting weekend ‘ceilidhs’, traditional live music and Scottish dancing.
Tomatin Distillery
Tomatin is one of the highest rated distilleries in Scotland and lies roughly halfway between Aviemore and Inverness and is an excellent choice for people who want to try award-winning single malt Scotch whiskies.
Tomatin currently offers four tours, each taking visitors on a journey from 1897 to the present day and include the following:
- The Legacy Tour: Includes tutored tasting of three single malt whiskies
- Taste of Tomatin: Includes tastings of six Tomatin expressions
- Warehouse 6 Tasting Experience: With four single malt cask expressions from cask to glass
- Single Cask Experience: Includes tutored tasting of five exclusive single cask expressions
Whether you’re a big whisky fan, slightly curious or looking for an excursion on your next holiday in the Scottish Highlands, whisky production is a tradition that’s tied to this land and a visit to a distillery is warranted where you’ll get a feel for the passion and the deep tradition across the area.
As noted, there are more than 50 distilleries across the Highlands and Islands, so wherever you are, you’ll be close to a dram, straight from the cask!
What’s your favourite whisky experience in the Highlands?
Let us know in the comments below!
