Whisky Stops in Scotland

Glenmorangie

Part of the Highlands Whisky Trail, Glenmorangie is located in Tain in the Northern Highlands of Scotland and has been in existence since 1843. Considered the best selling single-malt whisky in Scotland, Glenmorangie is known worldwide for its traditional bottles - 10, 15 and 18 year but more recently for its specialty finishes such as Madeira Wood and Sherry Wood. One of the smallest distilleries in the Highlands, Glenmorangie is also one of the largest producers of single malt. The distillery has its own water source, a distinct distilling process and the tallest stills (more than 26 feet high) of any distillery in the Scotch whisky industry.

As an added benefit, Glenmorangie is pretty close to the lovely town of Dornoch. Other distilleries in the area include Balblair, Dalmore, and Clynelish to name a few. Consider spending a full day in the area and exploring the lovely countryside.

Dalmore

The Dalmore distillery is located north of Inverness and is part of the Highlands Whisky Trail. Founded in 1839, Dalmore has royal connections. According to legend, in 1263 a member of Clan Mackenzie saved King Alexander III from being gored by a stag. The King granted the Clan the right to include a stag's head in their coat of arms with the motto "Help the King". For many years, the distillery was owned by the Mackenzie family who ensured that every bottle produced included the stag's head. Located in the Northern Highlands,

Dalmore is within driving distance of many other distilleries including Glenmorangie, Teaninich, and Glen Ord. The distillery overlooks the Cromarty Firth with lovely views over the Black Isle and is an especially beautiful area to explore.

Balvenie

The Balvenie Distillery is part of the famous Speyside Whisky Trail and is located in Dufftown, Banffshire. It was built in 1892 by W. and J. Grant and is one of only a few distilleries that are still owned by the same family. It is a sister still to Glenfiddich, sharing the same water source but offering very different and unique tastes.

The Grant family farm - 'Mains of Balvenie’, provides some of the barley used in the whisky production and is located adjacent to the ruins of the famous Balvenie Castle.

Plan to spend a full day visiting a few of the distilleries in the Speyside area including Ardmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet and Macallan. If you have additional time plan two days and visit some of the other great distilleries along the trail.

There are also many castles in this area so make sure you check them out. Balvenie Castle is close to the distillery and should be included on your stop.

Laphroaig

Located on the quiet island of Islay, is the Laphroaig distillery. In fact, there are so many distilleries on this island that their main industry is whisky distilling and the tourism associated with it. Laphroaig has been in existence since 1810 but wasn't officially registered as a distillery until 1826.

Laphroaig is widely accepted as the most individually flavored of all single malts due to the peat included in the malt. Peat has a very distinctive smell and taste; however, Laphroaig contends that it is not only the peat that contributes to their unique flavor but also the sea air from the tiny bay where the distillery is located.

The Islay Festival is a great way to experience all of the distilleries on the island. Generally, each distillery will produce a special festival bottling for the occasion. Other distilleries worth visiting are Lagavulin, Bowmore and Ardbeg (owned by Glenmorangie).

As Islay is an island, you can only get there via plane or ferry although you can take your car on the ferry. Plan to spend the evening in a local hotel or B&B to experience the full offerings of this whisky island!

Talisker

Talisker Distillery is located on the desolate Isle of Skye and is the only distillery on this island. The distillery was founded in 1830 and for the last 175 years, the distilling process has been pretty much unchanged. During your tour, you can actually watch the distillers working and get a glimpse at what goes into making this wonderful whisky.

Visiting the distillery is a flavorful experience from the minute you get out of your car. The aromas circulating in the air are very pungent but delightful. I was very excited to drink my dram of Talisker only to find that it was too peaty for my tastes. Talisker is unlike any other single malt that I have sampled so if you can appreciate distinctive flavors, this may be the whisky for you.

Isle of Skye is very far away from everything! Plan to spend the night and explore all that this enticing island has to offer. The topography differs in so many areas that at one point you might think you are on the moon and then just around the bend is a gorgeous little fishing village. This is definitely a “must see” destination in Scotland!