As the popularity of Scotch whisky has skyrocketed across the globe, Scotland’s distilleries, many of which are located on far-out rocky coastlines and in rugged tracts of the countryside, have seen large increases in the number of visiting tourists. For those who are devoted to the beguiling spirit, we’ve rounded up seven of the best distilleries to visit. Expect tours of the facilities, sample pours and gorgeous landscapes.
The only distillery on the Isle of Skye, Talisker was founded back in 1830 and sits on the scenic shores of Loch Harport. The winner of numerous international awards and a favorite among drinkers for its sweet tasting profile, Talisker welcomes visitors on its tasting tours year round.
One of the outlying Hebrides Islands, Islay has cultivated a reputation among whisky enthusiasts for the incredible, smoky Scotches it produces. Laphroaig is one of the island’s top distilleries, and woos visitors with tours, tastings and courses.
The other high-profile Islay Scotch (and a fierce Laphroaig rival), Lagavulin’s Scotch is tremendously peaty and smoky, and is consistently ranked among the world’s best whiskies. Visitors can attend tours, tasting tours and even warehouse demonstrations at the distillery.
Hailing from the Speyside region of northeast Scotland, home to more single malts than any other part of the country, Macallan offers one of the biggest and best-equipped visitor centers for tourists. The rich and sweet Scotch’s legions of fans are welcome to join guided tours, learn about technological advancements in whisky making and even sign up for individual tasting courses.
Unusual among its Speyside peers in that the distillery has retained its independent status, Glenfarclas has hosted an on-site visitor center since 1973. Tourists are welcome to visit the distillery for a tour before relaxing with a “wee dram” in the elegantly appointed Ship’s Room.
The Highland-based distillery stands out for being one of the highest distilleries in the world, and a tour of the facilities provides a fascinating look into a remote, working distillery. The honey and heather-filed palate offered by Dalwhinnie has won the whisky numerous fans.
Arran
Small-batch distillery Arran, which is located on the eponymously named Island, is one of the newest members of the list, having only been founded in 1994. Still, its visitor center pulls in numerous travelers, and the peat-rich whisky is something of a stunner. Three different tour levels are available.
(Main image: scotch © stockcreations, 2013. Used under licence from Shutterstock.com)
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