Here are twelve of the best whisky distilleries, listed in alphabetical order, that you must visit if you’re a fan of Scotland’s national drink.
Cardhu
Located in the heart of whisky country, Speyside, Cardhu is a small distillery founded by a reformed whisky smuggler and run by his wife, the only woman to pioneer a malt distillery. The distillery was later sold to Johnnie Walker, but it still produces its own highly-rated single malt.
Dalwhinnie
Situated in the Scottish Highlands, Dalwhinnie is one of the highest distilleries in Scotland and offers visitors the chance to sample its own single malt as well as other whiskies paired with chocolate.
Edradour
This small traditional distillery in Perthshire only produces twelve casks a week, making its tours unique and personal. Originally a farm distillery, Edradour still operates on that basis.
Glenfarclas
Located in the Speyside village of Ballindalloch, Glenfarclas is a fiercely independent family-run distillery established in 1805. It was one of the first Scottish distilleries to open a visitor center back in 1973.
Glenmorangie
Overlooking the Dornoch Firth in the Scottish Highlands, Glenmorangie has a distinguished history and scenic setting. It also has the tallest stills in Scotland and a range of tours, including the chance to visit the water source at nearby Tarlogie Springs.
The Glenlivet
Also in Ballindalloch on Speyside, The Glenlivet has been distilling legally since 1824 and offers distillery tours as well as three self-guided smuggler’s hiking trails in the Glenlivet Valley.
Highland Park
This distillery on the Orkney Islands is the most northerly in Scotland and offers some of the best tours, ranging from a regular tour with a single tasting to more expensive options with tastings of up to seven whiskies.
Isle of Arran
Easily reached from Glasgow, the Isle of Arran is noted for its fine food and drink, including whisky. The distillery has several different tours and is located in the picturesque village of Lochranza.
Lagavulin
One of several distilleries on the island of Islay, Lagavulin dates back legally to 1816 and is distinguished by its unusual pear-shaped stills, slow distillation process, and lengthy time their whiskies spend in the barrels.
Laphroaig
Also on Islay, Laphroaig is the only whisky to carry the Royal Warrant of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, who favors their 15-year-old.
Macallan
One of the world’s best-selling whiskies comes from the little village of Craigellachie, where the River Fiddich meets the River Spey. The distillery has one of the most modern and hi-tech visitor centers, and its tours are limited to ten people at a time.
Talisker
Founded in 1830, Talisker is the only remaining distillery on the Isle of Skye. Its tours range from 45 minutes to two hours, and it’s located in a peaceful spot overlooking Loch Harport, the perfect place to enjoy a wee dram.