Scotch watch

A grand tour of Scotland’s whisky experiences

While whisky lovers are drawn to Scotland like moths to the flame, you don’t need to know your Speysides from your Islays to enjoy the brilliant and creative whisky experiences available across the country.  

But if you do develop a taste for the water of life, it’ll only enhance your adventures at Luxury Scotland properties, many of which host extensive whisky collections with experts to talk you through every bottle.

So pour yourself a dram (or a coffee, if it’s early) and join us on a whistle-stop tour of the finest distilleries across the Highlands, Lowlands and Speyside.   

The Highlands 

For anyone ‘doing Scotland’ or trying to get away from it all, you simply can’t beat the Highlands. It's a region jam-packed with famous distilleries and, while it takes a little effort to venture around this part of Scotland, the reward more than justifies the journey.  

Whether you embark on a full-scale tour or simply savour a dram or two during a leisurely luxury break, these distillery and local lodging recommendations will help you do it right. 

Blair Athol Distillery 
Fed by the ancient Allt Dour Burn, Blair Athol is one of the country’s oldest distilleries. Both the scenic location and personable, expert guides are highly praised and, best of all, Blair Athol is just 40 minutes from the beautiful Murrayshall Country Estate.  

Royal Lochnagar Distillery  
Known for balanced single malts and for offering one of the country’s most intimate and educational tours, Royal Lochnagar is a must-visit. The distillery still employs traditional pagoda kiln heads and has equipment like an open mash tun – a centuries-old, hands-on approach – for a truly authentic Scotch whisky experience.  

Just down the road is Douneside House, a spectacular country house on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park and a perfect base for whisky (and luxury!) fans. 

Talisker 
Talisker is a world-famous whisky brand housed in a tiny village called Carbost on the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most extraordinary locations. The Talisker whisky tour is extremely popular, so we recommend booking in advance! We also recommend continuing your whisky experience with a stay at Kinloch Lodge – a historic family-run hotel known for its whisky tastings and food experiences. The scenic drive is one that will live long in your memory. 

Glen Ord Distillery 
Scotland’s last remaining distillery on the Black Isle, Glen Ord, is famous for its export, The Singleton of Glen Ord. An indulgent visit to Glen Ord followed by a relaxing stay at Rocpool Reserve in Inverness sounds like the beginning of a very rewarding road trip.   

Glenmorangie 
An hour north of Inverness you’ll find another acclaimed name – Glenmorangie. Famous for smooth, rich whiskies with complex flavours, the distillery offers a superb range of tours and tasting experiences. We recommend booking transport after this one! And best of all, if you stay at Luxury Scotland member Glenmorangie House, you can enjoy a complimentary tour on top of your exemplary accommodation.  

Ardbeg  
The ‘untamed spirit of Islay’ is not only a spectacular distillery with ferociously smoky whiskies – in autumn 2025 it unveiled Ardbeg House, an epic establishment that brings together the best of Islay on the plate and in the glass. With twelve luxurious rooms just a hop from the distillery, this sip and stay should make your must-sample list!

The Torridon  
The name of the UK’s most northernly five-star hotel might already be known to you – but is its whisky collection?  

The only non-distillery in our Highlands section has a well-earned place, with a different whisky for every single day of the year. Allow Shane, The Torridon’s whisky aficionado, to take you on a journey across the world in one of his famous tastings. Oh – and the rest of the hotel is pretty spectacular, too.
  

The Lowlands 

The Lowland region includes Edinburgh and the Lothians as well as Glasgow and the Clyde Valley, and therefore some of the more easily accessible distilleries in Scotland. Known for being light-bodied with sweeter and almost floral tones, malts from this region are considered an ideal introduction for those new to whisky drinking.  

The Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience 
Regularly voted a top attraction in the nation’s capital, this is the quintessential city whisky tour. Choose from a host of contrasting and immersive whisky experiences that spread across all eight storeys and be regaled with the 200-year history of Johnnie Walker.   

The best part? It doesn't just cater to whisky lovers - the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience welcomes cocktail enthusiasts and alcohol-free aficionados with open arms and tailored pours.

The Port of Leith  
While you’re in the city, you might also visit the world’s tallest distillery at The Port of Leith, learn how two friends from Edinburgh turned their passion for whisky into something extraordinary.   

And after pootling around Edinburgh whisky experiences all day, you’ll need a fabulous bedroom to rest your feet... before nipping a few more whiskies! Choose from the ravishing surroundings of Prestonfield or The Witchery at the top of the Royal Mile. Both are excellent picks.

Clydeside Distillery  
Prefer to dander around Glasgow city centre? The Clydeside Distillery is the first dedicated single malt whisky distillery to be built in over a century – and the product speaks for itself. As well as drinking fabulous whisky, this distiller’s tours delve into the engrossing story of dockside Glasgow.  

And while you’re here, you really should stop in at nearby Crossbasket Castle to sample their marvellous hospitality, featuring over 30 whiskies and French-inspired Scottish cuisine.   

Glen Scotia and Springbank Whisky Distillers  
Also recommended on our west coast tour are visits to Scotland’s smallest distillery – Glen Scotia – and its oldest family-owned, independent distillery, Springbank Whisky Distillers. To pair with these whiskies, we recommend a stay at The Crinan Hotel – an eccentric family-run property straddling the coast.  

Nestling beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban, and just a short meander from the sea, lies Oban whisky distillery, one of the oldest sources of single malt. After you've enjoyed a tour and a tasting, you can check in and relax at Luxury Scotland Member, The Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa & Island

Speyside  

Home to over half of Scotland's distilleries, whisky doesn’t get any better than Speyside. And with Luxury Scotland member, Linn House, you can enjoy a unique whisky retreat in a Scottish mansion located in the heart of this famous region.

Linn House is an exquisite, exclusive-use private retreat set in a Victorian mansion on the banks of the River Isla in Speyside. Built in the 1870s, the main house has 12 richly appointed bedrooms, each named after a famous whisky distillery. There’s also an enchanting garden, oak-panelled dining room and a whisky library where experts lead guests on a journey into whisky appreciation.  

Glenlivet  
Glenlivet is a whisky icon. Known for its rich heritage and refined craftsmanship, this is one for the connoisseurs. Guided tours are abundant and the sample room experience lets you create your own bespoke bottle (as well as tasting copious samples). 

Strathisla Distillery
At Strathisla Distillery, a few minutes’ walk from Linn House, you will feel closer to the true spirit of the rich, smooth Chivas Regal blends and the classic Speyside malt at their heart. Your Strathisla visit will be a sensory experience, created in a beautiful riverside distillery with over 235 years of Highland history.

Macallan 
While Scotch is famous for its traditional methods and seasoned timber, Macallan is among the most advanced – and architecturally striking – distilleries in the world. An endless list of events and curated experiences mean a trip to Macallan is worth planning in advance. And it goes without saying that the whisky is simply superb.  

Glenfiddich 
Probably the best-known single malt distiller in the world, everything Glenfiddich touches seems to turn to gold, from the classic 12-year-old to its rarest, oldest bottles. There are many different experiences available, each more interesting and educational than the last. A must-try on any whisky tour!  

How about a chauffeur-driven whisky tour?  

While Scotland’s whiskies are undoubtedly among the best in the world, any serious tour of our distilleries will incur a lot of driving. And while the roads are beautiful, driving doesn't mix with drinking whisky.  

Introducing the solution – Little’s Chauffeur Drive. A Luxury Scotland partner that specialises in sightseeing tours, Little’s chauffeurs allow you to effortlessly enjoy your whisky tours before unwinding and taking in the view from the back seat of your luxury vehicle.  

Slainte Mhath! 

Information correct at the time of going to press, November 2025.