The 5 Best Whisky Distilleries In Scotland
Searching for the best whisky distilleries in Scotland? We’ve got you covered with a list of contemporary distilleries across Scotland offering tours, tastings, and fun flights - suitable for aficionados and beginners alike.
The information in this post is intended for those over the legal drinking age, please drink responsibly. and never drink and drive.
Scotland is famous for many things, but our exceptional whisky is the one we’re perhaps most proud of - and a visit to a whisky distillery is a must for anyone on a proper Scottish adventure.
Due to its enduring popularity among both enthusiasts and curious first-time sippers, there are literally hundreds of distilleries spread across Scotland’s five whisky regions. Each has its distinctive flavour and aroma, from peaty Islay expressions to mellow Lowland options and pretty much everything in between.
The big question, then, is which of Scotland’s many distilleries should you visit?
There’s no denying that we’re partial to a dram here at Wander Somewhere. And we’ve visited countless distilleries on our travels around Scotland. Our most memorable distillery visits - and those we recommend - are where good drinking meets a warm welcome and upbeat experience.
And we’ll happily give bonus points to those distilleries tucked away in magical landscapes.
After all, whisky is influenced most by its natural surroundings, from the water to the peat and, in our opinion, the wilder the landscape, the better the whisky.
Tastings, tours, and expert guides are essential to an excellent distillery visit, and they generally come as standard. But a handful of distilleries go above and beyond to combine history and heritage with beautifully designed facilities, immersive tastings, superb shops, and contemporary bars to create a truly memorable visitor experience.
Carefully crafting some of the country’s finest single malts in those iconic copper stills, these Scottish distilleries take a contemporary approach and are perfect for whisky beginners and connoisseurs alike.
So, if you’re looking for a whisky experience that delivers big on flavour, experience, and views, then check out these five modern Scottish distilleries.
Distilleries in Scotland map
Our map of distilleries in Scotland is designed to help you plan a tour, whether you’re seeking a long weekend in Islay or a detour on the NC500. It covers Scotland’s five whisky regions:
Highlands (which also encompasses the islands)
Lowlands
Islay
Campbeltown
Speyside
We should note that this list isn’t exhaustive, but it expands with every distillery tour we take.
If you think a distillery is missing, let us know in the comments below. But know this - only the best distilleries make our handpicked list; the best bars, the best whisky flights, the best tours, the best atmosphere, and the best-designed spaces. And, of course, the best whisky!
You can download our map here.
The 5 Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland
1. Bruichladdich (Islay)
On an island famous for its distilleries (nine in total), Bruichladdich stood out for us thanks to its modern tasting bar, funky shop, and overall cool vibe.
Venture through the unassuming little door into a vibrant and innovative distillery shop packed with gleaming bottles, very wearable merch, and locally produced Islay products. The lively chatter and clinking glasses are a welcoming commotion and a world away from the stuffy distillery stereotype.
Located on the outskirts of the idyllic coastal village of Port Charlotte, on the southwestern tip of the Hebridean island, the whitewashed distillery occupies a scenic spot overlooking pretty Loch Indaal.
Established in 1881, closed down in 1995, and resurrected in 2001, Bruichladdich’s journey has been anything but smooth. But that rocky history only adds to this Islay distillery's “progressive” ethos.
The first thing we noticed, besides the vibey atmosphere, was the B-Corp certificate on display above the tasting bar. It's clear Bruichladdich is a distillery that does things differently.
Pop in on your travels around the island and visit the Bruichladdich shop - we were blown away by the uber-approachable team, whose knowledge and passion for their product were unmistakable. They were only too happy to offer a dram at the onsite tasting area and their expertise on which bottle to take home.
There are bookable tours, too, including guided walkthroughs of the distillery, the stills, and the warehouse, where you’ll learn about the philosophy of how Bruichladdich make their three single malts (Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore) and The Botanist gin.
Our favourite option is the signature and distinctive Classic Laddie, an unusually peat-free option on an island whose whiskies are usually characterised by their smoky aroma. Floral and elegant, it is one of the easiest single malts to drink.
However, those seeking a bolder expression will love the Port Charlotte; peated to a heavyweight 40PPM, it’s complex, smoky, and sings of Islay’s classic flavours.
2. Talisker (Isle of Skye)
Of all the distilleries on our list, Talisker wins for the most beautiful and vibrant tasting experience, with a lively bar and some of the best single malt we’ve sampled.
Located in the tiny hamlet of Carbost on the Isle of Skye, on the edge of Loch Harport, Talisker occupies a dramatic spot facing the Cuillin Hills. This is one of our favourite places on the Misty Isle, with stunning panoramic views and ruggedly beautiful landscapes surrounding a charming village.
And in the heart of Carbost is whitewashed and gleaming Talisker, the oldest working distillery on the island.
Renovated in 2022, it attracts a suitably international crowd; we chatted with an American couple on a month-long Scottish road trip, a Japanese family, Dutch van lifers, and a French cycling group, to name but a few.
Inside, there’s a strikingly modern shop, tasting room, and our favourite area, the Campfire Bar, where we spent a happy few hours soaking in the relaxed but vibrant atmosphere.
Talsiker staff were wonderfully knowledgeable and helped us assemble a delicious tasting board of three Talisker whiskies ranging from non-peaty to smoky. We loved the tasting menu's affordability, with three drams for £15 (though there were far more expensive, older, and rare options for the connoisseurs amongst you).
We weren’t sure what to order, but bar staff served up a range of drams from easy drinkers to more complex peaty options (we recommend starting with the well-rounded and sweet 10-year-old).
And for those unsure about sampling a dram, Talisker also offers a carefully curated list of whisky cocktails, a gentler introduction to the palate.
Aside from the aesthetically pleasing bar (think sophisticated decor, sheepskin rugs, and lots of rustic wood), there’s a unique and immersive tasting experience and formal distillery tours - booking in advance is essential due to their popularity.
Tours last around one hour and take you on a journey through Talisker's history, flavour and production processes, ending with a tasting of Talisker's award-winning single malts.
For food, nearby are The Old Inn, The Oyster Shed, and Caora Dhubh Coffee Company.
But for a unique experience, why not combine a distillery tour with a culinary experience and book a table at elegant eatery Three Chimneys at Talisker; light bites, local produce, and world-renowned seafood from Skye's waters are the perfect end to a day exploring this magical isle.
3. Oban (Highland)
Small but perfectly formed, you’ll find Oban Distillery on Scotland’s beautiful West Coast.
One of the oldest in the area, Oban Distillery, was started in 1794 by John and Hugh Stevenson. The seaside town grew around the distillery and it remains an integral part of its busy promenade today - this is an essential stop on any Oban day trip.
Despite being refurbished in 1890, very little has changed, and outside the distillery retains its charming Victorian character.
Step inside, however, and you’ll find a modern shop selling some very cool apparel and merchandise (the enamel mugs are high on our wish list) a lively tasting area, and, of course, a well-stocked bar perfect for those looking to sample a dram or two.
Oban Distillery is easily one of our favourites, with easygoing bar staff who’ll help you choose from a wide choice of malts on offer or create a delicious whisky cocktails.
Those seeking an immersive experience should consider booking a distillery tour or tutored tasting.
Tours last around an hour, visit the copper stills, mill room, and old filing store, and include a tasting of some of Oban’s amazing malt whiskies, including Oban 14 Year Old, Oban 18 Year Old, Oban Little Bay and Oban Distillers Edition.
While ‘A Taste of Oban’ includes a friendly expert guide who’ll talk you through a tasting of four whiskies.
Owned by drinks giant Diageo, the bar also showcases other whisky brands in their range, the perfect way to expand your palate and whisky prowess.
4. Glenmorangie (Highland)
A staple on any respectable whisky menu and a firm favourite amongst seasoned single malt drinkers, Glenmorangie whisky is an icon for good reason. And Glenmorangie Distillery more than lives up to the hype.
Built in 1843, Glenmorangie’s heritage shows in the traditional smoking chimneys, old stone warehouses and malting rooms. But the colourful giraffe statues dotted around the entranceway are a sure sign that something modern and unique awaits. Inside, the shop and tasting space are colourful and cool.
And, of course, a fantastic range of gleaming Glenmorangie bottles.
Enjoy a casual tasting and wander the shop, where friendly staff are happy to help with history and bottles and pass on local knowledge to those visiting from afar. They also cleared up the giraffe mystery; famous for having the tallest stills in Scotland, the coppery wonders are also the height of the world’s tallest mammals.
Visit the stills, learn about the long history, and see the production of Glenmorangie on a tour with an expert guide.
There are various options depending on your level of interest, from a quick 30 minutes to a more involved two hours. Taste at least two expressions, soak in the atmosphere, and sample some excellent whiskies.
Located in the far north of Scotland amidst picturesque rolling countryside, this is a popular stop on Scotland’s iconic NC500 road trip.
5. Glenkinchie (Lowlands)
Located in the countryside, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Glenkinchie Distillery is the Lowland home of the iconic Johnnie Walker.
Johnnie Walker is one of the best-selling whisky brands in Scotland, available in almost every country worldwide. The distinctive square bottle and striding man logo firmly set it apart from the competition - as do the single malt whiskies it draws its flavour from.
One of those whiskies is Glenkinchie, a light and subtle whisky that embodies the floral style of the grassy lowlands.
The whisky itself is beautiful, and the distillery is even more so, with an immersive tour, charming bar, visitor centre, and wonderfully scenic views over the rolling East Lothian countryside.
This excellent Scottish distillery is one of the closest to Edinburgh and a must for whisky enthusiasts visiting the city. That said, we found the staff incredibly friendly and highly recommend Glenkinchie to first-time dram drinkers.
You can choose a tour with transport from Edinburgh city centre or book directly with the distillery.
There are a range of tours and tastings available, ranging from small group tours at £21 to exclusive tastings at £150. If you’re unsure which to choose, we recommend the Glenkinchie Flavour Journey (around 1.5 hours, including three drams and a cocktail). Or the Premium Retail Tasting at 30 minutes is perfect for those of you short on time.
Final thoughts…
While we’ve visited many of Scotland’s distilleries, we certainly haven’t been to them all. So, if you’re a whisky brand looking for a spot on our list or a single-malt lover with a missing firm favourite, get in touch and let us know why your distillery deserves a feature!
