One of the many things that Scotland is celebrated for is its fine single malts, which are produced at some of the world’s best distilleries. In fact, there are about 125 distilleries in Scotland, many of which welcome visitors for tours and tastings, and have stunning locations. Here are some of the best ones to include on your trip.
Talisker, Isle of Skye
Talisker is the oldest working distillery on the isle of Skye, where you can sample the delights of their award winning Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The distillery is set of the shores of Loch Harport, and offers superb views of the dramatic Cuillin Mountain ranges.
It began its working life in 1830, following the arrival of the MacAskill brothers from the nearby island of Eigg. Over the decades, Talisker has seen many changes, but many of the traditional whisky making techniques still endure, from the use of copper pot stills to the traditional worm tubs.
The Glenlivet
This distillery on Speyside is said to have produced Charles Dickens’ favourite tipple! These days, about half of its produce is exported to the USA. It boasts an excellent visitors’ centre, where you can learn about the history of Glenlivet, and there are also guides to local walks in the Cairngorms, complete with a list of whisky smugglers’ hangouts!
Because of its remote location among the glens and hills, illicit distilling practices thrived in the area, out of sight of the customs officers. However, many were prepared to turn a blind eye to the practice, perhaps because they were fond of a wee dram themselves! There is even a rumour that King George IV took an illicit drop on his state visit of 1822.
The Glenlivet founder, George Smith, was among the first Scottish distillers to take advantage of the change in the law in 1824, and he obtained a licence to make his business above board. However, this didn’t meet the approval of the local whisky smuggling gangs who were doing a fine trade, and George resorted to carrying pistols for self-defence.
The distillery went on to thrive, and was boosted by trade with America when the prohibition era came to an end. Interestingly, the development of the railways helped to make the brand world famous. The company struck a deal with the Pullman Train Company to supply them with miniature bottles for onboard consumption, thus the word spread!
The Isle of Harris Distillery
This is a very young distillery in the scheme of things, which only opened in 2015. However, it has none the less built up an excellent reputation for its products. It overlooks the bay of Tarbert, and welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday.
The Isle is Harris is one of the Hebridean Islands off the West coast of Scotland, which is less busy than Skye, for those seeking that special feeling of being a million miles away from it all. If this wasn’t reason enough to make the trip, many people incorporate a distillery visit while making the most of whisky holidays Scotland.