By Parkdean Resorts on 25/08/2018
Scotland is renowned for its beautiful scenery, historic culture, and popular tourist attractions, meaning you’ll never be stuck for something to do when you’re holidaying in this spectacular country. After a long day of sightseeing and exploring, what better way to relax than by tasting and learning all about Scotland’s national drink.
For generations, whisky distilling has been a major part of Scotland’s culture. The country is home to many crystal-clear streams and beautiful barley fields, which come together to create some of the best whiskies in the world. Whisky producing is split up into five regions in Scotland; Campbeltown, Islay, Highland, Speyside and Lowland, and the location of where it’s made really makes a difference to the flavour.
Whether you’re partial to a whisky or you’ve never tried it before, here are a few of our favourite distillery tours that you can visit on your next trip to Scotland.
Glenmorangie Distillery
Well-known for having the tallest stills in Scotland, Glenmorangie Distillery has been producing Malt Scotch whisky since 1843. The tour gives visitors the chance to take a look behind the scenes of the distillery and warehouses, so you can see for yourself how this smooth and elegant whisky is created.
Just over 15 minutes away from Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park, expert guides at Glenmorangie Distillery will take you on a tour of the whisky making process. From fermenting and mashing, to distilling and maturation, you’ll be an expert by the time you leave.
If you’re a real whisky enthusiast, then there are more advanced tours available. The Signet Tour gives you the chance to try one of Glenmorangie’s rarest and richest whiskies; Glenmorangie Signet. The Heritage Tour is even more special, because you’ll get to take a trip to the Tarlogie Springs; Glenmorangie’s very own water source. This tour also takes visitors to Glenmorangie’s exclusive Highland Home, where you will be served lunch and offered some premium, extra special whiskies.
Video sourced from Ted Davis
Benromach Distillery
Tucked away in the North of Scotland is Benromach Distillery; a family-run distillery with an interesting story of why they make every drop of whisky in a traditional handcrafted way.
Since 1898, Benromach have been making whisky using the spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. Benromach believe that ‘the slower the better’ when it comes to creating a beautiful whisky. The long, handcrafted process is done in order to portray the classic pre-1960s Speyside character; a light touch of smoke yet beautifully balanced.
Around 15 minutes away from Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, there are a number of tours to choose from when visiting this traditional distillery. Whether you fancy the superb Classic Tour or you want a special Personal Distillery Manager’s Experience, there’s something for everyone. Whichever option you choose, you’ll receive an in-depth tour around the distillery, whilst tasting a selection of the Benromach range.
Video sourced from Benromach Distillery
Edradour Distillery
Edradour is renowned for being the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland. It’s bursting with unique and quirky features and equipment, some of which is the last of its kind in the country, such as the Morton Refrigerator and Traditional Stills. A tour around Edradour Distillery will show you a 21st century production line, continuing to work in a Victorian way. Unlike some larger companies, there are no computers around the equipment.
Dating back to 1825, it’s one of the last remaining farm distilleries for handmade single malt whisky in production today. Visitors get a rare opportunity to see, smell, and hear, the traditional process of bringing together ingredients to create this perfect whisky.
Hidden in the very heart of Perthshire, just over 30 minutes away from Tummel Valley Holiday Park, a tour at Edradour Distillery will introduce you to the methods of whisky making and maturation. You can choose a Guided Tour for a fun day out or Special Whisky Tasting to learn more in-depth knowledge about the process.
Video sourced from tourscotland
Glengoyne Distillery
Founded in 1833, Glengoyne is often referred to as Scotland’s most beautiful distillery, and you’ll see why as soon as the tour starts. You’ll get the chance to taste some of their finest whisky, whilst looking over the waterfall and the secret glen where it all began.
Just over 30 minutes from Wemyss Bay Holiday Park, Glengoyne Distillery offers a variety of tours. Whether you’re an expert in whisky or you’re new to the drink, it’s guaranteed to be a great day out for all. You’ll get to follow the spirit on the journey of production, through copper stills, warehouses, and washbacks, whilst learning the secrets behind capturing every ounce of flavour.
As well as learning about the whisky world, this distillery also gives you the chance to indulge in The Whisky and Chocolate Tour. Here you’ll be asked to match two different whiskies with four award-winning chocolates from Iain Burnett, The Highland Chocolatier, learning all about how different flavours transform the taste of the whisky.
Video sourced from Glengoyne Distillery
Visiting Scotland? Find out more about our favourite Scottish castles for a dreamy day out.