The Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland
Unlike in America, whisky is spelled without the “e” in Scotland—but that’s not the only difference. Learn about what makes a single malt and other interesting facts by visiting one of Scotland’s best distilleries, many of which are located on the Isle of Islay. Several are even surrounded by great natural beauty, meaning you can sip your Scotch while enjoying the scenery.
Tarbert, Isle of Harris HS3 3DJ, UK
New to the Isle of Harris, this is one of Scotland’s more promising distilleries to open in recent years. Here, five local men, trained from scratch in the art of distilling, are working hard to create a whisky of real provenance....
Isle of Skye IV47 8SZ, UK
The oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, Talisker is set on the shores of Loch Harport, with dramatic views of the rocky Cuillin mountain range. Here, distillers produce an alluringly sweet, full-bodied single malt, heavily influenced by...
Ballindalloch AB37 9BT, UK
The granddaddy of Speyside whiskies, The Glenlivet is acclaimed for its balance and perfect finish. Around since 1824, the distillery has endured years of drama and intrigue, but continues to produce some of the world’s favorite spirits....
Dumgoyne, Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LB, UK
Under 40 minutes from Glasgow, Glengoyne is one of Scotland’s more accessible distilleries. It’s also one of the prettiest, with whitewashed buildings, a hidden glen, and a cascading waterfall. Here, the basic tour begins with a dram...
A847, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49 7UN, UK
Like the best French winemakers, Bruichladdich (pronounced brook-laddie) makes much of terroir, producing whiskies that taste of the surrounding fields and waters. In fact, every Bruichladdich Scotch features a signature salt-citrus tang. Visit...
Port Askaig, Isle of Islay PA46 7RL, UK
Pronounced cull-EE-la, this little-known distillery commands a picturesque position on the northeastern shores of Islay, overlooking the Sound of Islay and the Paps of Jura. Here, distillers tend to six copper stills, producing whisky for blended...
Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7DU, UK
Founded in 1815 by brothers Don and Alex Johnson, Laphroaig produces the world’s richest single-malt Scotch. Made from hand-cut peat and crystalline Kilbride Stream water, the whisky is matured in a range of different woods and casks,...
