Scotland's best whisky distilleries 'to visit this summer' named by National Geographic
There is no time like the present to book a tour of a distillery.
The top whisky distilleries in Scotland "to visit this summer" have been crowned by National Geographic. Distilleries in Perthshire, Moray, and more were named.
Scotland is world-famous for its whisky, and many of its distilleries date back hundreds of years. Whether you consider yourself a whisky fan or not, a tour of a distillery is fascinating and makes for a great afternoon activity.
On Tuesday, June 10, National Geographic published a round-up detailing the best Scottish distilleries for a day out during the summer season, with a total of six distilleries featured.
Placing at number one on National Geographic's list is the Deanston Distillery in the Perthshire burgh of Doune. It was constructed in 1785 as Adelphi Cotton Mill and first opened its doors as a distillery in 1966.
Deanston Distillery was praised by National Geographic for being "one of the greenest scotch brands around". It also singled out the distillery's Warehouse No 4 experience, which allows visitors to sample exclusive whiskies that have been extracted directly from the cask.
National Geographic wrote: "The place still hums with hydropower: one of the greenest scotch brands around, the whisky here is made from organic grain sourced from local farmers. Book the Warehouse No 4 experience, in Deanston's former cooperage, for direct-from-cask tastings and an atmospheric whisky-ageing education."
Following behind in second place on the experts' list is The Macallan in Moray. Situated at the heart of The Macallan Estate, the award-winning distillery offers a number of different experiences to visitors.
National Geographic singled out The Macallan for its modern and stylish aesthetic, as well as its central bar where visitors can enjoy drams that go back 80 years. It also praised the various experiences on offer, singling out the distillery's food offerings at its TimeSpirit venue.
The experts stated: "Within cathedral-height interiors, an interactive archive showcases 200 years of whisky-making heritage and limited-edition bottles, which resemble artworks. The central bar serves drams dating back 80 years, classic cocktails and tutored tastings—The Story of Oak, for instance, compares how sherry-seasoned casks impart Macallan's signature notes of dried fruits, ginger and cinnamon.
"Its culinary credentials are also next level: the team have collaborated with Spain's three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca at its fine-dining restaurant TimeSpirit, and The Macallan Mastery Experience tour concludes with a six-course tasting menu here."
Elsewhere, National Geographic named Port Ellen on Islay as the third-best distillery in Scotland to visit this summer. Islay is known as Scotland's 'whisky island' due to its high number of distilleries, with Port Ellen reopening its doors in 2024 after being closed since 1983.
Port Ellen Reborn is the distillery's main visitor experience. Lasting 90 minutes, it consists of an exclusive tour of its production process and ends with a tasting of a rare historic release.
The legendary Talisker distillery on the Isle of Skye placed fourth on National Geographic's list. The oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, it offers everything from standards tours and tastings to its immersive 'Talisker Made By The Sea Tasting Experience'.
Rounding out the experts' Scottish picks are Springbank on the Kintyre peninsula and Auchentoshan in Clydebank, placing fifth and sixth respectively. National Geographic praised Springbank's Barley to Bottle experience, which allows visitors to create their own personal bottle, and applauded Auchentoshan for its comprehensive tour.
See below for National Geographic's picks of the top six whisky distilleries in Scotland to visit this summer. More information can be found on the National Geographic website.
Deanston Distillery, Perthshire
The Macallan, Moray
Port Ellen, Islay
Talisker, Isle of Skye
Springbank, Kintyre peninsula
Auchentoshan, Clydebank
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