
Scotland's 10 'must-visit whisky distilleries' as historic coastal spot tops list
Many of the top Scottish distilleries offer tours and tasting experiences.
A new list of Scotland's top "must-visit" distilleries has been shared by whisky experts. And the number one spot was awarded to one of the oldest distilleries in the country.
Of all of the things Scotland is famous for, whisky may well top the list. The country's many distilleries produce whisky that is enjoyed all around the world.
Retailer House of Bruar has published a list of "Scotland's top 10 must-visit whisky distilleries". The roundup features both legendary distilleries and lesser-known spots.
Coming in at number one on House of Bruar's list of the best whisky distilleries in Scotland is The Oban Distillery. The distillery is situated in the coastal town of Oban in Argyll and Bute.
It is one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland. Dating back further than Oban itself, it was founded in 1794 by brothers John and Hugh Stevenson.
The distillery offers classic tours, with hosts sharing insights into the distillery's history and its unique whisky-making process. It also hosts tutored tasting experiences, in which visitors are talked through four different whiskies.
House of Bruar commented: "Oban Distillery is one of Scotland's oldest sources of Single Malt Scotch Whisky, just a short walk from the sea. This coastal distillery is also one of the smallest producers of scotch whisky, with just seven experts crafting each bottle.
"Oban whiskies are known for being sweet and moreish—our whisky shop is proud to stock the key malts from the distillery.
"Visitors can enjoy a thorough tour of the distillery, including three drams of Oban Whisky. Or, if you're just interested in sampling the goods available, the 'Taste of Oban' experience features a guided tasting session with an expert to help you get the most out of each sip."
Elsewhere, coming in at number two on House of Bruar's roundup is Tomatin Distillery in the Highlands village of Tomatin. Dating back to 1897, the distillery's single malt and blended whiskies are made using the soft waters of the Alt-na-Frith.
Tomatin Distillery features 12 whisky stills that remain in use to this day. Described by House of Bruar as a "must-visit for whisky geeks", the distillery is also home to a large mash tun that is open for visitors to see inside.
In third place on the experts' list is the famous Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye. The distillery, which is tucked along the shores of Loch Harport, was founded in 1830.
House of Bruar noted Talisker for its breathtaking coastal surroundings, as well as its unique peaty whiskies. The distillery also offers guided tours that provide an interesting insight into traditional whisky-making processes, finishing off with a tasting session.
Rounding out the top five on House of Bruar's 10 must-visit whisky distilleries are the Dalwhinnie Distillery in the Cairngorm National Park and Glengoyne Distillery near Glasgow in fourth and fifth place, respectively. The former was noted for its "informative tours", while the latter received praise for its "in-depth, hands-on sessions".
Other distilleries to be featured on the experts' list include the Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, the Glenkinchie Distillery in East Lothian, and the Lochranza Distillery on the Isle of Arran. Completing the top 10 are The Glenfiddich Distillery in Speyside and the Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow.
Oban Distillery
Tomatin Distillery
Talisker Distiller
Dalwhinnie Distillery
Glengoyne Distillery
Blair Athol Distillery
Glenkinchie Distillery
Lochranza (Arran) Distillery
The Glenfiddich Distillery
Clydeside Distillery
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Powys County Times
26 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
EuroMillions: Biggest UK lottery win up for grabs of £208m
A UK ticket-holder could win the biggest lottery prize the country has ever seen tonight if they match the numbers in Friday's EuroMillions draw. The jackpot has rolled over again to an estimated £208 million after Tuesday's £199 million draw, which would also have been a record-breaking amount, had no winners. The jackpot on Friday would be the largest prize the UK has seen, National Lottery operator Allwyn said. Andy Carter, senior winners' adviser at Allwyn, said: 'We are now on the verge of potentially creating the biggest National Lottery winner this country has ever seen – making a single UK winner instantly richer than the likes of Adele and Dua Lipa while also landing them at the number one spot on The National Lottery's biggest wins list.' 10 biggest UK lottery wins Here are the 10 biggest UK lottery wins to date – all from EuroMillions draws – and what some of the winners did with their fortunes. Anonymous, £195,707,000 A UK ticket-holder scooped a EuroMillions jackpot of £195 million on July 19 2022. Joe and Jess Thwaite, £184,262,899.10 Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, scooped a then record-breaking £184,262,899 with a Lucky Dip ticket for the draw on May 10 2022. At the time, Joe was a communications sales engineer, and Jess ran a hairdressing salon with her sister. Anonymous, £177,033,699.20 A UK ticket-holder became the third biggest National Lottery winner of all time after receiving a £177 million jackpot. The single-ticket holder, who chose to remain anonymous, came forward to claim the EuroMillions jackpot after the draw on November 26 2024. The winner became immediately wealthier than popstar Dua Lipa, who is worth an estimated £104 million, and Michael Buble, worth around £63 million. Anonymous, £171,815,297.80 A UK ticket-holder scooped £171,815,297.80 in the September 23 2022 draw – at the time the country's third biggest National Lottery win. Anonymous, £170,221,000 The fifth biggest winner of the National Lottery to date scooped £170 million in 2019 after matching all the numbers in a Must Be Won draw on October 8. Colin and Chris Weir, £161,653,000 Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs, North Ayrshire, bagged their historic winnings on July 12 2011, making them the biggest UK winners at the time. Colin used £2.5 million of his fortune to invest in his beloved Partick Thistle Football Club, which led to one of the stands at the stadium being named after him. He later acquired a 55% shareholding in the club, which was to be passed into the hands of the local community upon his death. He died in December 2019, aged 71. The couple also set up the Weir Charitable Trust in 2013 and donated £1 million to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014. They divorced in the same year of Colin's death. Adrian and Gillian Bayford, £148,656,000 Adrian and Gillian won 190 million euros in a EuroMillions draw on August 10, 2012, which came to just over £148 million. The couple bought a Grade II-listed estate in Cambridgeshire, complete with cinema and billiards room, but it was sold in 2021, some years after the pair divorced. Anonymous, £123,458,008 The seventh biggest National Lottery winner won a Superdraw rollover jackpot on June 11 2019, and decided not to go public with their success. After nine rollovers, one lucky anonymous ticket-holder bagged more than £122 million in April 2021.


The Herald Scotland
32 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Procurement process for two new Northlink ferries launched
The 'freight-flex' ferries, also known as Northern Isles Freight Vessels (NIFV), have been being developed by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and naval architects Leadship Design and Consulting, and has been presented to Scottish government ministers and officials. Ms Hyslop confirmed that the design will be the basis of a tendering process, with funding available in the 2025-26 budget. Transport Scotland said that there is a 'potential' contract start on the freighter replacements next year. The freighter-flex vessels will replace the aged Helliar and Hildasay, offering additonal freight capacity, quicker crossings and space for up to 200 passengers on board at peak times. The MS Hildasay (Image: NQ) Ms Hyslop confirmed the launch of the procurement process in response to a parliament question from Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick. She said: 'The Scottish Government is fully committed to investing in all of our lifeline ferry services and so, I am pleased to see this progress in procuring two new freight flex vessels to serve the Northern Isles. 'These new vessels will have increased freight capacity, higher operating speeds, and additional capacity for passengers in peak season. This will enhance the efficiency and reliability of ferry services to best meet the needs of the businesses and communities in the Northern Isles for years to come. 'The start of this procurement is an important milestone in our plans to improve ferry services and I look forward to following the progress of this project over the coming months.' READ MORE: Ferry fare price hike was eight percent more than requested by operators Visitors to Shetland 'twice as likely to be influenced by film, TV or literature' CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said the announcement marked an 'important step forward in strengthening the long-term resilience of the Northern Isles services. 'We look forward to receiving bids that demonstrate innovation, efficiency and the ability to deliver reliable vessels that will support a more adaptable and robust service for years to come,' he added. Fiona Hyslop (Image: NQ) NorthLink managing director Stuart Garrett has thanked all those involved in the project. 'NorthLink Ferries welcomes the additional capacity that the freight flex vessels will provide, enabling us to continue to support the growth of the Northern Isles economies,' he told the Shetland Times. Ms Roddick said: 'It is great news that CMAL is moving to procure two new freight vessels for Orkney and Shetland. 'This will make such a difference to capacity on the route and promote resilience even when there are issues with weather or other disruption.


ITV News
35 minutes ago
- ITV News
Canadian singer made southern Scotland her home after being inspired by the area
The Scottish borderlands have a long tradition of attracting artists, writers and musicians tin search of inspiration and "the good life".