23-05-2025
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
