Whisky. Whiskey. Scotch. Bourbon. Whatever you call it, however you spell it, whisky isn’t your average alcoholic beverage. Much like oenophiles would their wine, discerning enthusiasts and spirit snobs have long treated whisky like a piece of art—the act of distilling it a craft, the act of drinking it an art form. It’s long been a subject of gentlemanly debate, from how it’s spelt to how it’s served and enjoyed.
Thank goodness, then, that Scotland, the biggest whisky producer in the world, isn’t lacking in tours. Such tours take lucky visitors to distilleries to learn not only about the distillation, ageing, and packing processes but also how to drink the “water of life” like a true connoisseur.
From the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail in the Speyside area, where more than half of the country’s distilleries are located, to Campbeltown, the smallest region in the country, there are more than enough whisky tours for beginners and experts alike. Just be sure you know how to handle your liquor.
Make a list of Scotland’s whisky regions
Though a small country, Scotland has more than 120 whisky distilleries spread across five distinct whisky-producing regions, each one slightly different from the other. Which whisky region you should tour depends on what flavour profile you like most, how much time you have, and whether or not you prefer to go off the beaten path.
Speyside
Only recently recognised by Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) as an official whisky region due to the number of distilleries the area is home to, this area in the eastern Scottish Highlands hosts about 50 distilleries. That’s the official count, although some claim it to be more than that. Speyside is, therefore, a prime destination for a whisky tour, especially if you’re interested in the spirit’s history and heritage.
Whisky from Speyside are typically light and sweet, yet complex. Home to one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, not to mention the famous Malt Whisky Trail that takes you to nine must-visit distilleries, it’s great for whisky enthusiasts who enjoy rich, fruity, spicy, and vanilla flavours in their glass.
- Distilleries to visit: Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet.
The Highlands
With around 47 distilleries within its boundaries, the hilly region of the Highlands in the north comes in a close second as Scotland’s whisky destination. It’s home to many of the biggest names and oldest distilleries in Scottish whisky history. More importantly to whisky enthusiasts, it produces a number of different flavour profiles.
From deep, textured flavours to lightly peated (smoky) and those with floral notes, the diversity of whisky styles in this region is just the ticket for those who prefer to experiment with different types. Diverse too are its distilleries, which range from the oldest in the country, namely Glenturret that started in 1775 as an unlicensed facility, to some of the youngest ones.
- Distilleries to visit: Oban and Talisker.
The Lowlands
If you can’t make it up to Speyside, you might go for a tour of the Lowlands. While it might not sound too exciting, the Lowland region is, in fact, an ideal place to introduce your palette to single malts, not to mention quite accessible with Edinburgh and Glasgow just quick drives away.
Peated whisky enthusiasts might be better off spending their time in Islay. However, those who prefer light and delicate flavour profiles including citrusy, floral, and sweet, will find the 17 or so distilleries here simply divine.
- Distilleries to visit: Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie.
Islay
Don’t let Islay’s tiny island size and small number of distilleries fool you. Not only is Islay home to the second oldest distillery in the country, Bowmore, which traces its roots back to 1779, it also pulls its weight in whisky production. A four-day tour of this region will satisfy your cravings.
Bowmore itself is reported to have an annual capacity of 2,000,000 litres, and both Bowmore and Laphroaig are the two key distilleries for one of the top whisky companies in the world. Those who are addicted to smoky flavours will adore Islay whisky as they known to be heavily peated, with just a hint of salty and sweet.
- Distilleries to visit: Lagavulin and Laphroaig.
Campbeltown
If you think Islay is the smallest whisky-producing region in Scotland, think again. There is still, after all, Campbeltown, which only has three distilleries under its belt. Why, then, is it considered a whisky region? Perhaps because in its peak, it boasted about 30 distilleries. Or perhaps because the single malts produced here are so distinctive in flavour, they more than deserve to be singled out.
If you’re one of the more discerning single malt lovers, then you must make a beeline for this former royal burgh in the Kintyre peninsula.
- Distilleries to visit: Springback, Glengyle, and Glen Scotia.
Even if you aren’t a fan of the hard stuff, a whisky tour in Scotland will expose you to gorgeous views, fascinating history, and the opportunity to connect with locals in a way not many other tours can offer.
Is a Scottish whisky tour on your bucket list? Can you taste the amber smokey syrup on your lips already? Then consider your options and go touring.
