The first step was to pick up your own version of the Whisky Passport. The second is to admire the shiny new book in front of you, absorb everything it contains and then fill in your personal details (don’t forget your photo as well!).
The next part of your Whisky Passport journey is to get out there and visit some of Scotland’s amazing distilleries so you can tick them off in your new passport. But if you are something of a newbie to the whisky world, where do you start? Well, we’ve got 5 (maybe with a couple more for good measure) distilleries for you to discover out as you start your new adventure into whisky distilleries and get that whisky passport started. These distilleries cover all of Scotland and give you a flavour for everything Scotch malt whisky has to offer
The Balvenie
Website – www.thebalvenie.com
Price – Tours start at £75
Location – Dufftown, Moray, AB55 4BB
The only distillery in the passport that features both an onsite cooperage and onsite floor malting, the Balvenie distillery is a unique whisky experience and one to prioritise on your whisky journey. Balvenie also has an excellent reputation at producing good quality whisky, a variety of interesting expressions, and has a fantastic location in the heart of Speyside and among other famous distilleries (Glenfiddich is right next door for those looking to tie in another visit).
Balvenie offers both a distillery tour, including seeing the malting floor and the cooperage, and a warehouse tasting. Both tours include 5 drams (driver packs are available too) and are limited to 8 guests so expect great whisky in an intimate setting no matter which tour you pick.
Talisker
Website – www.malts.com/en/talisker
Price – Tours start at £22
Location – Carbost, Isle of Skye, IV 47 8SR
One of the most well-known brands, on one of Scotland’s most well-known islands, Talisker is high on many peoples distillery to-see list. Nestled on the shores of Loch Harport on the west coast of Skye, Talisker is a striking distillery with a storied history and has just recently undergone a massive renovation. Diageo, the parent company of Talisker, spent a significant amount of money to revamp and modernise their most-visited distillery and the results have been well-received so far.
Talisker offers a wide range of tours, tasting and masterclasses, catering to all visitors to their distillery. They also have a fabulous food offering too with a partnership with the iconic Skye restaurant The Three Chimneys.
Port of Leith
Website – www.leithdistillery.com
Price – Tours start at £20
Location – 11 Whisky Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6FH
While they might not have their own whisky available yet, a visit to the Port of Leith distillery is one not to be missed. Not only is it easily accessible from the centre of Scotland’s capital, its unique design and concept make it a stand-out not only in Scotland, but worldwide.
With only minimal space to build a distillery, the founders of Port of Leith decided to not follow the usual distillery route, instead going with a vertical distillery to maximise the area they had to work with. Their fermenters are suspended between the second and third floors in an quite amazing feat of engineering and the stills are situated with an enviable backdrop of the Firth of Forth, and the rolling Fife hills beyond that. And the upper-level bar and tasting rooms are beautifully designed with large windows from which the views of the Firth and Edinburgh itself can be enjoyed, along with a dram and some food.
Tours are limited at the moment, with a standard tour and tasting option and then a “dash” tour which includes no tasting. With its unique concept and fantastic location, the Port of Leith distillery is one not to miss.
The Glenturret
Website – www.theglenturret.com
Price – Tours start at £2
Location – The Hosh, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4HA
Many distilleries lay claim to be the oldest in Scotland. Among them is Glenturret on the outskirts of Crieff which has records dating back to 1763 to back up their case. These days Glenturret is a must-see for visitors with a slightly more luxurious taste, although it caters for everyone.
For almost 20 years Glenturret was home to “The Famous Grouse Experience” but in 2019, the distillery was acquired by Lalique, famous for their luxury goods, in particular glassware. It has undergone a significant transformation since then and now boasts an excellent set of tours alongside a Michelin star restaurant.
For those visiting, the tour options are numerous. The more budget conscious can see all aspects of the distillery and sample two whiskies at the end. Those with deeper pockets can splash out and tour and taste in the Warehouse 9. And there’s plenty in between for everyone, making Glenturret a fantastic location to start your Whisky Passport adventure.
Any of the Islay distilleries
Ok so we’re cheating a little here, but if you are going to go all the way to Islay to visit one whisky distillery, why not visit multiple distilleries and make the most of your trip? All the distilleries on Islay are unique and have their own appeal so you can choose for yourself what you want to enjoy. Your Whisky Passport contains more information on visiting Islay so take a read for yourself and then book your trip to the whisky island.
You could visit the south of the island and bundle together a trip to each of Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin, or splash the cash on a tour at the recently reopened Port Ellen. Perhaps a journey to the north-east of the island is on the cards to sample at Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain and Ardnahoe. Or maybe head west to Bruichladdich or Kilchoman and see for yourself how both distilleries are driving towards a more sustainable future. And then you can stop by Bowmore if you are in Islay’s capital, and you almost certainly will be. Whatever you fancy, there’s plenty of options to be had on Islay.