Travel bucket list idea:
Speyside, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
The lush countryside of Speyside is home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries, and the only malt whisky trail in the world.
The eight on the trail include bijoux Benromach, Glenfiddich (home to the most popular whisky in the world), Cardhu (a distillery pioneered by a woman) and The Glenlivet (the first licensed distillery in Scotland). The Glen Grant distillery, founded in 1840, has a beautiful Victorian garden threaded with paths and woodland walks and a small waterfall – a lovely place to meander. One of the eight – the Dallas Dhu distillery – is a historic distillery and is not operational.
There are tastings and insights into each distillery’s unique blend, plus the Speyside Cooperage where you can watch the ancient art of barrel-making.
Dufftown is a small town in the heart of the region, and a good base for exploring. It’s also home to the charismatic Dufftown Whisky & Heritage Centre – a good place to go for whisky history, memorabilia and distillery tips.
The Speyside Way, one of Scotland’s long-distance walking trails, passes close to a handful of distilleries. The six-mile ramble from Aberlour to Knockando and Cardhu is a popular leg.
Dufftown, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
A gem of a museum, offering a fascinating insight the history of whisky, how it was and is manufactured, who made it, sold it – and even smuggled it. It houses all kinds of memorabilia and whisky-making equipment. It’s also a great place for the latest tips on distilleries and where to get the best drams in Speyside.
Good for age: 18+
From the A9, the main route is north to south, veer off to take the A95 through distillery country. From Inverness, it’s easier to head east on the A96 to Aberdeen off which you’ll find the Benromach at Forres and Glen Moray in Elgin. Follow the brown signs.
There are around 50 distilleries in the area although not all are open to visitors: just eight feature on the Trail. The website has a trail map. Do a little homework. Some distilleries charge for their tours, others offer complimentary tastings. Some you need to book, while at others you can just turn up.
Plan on at least half a day, to take in at least one tour and tasting, shopping and lunch, and a visit to a cooperage to see barrels being made.
The distilleries are open all year round. There are whisky festivals in May and September when distilleries closed to the public suddenly fling open their doors. Locals get in the party spirit with ceilidhs and whisky-themed events.
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