Speyside Cooperage

© North East 250 / Damian Shields

Speyside's malt whisky trail

Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail, the only one of its kind in the world, winds through stunning Speyside, taking in seven working distilleries, one historic site, and the Speyside Cooperage. Known as ‘Malt Whisky Country’, Speyside is home to over half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries and forms one of the nation’s five whisky regions.

Start / Finish
Ballindalloch, Moray / Forres, Moray
  • Days
    3
  • Distance
    60Miles

    96km
  • Transport
    Car
  • Main theme
    Whisky
Highlights
Whisky
Landscapes
Areas covered
North

Day 1Glenlivet, Knockando, Craigellachie

Your whisky adventure begins deep in the heart of Speyside. After your first distillery visit, you’ll follow the River Spey north to Knockando for the second distillery before heading west to Craigellachie to round your day off with a visit to the UK’s only working cooperage.

  • Glenlivet Distillery

    Ballindalloch, Moray

    Glenlivet Distillery, near Ballindalloch

    © North East 250 / Damian Shields

    A guided tour of Glenlivet Distillery will give you an insight into the intriguing history of this spectacular single malt. Treat your senses as you enjoy a dram drawn straight from a cask in Warehouse No.3, followed by the chance to taste two further samples in the surrounds of the dram room.

    Find out more about Glenlivet Distillery
  • Cardhu Distillery

    Aberlour, Banffshire

    Cardhu Distillery

    © Northeast 250 / Damian Shields

    Did you know?

    Cardhu was the first distillery to be officially pioneered by a woman.

    Cardhu Distillery offers a range of experiences for you to learn more about the Speyside malt enjoyed both on its own, and as the heart of Johnnie Walker whiskies.

    There are full-sensory tours, tutored whisky tastings and challenges.

    Find out more about Cardhu Distillery
  • Speyside Cooperage

    Craigellachie, Banffshire

    Whisky casks at Speyside Cooperage

    © VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields

    Discover the spectacular Speyside Cooperage in Dufftown, considered by many to be the heart of the Speyside whisky region.

    This is the only working cooperage in the UK. Witness the ancient art of creating whisky barrels using traditional tools and methods.

    Find out more about Speyside Cooperage

Day 2Dufftown, Rothes, Keith

The second part of your whisky adventure is a day in whisky heaven, with tours of three working distilleries. Today continues in Dufftown, the 'Malt Whisky Capital' of the world.

  • Glenfiddich Distillery

    Dufftown

    Glenfiddich Distillery

    Did you know?

    The first drops of whisky flowed from the stills on Christmas Day in 1887.

    Glenfiddich Distillery was built by William Grant and his family over a period of 18 months. It’s one of the few single malt distilleries to remain family owned.

    Learn about the maverick whisky makers, the history of Glenfiddich and the whisky making process on their tour. The tour ends with a selection of samples, or a drivers’ tasting pack to take away.

    Find out more about Glenfiddich Distillery
  • Glen Grant Distillery

    Rothes, Aberlour

    Whisky dram

    Glen Grant Distillery is the only Scotch whisky distillery named after its founding owners. Explore the distillery's beautiful Victorian Garden then take a guided tour or private tasting session to find out more about the distinctive dram.

    Find out more about Glen Grant Distillery
  • Strathisla Distillery

    Keith, Banffshire

    The Strathisla Distillery

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Strathisla Distillery is the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands, dating back to 1786. The distillery's fantastic tours will give you an insight into the art of blending as the distillery produces a range of Chivas Regal premium blended whiskies alongside its single malt Strathisla 12-Year-Old.

    Find out more about Strathisla Distillery

Day 3Elgin, Forres

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