Address: Tromie Mills, Kingussie PH21 1NS, United Kingdom

Function: Distillery + Hotel du Vinerness

Description:

Tucked away near Kingussie in the Scottish Highlands, Speyside Distillery is a small, artisanal operation known for crafting elegant, fruit-forward single malts. Though just outside the official Speyside region, its whiskies—such as the Spey Tenne, Trutina, and Fumare—capture the classic Speyside character. Set in a converted 18th-century barley mill, the distillery offers intimate, by-appointment-only tours and operates with a traditional, hands-on approach. The company is currently led by CEO Paul Kopec, who oversees its continued focus on quality and authenticity.

For those visiting the distillery, Hotel du Vin Inverness is a stylish, boutique hotel located about an hour’s drive away. Set by the River Ness in a historic building, it offers elegant rooms, a bistro serving modern British cuisine, and a whisky-rich bar featuring a broad range of Scottish single malts—making it an ideal base for whisky touring in the Highlands.

Address: 16 Park Circus, Glasgow G3 6AX, United Kingdom

Function: Independent Bottler

Description:

Hunter Laing & Co Ltd is a respected, family-owned independent bottler based in Glasgow, Scotland, known for its exceptional single cask and small-batch Scotch whiskies. Founded by Stewart Laing and now run alongside his sons, the company sources rare and aged casks from top distilleries across Scotland, often releasing them under labels like Old Malt Cask, Hepburn’s Choice, and First Editions. Hunter Laing emphasizes quality and character, with a focus on non-chill filtration and natural color. In 2018, they opened the Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay, marking a bold step from independent bottling into distillation, blending their deep industry experience with hands-on whisky production.

Address: 10 Victoria St, Craigellachie, Aberlour AB38 9SR, United Kingdom

Function: Hotel + Whiskey Bar

Description:

Highlander Inn is a cozy whisky bar known for its intimate atmosphere and limited seating, perfect for a relaxed, personal tasting experience. The inn offers a good, reasonably priced food menu alongside quaint, clean rooms that are refreshingly free from the typical ‘moldy’ smell found in some older inns. It maintains strong ties with the whisky trade, actively participating in German trade shows and hand-carrying stocks to clients there, highlighting its international connections. While the Highlander Inn’s own whisky bottlings are well-regarded, they tend to be considered overpriced by some enthusiasts, but the overall experience remains a favorite for many visiting the region.

Address: 145 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4BL, United Kingdom

Function: One-of-a-kind tour/experience

Description:

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the Johnnie Walker Experience spans multiple floors, each designed to engage the senses. Upon entry, guests are greeted with a personalized flavor journey, tailoring the experience to individual preferences. The tour delves into the rich history of Johnnie Walker, from its origins to its global impact, featuring interactive exhibits and storytelling elements. A highlight of the visit is the rooftop bar, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding cityscape.Here, guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of whiskies, making it an ideal spot to relax and reflect on the experience.

Its location occupies a prime location directly opposite the historic Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, often referred to as “The Caley.” This central setting places visitors in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, providing easy access to the city's attractions.

Address: Cragganmore, Ballindalloch AB37 9AB, United Kingdom

Function: Distillery + Retail Shop

Description:

Cragganmore Distillery, located in Ballindalloch, Scotland, is a historic Speyside distillery renowned for its rich, complex single malts. Situated near the River Spey, it offers a serene and picturesque setting, making it a popular destination for whisky enthusiasts. The distillery is known for its traditional production methods, including the use of copper pot stills and wooden washbacks, which contribute to the distinctive character of its whiskies. Visitors can explore the distillery's heritage and craftsmanship through guided tours, which provide insights into the whisky-making process and the history of Cragganmore. The best times to visit Cragganmore Distillery are from March to November, when the weather is more favorable, and the distillery is fully operational, offering a comprehensive experience for guests.

Address: Laphroaig, Isle of Islay PA42 7DU, United Kingdom

Function: Distillery

Description:

Laphroaig Distillery, located on the southern coast of Islay, is one of Scotland’s most iconic and polarizing whisky producers, famous for its bold, medicinal, and peaty character. Established in 1815, Laphroaig has built a fiercely loyal global following, and nowhere is that more evident than in its visitor experience. The customer journey at Laphroaig is exceptional—from immersive tours through its traditional floor maltings and smoke-filled kilns to the famed “Friends of Laphroaig” program, where visitors can claim a personal plot of Islay land. The distillery is set on beautifully maintained grounds that overlook the rugged coastline, offering a serene backdrop to the intense whisky it produces. Interestingly, Laphroaig draws a particularly high number of visitors from Singapore, a testament to its strong following in Southeast Asia and the growing global appreciation for complex, peated Scotch. The combination of a rich heritage, welcoming experience, and scenic charm makes Laphroaig a must-visit for whisky lovers.

Address: Bunnahabhain, Isle of Islay PA46 7RP, United Kingdom

Function: Distillery

Description:

Bunnahabhain Distillery, located on the remote northeastern coast of Islay, stands apart from its island peers by producing a markedly unpeated style of whisky—a rarity on an island famed for its smoky drams. In fact, Bunnahabhain is one of only two distilleries on Islay that predominantly produce unpeated whisky, favoring a gentler, maritime character marked by salt, nuts, and subtle fruit. While the whisky itself is widely respected for its elegance and complexity, the visitor experience can be underwhelming. The distillery’s isolated location, accessed by a narrow, winding road, combined with relatively limited visitor facilities, makes it less appealing for casual tourists or those seeking a polished tour experience. Nonetheless, for the devoted whisky enthusiast, Bunnahabhain offers a glimpse into a quieter, more traditional side of Islay whisky-making.

Address: Bruichladdich, Distillery, Isle of Islay PA49 7UN, United Kingdom

Function: Distillery + Retail shop

Description:

Bruichladdich Distillery, perched on the western shore of Islay, is celebrated not only for its innovative approach to whisky-making but also for its deep respect for tradition and community. Reopened in 2001 after years of silence, the distillery has flourished under independent and now progressive ownership, producing a diverse range of spirits including the unpeated Bruichladdich, the heavily peated Port Charlotte, and the ultra-peated Octomore. A key part of its charm lies in its long-serving staff, many of whom are Islay locals with generations of connection to the distillery. These passionate individuals offer visitors a rich and engaging experience, peppered with authentic historical insights and personal stories. The site is very well run, with a modern, efficient distillery operation complemented by a thoughtfully curated retail shop that reflects Bruichladdich’s strong branding and commitment to transparency. For those interested in both the craft and culture of Islay whisky, Bruichladdich offers a welcoming and informative visit grounded in both innovation and heritage.