Whisky Galore! Discover Banffshire’s Most Famous Export
Often called the “water of life,” whisky is more than a drink in Banffshire, it’s a proud tradition. Banffshire is located in the north-east of Scotland and home to some of the most iconic and historic whisky distilleries in the country and not to mention the highest concentration of distilleries in the world! With its rich natural resources, Banffshire blends pure spring water, golden barley, and a climate ideal for aging whisky to create the ultimate whisky lovers’ paradise.
The Glendronach
Step into nearly 200 years of whisky-making tradition at the GlenDronach Distillery, nestled in the picturesque hills of Aberdeenshire. Established in 1826, GlenDronach is renowned for its rich, full-bodied single malts, matured in fine Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía, Spain.
Join a guided distillery tour where you'll delve into the time-honoured processes that gives GlenDronach its signature depth and complexity. Learn about the unique use of sherry cask maturation, from dried fruits and spices to dark chocolate and oak.
The experience concludes with a tutored tasting session and an opportunity to savour the distinctive character of GlenDronach’s celebrated expressions, straight from the source.
The Glenfarclas
Nestled in the heart of Speyside, Glenfarclas Distillery has been crafting world-class single malt Scotch whisky since 1836. Steeped in tradition and proudly family-owned for six generations, the Grant family has preserved the distillery’s heritage and commitment to quality for over 150 years.
A visit to this iconic distillery offers more than just a taste of Speyside’s finest! Explore the time-honoured whisky-making process, sample award-winning drams including rare releases from the prestigious Glenfarclas Family Casks collection, and don’t forget to get your photo taken by the famous red warehouse doors.
The Macallan
With a legacy dating back to 1824, The Macallan stands as one of the most iconic names in single malt Scotch whisky. Known for its craftsmanship, quality, and the art of sherry-seasoned oak cask maturation, The Macallan continues to push boundaries while honouring its rich heritage.
In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its stunning new distillery and visitor experience, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture nestled into the Speyside landscape. This award-winning facility blends cutting-edge design with traditional whisky-making techniques, offering an immersive look into the journey of The Macallan.
Visitors can choose from a variety pre-booked experiences, including guided tours, tastings of rare and aged whisky’s and bespoke masterclasses. The experience continues at The Macallan Bar, where guests can unwind with a carefully selected selection of finest whiskies, cocktails and seasonal dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Don’t miss The Macallan Boutique, where you’ll find exclusive releases, luxury accessories, and beautifully packaged gifts.
The Balvenie
For those seeking a truly handcrafted whisky experience, a visit to The Balvenie Distillery is not to be missed. Tucked away in the charming town of Dufftown, The Balvenie is one of few distilleries in Scotland that still retains every step of the whisky-making process on site.
Family-owned with traditional roots, The Balvenie proudly grows its own barley, malts its own grain on traditional floor maltings, and has its own cooperage and coppersmith which is a rarity in modern whisky production.
A guided tour offers guests an intimate behind-the-scenes look at this extraordinary process. You’ll explore the malting floor, visit the still house, and see firsthand how casks are prepared and maintained. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the people and passion that make The Balvenie what it is today.
The Balvenie - Single Malt Scotch Whisky Crafted in Speyside
Glenfiddich
Founded in 1887 by William Grant, Glenfiddich (which means “Valley of the Deer”) has grown to become the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky. Still independently owned by the Grant family, the distillery remains committed to innovation, tradition, and exceptional quality.
Nestled in the heart of Dufftown, Glenfiddich offers a range of immersive tours that take you deep into the whisky-making process. Walk through historic stone buildings, explore the mash house, still house, warehouses and discover how Glenfiddich continues to shape the future of single malt whisky.
Each experience ends with a tutored tasting of signature and exclusive whisky’s, giving visitors a true taste of Glenfiddich’s rich, complex character.
Glenfiddich Whisky: Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 12 to 50 Year Old
Something a little different…
Speyside Cooperage
Discover the art of whisky barrel making with a trip to the Speyside Cooperage!
Speyside Cooperage is the only working cooperage in the UK open to visitors—offering a rare opportunity to witness the ancient art of coopering up close. Since 1947, the cooperage has been crafting the finest casks from American oak, supplying the iconic Speyside whisky distilleries and beyond.
Each year, the Speyside Cooperage produces and repairs over 150,000 oak casks, all made using traditional tools and time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. These casks are vital to the whisky-making process, shaping the character and complexity of Scotland’s world-famous export.
Watch real coopers at work using traditional tools and age-old methods, explore the lifecycle of a cask through an engaging visitor experience, try your hand at building a mini cask or relax in the gift shop and coffee bar, stocked with local treats and whisky-themed souvenirs.
Speyside Cooperage Visitor Attraction Craigellachie Moray Whisky Trail
