Scotland isn’t just known for its whisky, it’s built around it. A whisky tour of Scotland isn’t just about tasting - it’s about understanding the craft, the landscapes, and the people behind the dram. The Highlands have some of the best distilleries in Scotland, this guide outlines the ones you must visit!
The Charm of the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are not just about stunning views. Whisky lovers will find plenty to explore here, with distinct distilleries each offering their own character and taste.
A Journey From Edinburgh
Starting your tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh is a great experience. The city has a rich history and lively culture, making it a good place to begin your whisky journey. As you drive away from the cobbled streets and historic buildings, the scenery changes to rolling hills, foggy lochs, and tall mountains.
Edinburgh is a starting point for trips to the Highlands and has many guided tours for both whisky lovers and beginners. These tours are carefully designed to explain the whisky-making process and give you a chance to taste different kinds of whisky that will delight your taste buds. Make sure to check out our article on whether Edinburgh is worth visiting which includes some great things to do!
Fun fact: People began distilling whisky in Edinburgh in 1505!
Getting from Edinburgh to The Highlands
Edinburgh is the perfect starting point for a Scottish Highlands tour with it's international airport located just outside the city. To join a Scottish highlands tour from Edinburgh you can either rent a car from the airport and drive north via the A9 for 3 hours into The Highlands. Alternatively, you can take a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley (a 30-minute tram ride from the airport) to Inverness, with a journey time of around 3.5 hours.
Pro tip: Visit in May-June or September for milder weather, fewer tourists, and easier distillery bookings.
The Scottish Highlands: A Whisky Lover’s Paradise
The Scottish Highlands aren’t just about dramatic landscapes, they’re the heart of Scotland’s whisky traditions. Each distillery here tells its own story, with flavors ranging from Islay’s smoky peat to Speyside’s smooth, honeyed malts. A whisky tour of Scotland lets you experience these contrasts firsthand, exploring the craft behind the world’s most celebrated spirit.
Exploring The Highlands Whisky Regions
Scotland's whisky regions are as varied as its landscapes, each contributing to the rich tapestry of flavors that define Scottish whisky. Here's a glimpse into some of the must-see whisky distilleries in each popular whisky region:
- Northern Highland - Glenmorangie or Clynelish
- Western Highlands - Oban
- Eastern Highlands - Glendronach and Royal Lochnagar
- Southern Highlands - Glenturret, Scotland’s oldest working distillery.
While you're in The Highlands, the North Coast 500 is an absolute must! Check out our guide to the ultimate NC500 roadtrip for some great tips.
The Best Scottish Highland Tours
While the famous distilleries of Scotland are worth visiting, the real charm of a whisky tour is finding the hidden gems. These smaller distilleries show the craft of whisky making.
One hidden treasure is the Edradour Distillery, located in the village of Pitlochry. As one of Scotland's smallest distilleries, Edradour offers an intimate look at the whisky-making process, with tours that are as informative as they are engaging.
Another hidden gem is the Ardnamurchan Distillery, located on the quiet Ardnamurchan Peninsula. This eco-friendly distillery makes whisky using sustainable methods. It provides a fresh view on how whisky can be produced in the future.
Fun fact: Ardnamurchan Distillery are one of the very few distilleries who still have dunnage warehouses on-site!
Scotland Whisky Regions Outside of The Highlands
Scotland is full of distilleries outside of The Highlands, here are some of the other whisky regions you can visit!
Speyside (Moray Area, NE Scotland)
Home to over half of Scotland's distilleries, including world-famous names like Macallan and Glenfiddich. The region is best explored via the Malt Whisky Trail, Scotland's only whisky-themed tourist route, which connects nine working distilleries, historic sites, and cooperages. Known for producing smooth, fruity single malts often aged in sherry casks, Speyside offers an essential whisky experience for any Scotch enthusiast.
Islay (Small Island, West Coast)
World-famous for its intensely peated whiskies like Laphroaig and Ardbeg. The island's coastal distilleries produce bold, smoky malts with distinctive maritime character, shaped by the rugged seaside environment. With its dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and welcoming whisky makers, Islay offers an unforgettable destination for peat-loving whisky enthusiasts.
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