Four corners of Scotland on the must-visit malt whisky list
Recently named as the “World’s Best Whisk(e)y Distillery Tour” by World Travel Awards – the highest accolade in the industry – The Singleton of Glen Ord has to be on the must-visit list.
The Singleton of Glen Ord reopened following investment from Diageo, transforming it into an inviting whisky destination with sensory and immersive experiences and tastings.
Leigh Aitken, its brand home manager, says the constantly-evolving experiences are enjoyed by locals and international visitors alike. As well as learning about – and tasting – exceptional whiskies, there are opportunities to sample local produce at its stunning circular bar, or enjoy live music events.
“The Singleton of Glen Ord team are some of the most hospitable, knowledgeable and passionate in the business,” says Leigh. “Their expertise and love for The Singleton make them fantastic guides but, most of all, their warm and welcoming customer service means everyone gets a unique experience.”
Situated near Inverness and on the North Coast 500 route, the distillery welcomed a record 78,000 visitors this year to a host of experiences – from rare opportunities such as the Malt to Cask Tour, to The Singleton Pairing Experience, where guests taste five exquisite Singleton drams alongside delicious canapes, showcasing some of the finest Highland produce.
As reviews will testify, some of the most common feedback from visitors is compliments on the team’s whisky knowledge and famous hospitality. The distillery has twice received TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for consistent five-star reviews. Find out more online at singletondistillery.com
Johnnie Walker Princes Street
One million visitors have “kept on walking” in through the doors at Johnnie Walker Princes Street since it opened just over three years ago – a proud milestone, says Rob Maxwell, who heads up this Edinburgh experience.
He adds: “It’s been our objective since opening to break boundaries around whisky, abolish stereotypes and open up the world of whisky to people across the globe with different backgrounds, taste and flavour profiles.
“So, to have welcomed such a huge number of people from over 140 countries, while maintaining brilliantly high customer ratings, is testament to the big strides we made to achieve our goal.”
Rob highlights the destination’s signature experience, Journey of Flavour, which takes whisky exploration into the future.
He says: “We use AI to decipher our guests’ personal flavour profiles. This then helps guide their whisky journey based on their palate, starting with three whisky-based cocktails which they receive along the way.
“For the month of August this year, we took things a step further and introduced an AI experience that allowed our guests to co-create their very own one-of-a-kind Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle, featuring artwork from prominent artist, Scott Naismith.”
Visitors from around the world come here to enjoy the experiences, shop personalised gifts that you won’t find anywhere else, and to eat and drink in the spectacular 1820 Rooftop Bar which looks across to Edinburgh Castle – something frequently praised in visitor reviews.
Rob says: “By combining technology with expertise in whisky, art, and customer engagement, we are redefining the world of whisky, and are honoured to have collected numerous awards for our commitment to innovating in the world of whisky experience.”
The venue, recently named the World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience for the second year running, has had rave reviews from visitors. Reviewers have said how much they enjoyed the experience – recommending it as a great place “whether you love whisky or not.”
Find out more online at johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com
Caol Ila, Islay
You can’t talk about Scotch whisky without mentioning the Isle of Islay – Queen of the Hebrides.
The Caol Ila Distillery is positioned in one of the most stunning spots on this famous whisky isle. Its visitor experience has some of the most of breathtaking views across the Sound of Islay to the famous mountains, The Paps of Jura. This splendid vista is a must-see for anyone visiting Islay.
Caol Ila has a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, thanks to consistent five-star ratings from visitors. Reviewers have spoken of how the Caol Ila team “went above and beyond” to make the experience special, and they praised the incredible location and facilities.
Visitors to the distillery can pop in for a coffee or a cocktail, a sharing platter of local produce or browse the retail space, which is often used to host local artisans and events.
At Fèis Ìle, the island’s renowned whisky festival, people have been known to travel from across the world just to visit the stunning Caol Ila distillery. Visitors can delve into its rich heritage in one of its illuminating experiences, sampling limited editions and rare drams in unique tastings in the distillery’s maturation warehouse, tasting booths, and bar.
Eleanor Gillies, brand home manager at the distillery, says: “Caol Ila has a fascinating history and its spirit is highly regarded by whisky lovers for its smoky and peaty flavour.
“The visitor experience is beautiful and was specifically designed to celebrate Islay and its famous views. Think breathtaking vistas over the Paps of Jura with a cocktail or non-alcohol serve in hand - it doesn’t get much better than that!” Find out more online at caolIladistillery.com
Glenkinchie
Glenkinchie is just 15 miles from Scotland’s capital is set in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lowlands.
The whisky itself evokes fragrant flowers, dried cut grass and nutty cereal, encapsulating the very essence of its verdant setting. The distillery features beautiful gardens and has sustainability at its heart, with beehives, bat houses, bug boxes, as well as plants to attract, feed and shelter pollinators.
Food and drink is central at Glenkinchie, and the team ensure local ingredients are featured across its fresh, vibrant menus.
Visitors can combine a trip to Glenkinchie and the Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience in the Ultimate Edinburgh tour, an immersive and intimate six-hour event for up to eight people.
Glenkinchie won a TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award this year for its consistent five-star reviews. Visitors highly recommend a visit to the distillery, with reviewers praising the friendliness of its team and their expert knowledge. Glenkinchie has been described as a “one-of-a-kind tour” and a feast for all the senses.
Jocelyn Williamson, assistant experience and event manager at Glenkinchie, says: “Guests start at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh embarking on the interactive Journey of Flavour experience to learn about the Johnnie Walker blends and enjoying three whisky cocktails tailored to the attendees’ taste profile.”
Leaving with a specially engraved souvenir glass, guests then enjoy a two-course lunch featuring local produce while taking in breathtaking views from the venue’s 1820 Rooftop Bar. Next, they are whisked away through the East Lothian countryside to Glenkinchie to see the working distillery, learn about its liquid and its special role in the Johnnie Walker blend.
Jocelyn adds: “Guests are given an expert guided tour, even getting the opportunity to draw two special cask-strength drams, before savouring a distillery exclusive single malt on the Hidden Lowland Experience.”
Visitors also have the chance to hand-fill and engrave their own bottle of whisky to take home.
Find out more online at glenkinchiedistillery.com