Speyside Whisky Tours
The highest concentration of whisky distilleries to be found in Scotland is here in the Speyside region making it an ideal place to embark on a Speyside Distillery Whisky Tour! If you are looking for a Speyside Whisky Tour which is tailor made for you, we can help.
Our Speyside Whisky Tours are designed to be flexible and tend to be a mix of distillery tours and whisky tastings. Most of our Speyside Whisky Tours strike a balance between the two and we always try to include visits to local beauty spots. Our tours are private and exclusive to your group.
We are based in the Speyside region, near Elgin. Our whisky tours depart from Moray, Speyside and Inverness. Local departures include Aberlour, Craigellachie and Dufftown. Our whisky tours also leave from Nairn and parts of Aberdeenshire.
Travel in comfort from distillery to distillery hearing about the history of whisky, it's illicit beginnings, the smugglers and the excise men and local history. Speyside is where whisky is woven into the spirit of the people and the place. This area is full of history and you can incorporate visits from a selection of castles, religious buildings and woollen mills.
To enquire about our Speyside Whisky Tours please fill in the form on our contact page.
Our Speyside Whisky Tours are designed to be flexible and tend to be a mix of distillery tours and whisky tastings. Most of our Speyside Whisky Tours strike a balance between the two and we always try to include visits to local beauty spots. Our tours are private and exclusive to your group.
We are based in the Speyside region, near Elgin. Our whisky tours depart from Moray, Speyside and Inverness. Local departures include Aberlour, Craigellachie and Dufftown. Our whisky tours also leave from Nairn and parts of Aberdeenshire.
Travel in comfort from distillery to distillery hearing about the history of whisky, it's illicit beginnings, the smugglers and the excise men and local history. Speyside is where whisky is woven into the spirit of the people and the place. This area is full of history and you can incorporate visits from a selection of castles, religious buildings and woollen mills.
To enquire about our Speyside Whisky Tours please fill in the form on our contact page.
Speyside Whisky Tour Itinerary Themes
We offer a range of tour types as well as a tailor made and bespoke service. We take you through the options when you enquire about a Speyside Whisky Tour but here are some whisky tour itinerary themes to give a sense of the excellent choices available.
There is a lot of flexibility and often a day tour combines north and south! Whether you are new to whisky, a keen enthusiast or connoisseur, you are most welcome on our tours. These are just examples as we would develop and itinerary for you.
The South Speyside Whisky Tour takes in 3 or 4 distilleries with a mix of distillery tours and tastings. This can include distilleries such as Glenlivet which sits off the beaten track in deep Speyside. Glenfiddich is a well known world brand which still retains its independence as does Balvenie. Glenfarclas and GlenAllachie are also proudly independent. Other options include the Speyside Cooperage, Ballindalloch, Cardhu and its sister distillery, Cragganmore. Needing little introduction is Macallan. The South Speyside Tour is very popular as a one day option or can form the basis of a 2 day whisky tour. Many of these distilleries are in quite isolated positions and surrounded by the beatiful Speyside countryside.
The North Speyside Whisky Tour includes visits to 3 or 4 whisky distilleries which can include the tradition of Benromach, the beauty of Strathisla, the innovation of Glen Moray, the diversity of Benriach or Glen Grant and it's beautiful gardens. Speyburn opened to visitors in 2023. There's quite a contrast between some of the distilleries in North Speyside reflected in a variety of whisky styles including peated, non peated and even triple distilled.
The Signature Speyside Distillery Tour includes a more in depth tour e.g. The Balvenie or The Macallan and options for further tastings or distillery tour. Please note these distilleries are in high demand and often have low availability. e.g. The Balvenie is in very high demand yet has kept an exclusive feel with only two tours a day. It's closed Saturday and Sunday. This tour usually only runs a few times a year and usually as part of a 2 or more day Speyside Whisky Distillery Tour.
The Bespoke Speyside Whisky Tour: We also offer a tailor made, bespoke Speyside Whisky Distillery Tour. The bespoke service is ideal for Speyside Whisky Tours with a duration of 2 or 3 or multi day whisky tour. However, it can also be used for 1 day tours where you would like a higher level of involvement in the development of the itinerary, where there's celebration involved, or where there are particular issues with distillery availability.
Historic Options: All tours include some sightseeing along the way however, this area has an ancient history and you can incorporate visits and tour to places like Elgin Cathedral (est. 13th century), the Biblical Gardens, Ballindalloch Castle (est. 16th century), Brodie Castle, Johnstons Woolen Mill (est. 1797) and even Culloden Battlefield near Inverness.
There is a lot of flexibility and often a day tour combines north and south! Whether you are new to whisky, a keen enthusiast or connoisseur, you are most welcome on our tours. These are just examples as we would develop and itinerary for you.
The South Speyside Whisky Tour takes in 3 or 4 distilleries with a mix of distillery tours and tastings. This can include distilleries such as Glenlivet which sits off the beaten track in deep Speyside. Glenfiddich is a well known world brand which still retains its independence as does Balvenie. Glenfarclas and GlenAllachie are also proudly independent. Other options include the Speyside Cooperage, Ballindalloch, Cardhu and its sister distillery, Cragganmore. Needing little introduction is Macallan. The South Speyside Tour is very popular as a one day option or can form the basis of a 2 day whisky tour. Many of these distilleries are in quite isolated positions and surrounded by the beatiful Speyside countryside.
The North Speyside Whisky Tour includes visits to 3 or 4 whisky distilleries which can include the tradition of Benromach, the beauty of Strathisla, the innovation of Glen Moray, the diversity of Benriach or Glen Grant and it's beautiful gardens. Speyburn opened to visitors in 2023. There's quite a contrast between some of the distilleries in North Speyside reflected in a variety of whisky styles including peated, non peated and even triple distilled.
The Signature Speyside Distillery Tour includes a more in depth tour e.g. The Balvenie or The Macallan and options for further tastings or distillery tour. Please note these distilleries are in high demand and often have low availability. e.g. The Balvenie is in very high demand yet has kept an exclusive feel with only two tours a day. It's closed Saturday and Sunday. This tour usually only runs a few times a year and usually as part of a 2 or more day Speyside Whisky Distillery Tour.
The Bespoke Speyside Whisky Tour: We also offer a tailor made, bespoke Speyside Whisky Distillery Tour. The bespoke service is ideal for Speyside Whisky Tours with a duration of 2 or 3 or multi day whisky tour. However, it can also be used for 1 day tours where you would like a higher level of involvement in the development of the itinerary, where there's celebration involved, or where there are particular issues with distillery availability.
Historic Options: All tours include some sightseeing along the way however, this area has an ancient history and you can incorporate visits and tour to places like Elgin Cathedral (est. 13th century), the Biblical Gardens, Ballindalloch Castle (est. 16th century), Brodie Castle, Johnstons Woolen Mill (est. 1797) and even Culloden Battlefield near Inverness.
How much does a Speyside Whisky Tour Cost?
The price for a one day private Speyside Whisky Tour depends on factors such as route, duration and departure point. The cost does not include admission to distillery tours/tastings & lunch. We also run longer tours, typically two to three day Speyside Distillery Tours. All tour prices include planning and development time and we book your places on the distillery tours where required. For a more exact estimate, feel free to make an whisky tour enquiry.
Our Speyside Whisky Tours can also include warehouse tastings, making your own whisky, masterclasses and private tours.
Our Speyside Whisky Tours can also include warehouse tastings, making your own whisky, masterclasses and private tours.
Are these private whisky tours?
This is a private tour, exclusively for your party. We carry a maximum of 4 passengers. Snacks and water are provided for free.
Highland Spirit Tours will develop an itinerary based on your requirements or we are happy to recommend distillery tours and tastings for your considerations.
Highland Spirit Tours will develop an itinerary based on your requirements or we are happy to recommend distillery tours and tastings for your considerations.
Anything else?
Depending on the route and your tour choice, we can usually fit in 3 to 5 distillery/attraction visits (tours and tastings).
Our Speyside Whisky Tours Departure leave from: Forres, Elgin, Dufftown, Aberlour, Craigellachie. Moray, Speyside, Inverness and Nairn. We leave from your accommodation.
Feel free to get in touch and to find out more. There is no obligation to book.
Enquire about a Speyside Whisky Tour
Our Speyside Whisky Tours Departure leave from: Forres, Elgin, Dufftown, Aberlour, Craigellachie. Moray, Speyside, Inverness and Nairn. We leave from your accommodation.
Feel free to get in touch and to find out more. There is no obligation to book.
Enquire about a Speyside Whisky Tour
What are the Best Whisky Distillery Tours & Tastings in Speyside?
The Speyside distilleries which are open to visitors all run distillery tours (except Aberlour Distillery*), all of which are highly rated. They vary in duration, mainly one to two hours. Some are even longer and more in depth e.g. Balvenie. The format is usuallly a distillery tour around the production areas and sometimes the warehouse. Then it's usually back to the visitor centre for a tutored whisky tasting.
This best of list is really to showcase some of the top distillery tours and experiences however, it's just a sample. Contact us and we can tailor your distillery tour itinerary. Due to ongoing construction, Aberlour Distillery is currently open for tasting experiences only (not tours).
Many Speyside distilleries have range of tours, tastings and experiences. It can be quite a task to find the best ones for your particular interests and preferences as they specialise in different aspects of whisky production and themes.
We can integrate one or more of these into your Speyside Whisky Tour for added interest especially on a two or three day whisky tour. This is just a brief overview of what's available.
This best of list is really to showcase some of the top distillery tours and experiences however, it's just a sample. Contact us and we can tailor your distillery tour itinerary. Due to ongoing construction, Aberlour Distillery is currently open for tasting experiences only (not tours).
Many Speyside distilleries have range of tours, tastings and experiences. It can be quite a task to find the best ones for your particular interests and preferences as they specialise in different aspects of whisky production and themes.
We can integrate one or more of these into your Speyside Whisky Tour for added interest especially on a two or three day whisky tour. This is just a brief overview of what's available.
- Best In Depth Tastings: Too many to mention!
- Best Peated Whisky Distillery Tour: Benromach
- Best Modern Tour: The Macallan
- The Best Distillery Tour Range includes Cardhu, Glenlivet, Gen Moray but many distilleries are now offering different levels of tours.
- The Best Distillery Garden Tour: Glen Grant
- Best Value Whisky Tastings: Too many to shortlist, however, there are some excellent experiences including with 30 year plus offerings.
- Best Tour to see a Malting Floor: The Balvenie
- Best Independently Owned Distillery Tour: Glenfarclas, GlenAllachie, Glenfiddich, Benromach, Ballindalloch. The list goes on ...
- One of the top old fashioned tasting rooms is at Cragganmore Distillery
- Best Newcomers: Ballindalloch Distillery, Speyburn Distillery
- Best Cooperage Tour: The Speyside Cooperage
Example One Day Speyside Whisky Tour | Departing Moray Speyside
Our tours are tailor made to you requirements but here's an example of a one day tour of some Speyside Distilleries. This includes four distillery visits - a combination of tours and whisky tastings. Or a castle visit can be swapped in and some time at the River Spey. This Speyside Whisky Tour is based on the Speysider Theme. It is really designed for Moray Speyside Departures e.g. from Elgin, Forres, Aberlour, Craigellachie and Dufftown areas but can be adapted for Nairn and Inverness.
Departure from your accommodation in Moray Speyside. We then head deeper into Speyside to Glenlivet Distillery (est 1824) for a tour. Yo can then visit family owned Ballindalloch Castle or of you prefer a tasting at Cardhu (1824). Next stop is Aberlour Distillery (1879) for an in depth whisky tasting. The last distillery stop of the day is a tour of Glenfiddich Distillery (1887) on the outskirts of Dufftown.
This is just a sample Speyside Whisky Tour. With distilleries like the Macallan, Cardhu, Benromach and Glen Moray to name but a few, there are many variations to a whisky tour in this area.
If you are looking for a two or three day Speyside Whisky Tour, this tends to allow for more in depth distillery tours. An example might be touring Balvenie in the morning which takes about takes around three hours. After lunch spend a leisurely afternoon - take a shorter tour and a whisky tasting. Balvenie is in high demand as it generally only runs two tours a day.
There's no best whisky. It's very much personal taste. It's the same with the distillery tours and the experiences available which can be almost unique. There are a number of tours including Distillery Manager Tours, Ambassador Tours, food and whisky pairings, warehouse tastings and even making your own whisky!
Departure from your accommodation in Moray Speyside. We then head deeper into Speyside to Glenlivet Distillery (est 1824) for a tour. Yo can then visit family owned Ballindalloch Castle or of you prefer a tasting at Cardhu (1824). Next stop is Aberlour Distillery (1879) for an in depth whisky tasting. The last distillery stop of the day is a tour of Glenfiddich Distillery (1887) on the outskirts of Dufftown.
This is just a sample Speyside Whisky Tour. With distilleries like the Macallan, Cardhu, Benromach and Glen Moray to name but a few, there are many variations to a whisky tour in this area.
If you are looking for a two or three day Speyside Whisky Tour, this tends to allow for more in depth distillery tours. An example might be touring Balvenie in the morning which takes about takes around three hours. After lunch spend a leisurely afternoon - take a shorter tour and a whisky tasting. Balvenie is in high demand as it generally only runs two tours a day.
There's no best whisky. It's very much personal taste. It's the same with the distillery tours and the experiences available which can be almost unique. There are a number of tours including Distillery Manager Tours, Ambassador Tours, food and whisky pairings, warehouse tastings and even making your own whisky!
Our Bespoke Speyside Distillery Tour Guiding Service
The Speyside region has around 50 malt whisky distilleries! Quite a few of them are open to visitors making it ideal for private Speyside Whisky Tours.
We provide private, small group Speyside Whisky tours and can incorporate some of the above tours in your itinerary (subject to availability). Most of our tours provide a balance between official distillery tours and whisky tastings to help you get the most out of your day or days in Speyside. We are committed to providing a range of tours tailored to your requirements. Whether you are looking for a one day Speyside Whisky Tour or two or three day whisky tour, there are lots of different possible itineraries. Whether you are a whisky novice, enthusiast or expert, we can tailor and customise a tour of some of the distilleries in Speyside.
Our Bespoke Speyside Whisky Tours is include a significant planning element including detailed discussion of the best distillery tours and experiences for you. Generally, our bespoke services are reserved for 2 or more day tours where we develop the itinerary in conjunction with you. Our bespoke service is useful under many circumstances including where popular, high demand tours such as The Macallan and The Balvenie rank high on your wishlist. Also where there is a celebratory aspect, e;g; honeymoon, wedding anniversary or big birthday. Or where private tours are requested.
We are based in Lhanbryde, near Elgin in Speyside and are ideally placed to run whisky tours throughout the area with local departure Speyside Distillery Tours. Local departures are from the area around Benromach (Forres) to Strathisla (Keith) down to the Aberlour, Craigellachie and Dufftown area. A limited number of Inverness & Aviemore departures are also available.
Contact us now to start planning your Speyside Whisky Tour
We provide private, small group Speyside Whisky tours and can incorporate some of the above tours in your itinerary (subject to availability). Most of our tours provide a balance between official distillery tours and whisky tastings to help you get the most out of your day or days in Speyside. We are committed to providing a range of tours tailored to your requirements. Whether you are looking for a one day Speyside Whisky Tour or two or three day whisky tour, there are lots of different possible itineraries. Whether you are a whisky novice, enthusiast or expert, we can tailor and customise a tour of some of the distilleries in Speyside.
Our Bespoke Speyside Whisky Tours is include a significant planning element including detailed discussion of the best distillery tours and experiences for you. Generally, our bespoke services are reserved for 2 or more day tours where we develop the itinerary in conjunction with you. Our bespoke service is useful under many circumstances including where popular, high demand tours such as The Macallan and The Balvenie rank high on your wishlist. Also where there is a celebratory aspect, e;g; honeymoon, wedding anniversary or big birthday. Or where private tours are requested.
We are based in Lhanbryde, near Elgin in Speyside and are ideally placed to run whisky tours throughout the area with local departure Speyside Distillery Tours. Local departures are from the area around Benromach (Forres) to Strathisla (Keith) down to the Aberlour, Craigellachie and Dufftown area. A limited number of Inverness & Aviemore departures are also available.
Contact us now to start planning your Speyside Whisky Tour