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Inverness is a great place to visit for any whisky lover, read our newly updated for 2024 guide to 5 of the best Whisky distilleries near Inverness….
No wonder that 5 of the best whisky distilleries are near Inverness, as it’s situated within convenient reach of two distinct whisky regions: Speyside and Highlands. Both of them produce their own distinct drams. Highland whiskies are known for diverse, full-bodied whiskies with notes like smoke, fruit cake and dried fruit. Meanwhile, Speyside whiskies are known to be sweeter and very light on peat, with notes like vanilla, apple and nutmeg.
With a good number of both Highland and Speyside distilleries within easy reach of Inverness, your holiday to the capital of the Highlands is a great opportunity to sample some of the best whiskies Scotland has to offer. Without further ado, here are five of the best whisky distilleries you can visit near Inverness.
Glen Ord Distillery, Black Isle
NEWLY REOPENED – The home of the Singleton of Glen Ord has been given a multi-million pound transformation by drinks giant Diageo. The new centre at Glen Ord, opens as thousands of visitors are expected on the North Coast 500 tourist route. As well as showcasing The Singleton single malts, the brand home will promote local Scottish food produce.
Famous for their Singleton of Glen Ord whisky, this distillery, founded in 1838, is the only producer of single malt whisky in Black Isle. They export their aged single malt whisky exclusively to the South Asian market, meaning the easiest way to buy Glen Ord whisky in Europe is at the distillery. Apart from single malt whiskies, the majority of the whisky produced here is used in blends like Johnnie Walker and Dewar’s.
- The distillery offers a variety of tours for all tastes.
- These fully-guided tours are known for being highly informative and engaging and offering a chance to sample a few different whiskies to help you develop your palate.
- Located just a 20-minute drive from Inverness, the Black Isle peninsula is well worth a visit. It’s known for beautiful fishing villages by the sea as well as some great chances for dolphin-spotting.
- To book your tour click here
Tomatin Distillery, Tomatin
is located in the Monadhliath Mountains over 1000ft above sea level just 16 miles south of Inverness, this Highland whisky distillery has been operational since 1897 and it is was the first fully Japanese owned Scottish Distillery in 1986. Today, it produces whisky mainly for blended drams, including their own brands Talisman and Antiquary. Tomatin whiskies are known for a soft character with notes of fruit.
Tours of the distillery let you sample some of Tomatin’s single malt and blended whiskies as well as giving you a chance to bottle your own straight from the cask. As the distillery is just a 25-minute drive from Inverness, it makes for a good option for those travelling without a car as you could travel to the visitor centre by taxi. For those travelling to Inverness by car on the A9, visiting the distillery on your way to or from the city is also an option, as this is just a 3-minute detour.
The Dalmore Distillery
COMING END OF 2024 – The Dalmore will reopen to visitors at the end of 2024, the dates are to be confirmed. Visitors can expect a fabulous new experience. The distillery was established in 1839 founded by Alexander Matheson however in 1867 the descendants of the Clan Mackenzie took control and on other first charges was to add the iconic 12 Point Stag to every bottle of Dalmore. The Stag is instantly recognisable and symbol of the quality of the whisky. The whisky was cultivated by Richard Paterson for nearly 5 decades and today Gregg Glass continues the vision of The Dalmore.
Glenmorangie Distillery, near Tain
Established in 1843 has been producing its famous malt on the tranquil Dornoch Shores. You will find a fantastic selection of Whisky Tours with unparalleled access to the Distillery & its Warehouses. You can trace the journey of the Glenmorangie “Original”, through it’s distilling process. You will experience all stages of the Whisky making process, learn about the pioneering use of only the finest casks and of course enjoy Two Tastings on this tour! This historic distillery is open 5 days a week, check out their website for full details.
Glen Wyvis Distillery, Dingwall
Glen Wyvis is the newest addition to the Scottish distilling scene. Nestled beneath Ben Wyvis mountain in the Scottish Highlands, Glen Wyvis Distillery was established in 2015. Dingwall’s last whisky distillery closed in 1926. After a 90 year absence, Glen Wyvis revived the town’s lost distilling tradition, more than 3,000 like-minded people invested in Glen Wyvis to create the first ever 100% community-owned distillery. Glen Wyvis is a pioneer of sustainable distilling; wind, hydro, solar and biomass energy power the operation. The distillery attends many local events. They aren’t open for tours yet, we hope that will come in the future.
Brora Distillery, Brora
Brora Distillery was established in 1819 by the Marquis of Stafford, in 1983 the distillery was closed however 38 years later after a comprehensive restoration this grand old distillery reopened in 2021. 205 years later this beautifully restored distillery now benefits from a biomass boiler. Brora whisky is highly collectable, tours are very popular and must be booked in advance. Brora Distillery is just a short walk from Clynelish Distillery, enjoy two distilleries within minutes of each other.
Clynelish Distillery, Brora
Clynelish distillery is effectively on the same site as the Brora Distillery, both are now part of the Diageo family, although Clynelish is known for its contribution to Johnnie Walker blend and its important role in the Four Corners. Clynelish gives the blend those waxy notes. Clynelish was established after Brora however it remained opened when Brora was Mothballed in 1983. Since Broar was reopened in 2021 both distilleries are very popular with visitors and offers excellent tours, with many Clynelish visitors commenting on the quality of its tasting platters alongside the whisky. Top Tip set off early from Inverness and visit both of these fabulous distilleries and combine with a trip to nearby Dunrobin Castle, which will stun you with its fairytale architecture. Learn More about the Brora distillery history here.
Dalwhinnie Distillery, Dalwhinnie
This Highland whisky distillery produces a world-famous single malt dram known for its notes of heather honey, citrus and vanilla. With its magnificent mountain views over the Cairngorm National Park, this distillery sits at the highest altitude in Scotland at 355m above sea level.
The Dalwhinnie distillery tour will teach you about the art of distilling and at the end of your tour, you can sample two different whiskies expertly paired with chocolates. Your guide will also give you suggestions for food pairings with whisky. You’ll also get to take home a Dalwhinnie whisky glass for free.
Located 55 miles from Inverness, a visit to this distillery can be combined with a visit to the Cairngorm National Park, offering a variety of outdoor activities. You could also visit the distillery on your way to or from Inverness if you’re taking the A9 – this is just a 4-minute detour.
Dallas Dhu, Forres
Plans are a foot for the much loved Dallas Dhu Distillery Museum to reopen early next year. Heritage Scotland are committed to reopening this fabulous museum to the public. Keep your eyes on their web page for the most uptown date information.
It really is one to visit as it is different from the rest on this list because it’s no longer operational: after producing whisky from 1899 to 1983, this Speyside distillery now acts as a museum. During your visit, your complimentary audio guide will take you through how whisky was made throughout the 1900s, from the steam engines that powered the distillery until the 1950s to the kilns where barley was dried over a lightly peated fire.
You’ll also have a chance to take part in a fact-finding quiz and your tour will end with a chance to sample a free dram of whisky. Located 28 miles outside of Inverness, a visit to Dallas Dhu could be combined with a visit to the nearby Brodie Castle or the eco-village of Findhorn for a memorable day trip.
Cardhu Distillery, Aberlour
Alongside single malt drams, the whiskies produced at this distillery are also a key component in award-winning Johnnie Walker blends. Located in the heart of Speyside, this distillery was founded in 1811 by a husband and wife team. Helen Cumming, is said to have distilled the first gallon of the Cardhu whisky, making it the only malt Scotch whisky pioneered by a woman.
Tours of this distillery go deep into the history of the place and afterwards, you can visit the gift shop or relax with a dram of their exceptionally smooth and mellow whisky. The distillery is located 43 miles from Inverness and you could combine your tour with a visit to the nearby Ballindalloch Castle.
Uile-bheist Distillery, Inverness
Uile-bheist new in 2023, this brewery and distillery opened this year. The distillery and brewery are located on the banks of the River Ness just a short walk from the Palace Hotel & Spa. You can explore both distilling and brewing, tours start from £30 per person, book online here.
Escorted Scottish Distillery Tours
If you want to explore the distilleries and enjoy the tastings, then let an expert take the wheel. There are are many guided whisky tours from Inverness.
Check out Happy Tours, they are local experts, excellent and experienced guides who offer a combined Tour of Glenmorangies Distillery and Dunrobin Castle. A fabulous tour capturing two Highland icons. See here for more information on Happy Tours.
New WOW Tours are offering a private Tour of 3 Whisky Gems, Tomatin, Glenfarclas and Glen Moray. This tour lasts 9-10 hours and one of its unique offerings is a stop at the Speyside Cooperage, where you will get an insight into the work of a cooper. See here for all the information and booking details.
Distilleries within 30 minutes of Inverness
- Uile-bheist Distillery, Inverness
- Glen Ord Distillery, Black Isle
- Tomatin Distillery, Tomatin
- Glenmorangie Distillery, near Tain
- Dalmore Distillery, Alness
Distilleries Further Afield – The Highland Whisky Trails
If you are passionate about Whisky,If you are passionate about Whisky and want to find out more about the whisky trails across Speyside, Elgin and Huntly then the best starting point is www.maltwhiskytrail.com the trail includes these distilleries all within driving distance of Inverness. See our explore page for more information on all these distilleries
- Benromach Distillery
- Cardhu Distillery
- Dallas Dhu Distillery
- Glenfiddich
- Glen Grant
- The Glenlivet
- Glen Moray
- Speyside Cooperage
- StrathIsla
Whisky Experiences & Accommodation in Inverness
For a whisky lover, no visit to the Highlands would be complete without a whisky tasting experience. If you don’t fancy leaving the city or want to wow your friends with your whisky knowledge after a distillery tour, there are several ways to buy and enjoy some delectable drams in Inverness.
The Malt Room is Inverness’ first whisky bar, with a menu that spans all six Scottish whisky regions as well as a selection of bourbon and rye whiskies. It stocks an unbelievable range of over 300 malt whiskies. This cosy bar also stocks premium spirits, cocktails, wines, and exclusive beers. There are lots of whisky flights to choose from, served by the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff. The Whisky Shop gives you a chance to do some shopping based on your newfound knowledge and get some gifts for family and friends.
Whisky Dates for your Diary
- Good News the Scottish National Whisky Festival Inverness will be back on 29th June 2024 at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, just a short walk from the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.
Stay With Us
Plan your Highland Whisky tour and book your stay at the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. You can look forward to a warm highland welcome, we are ideally located on the banks of the River Ness, opposite Inverness castle. Only a few minutes walk to the Castle, the lovely Ness Islands and the vibrant capital of the highlands full of shops, cafes and bars to tempt you. Make the Palace your base, dine and sip your favourite tipple in the Brasserie, were there are plenty of whiskies for you to savor and views of the River Ness! Enjoy car parking, free Wi-Fi and don’t forget the lovely leisure club. See our seasonal specials for a selection of our very best offers. Remember always book direct for your very best offers Call: 01463 22 32 43 or Email [email protected] and one of our friendly team will be happy to help!
Escape to the Leisure Club and Spa
The Inverness Palace Hotel is a perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring the highlands, take a dip in the swimming pool. book a massage in the Spa or relax those muscles in the sauna. All of our guests enjoy free access to our Luxury Leisure club.
Little Touches of Luxury
Add a little luxury to your getaway and book a Luxury Castle and River View Room. Wake up each morning to a fabulous view and enjoy the beautifully lit Inverness Castle and the Bridge as you draw your curtains in the evening.
