Whisky tastings can be arranged within the castle, offering an atmospheric setting in which to explore Scotland’s whisky regions. Guests are guided through a selection of drams while learning the stories behind them, from the smoky shores of Islay to the rich traditions of Speyside.

Royal Lochnagar Distillery is located in Crathie, a small village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It sits just one mile from Balmoral Castle in the scenic Royal Deeside region near Cairngorms National Park.

Founded in 1845 by John Begg, the distillery gained its “Royal” title after a visit from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848. Today, this small Highland single malt distillery remains one of Scotland’s most intimate whisky producers.

Known for its delicate character, with notes of light fruit and gentle spice, Royal Lochnagar offers visitors the chance to explore traditional whisky-making and experience authentic Highland hospitality in a truly historic setting.

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands amid stunning scenery, the distillery is surrounded by visitor attractions, castles, and gardens.

For nearly 200 years, The GlenDronach Distillery has been producing richly sherried single malts, offering visitors a memorable experience and the warmth of a genuine Highland welcome.

Knowledgeable tour guides provide a fascinating insight into the whisky-making tradition and the unique history and character of the distillery.

Located in Dufftown, at the heart of Scotland’s whisky country, Glenfiddich Distillery was founded by William Grant in 1887. More than 130 years later, Glenfiddich remains family-owned and has grown to become one of the most recognisable single malt Scotch whiskies in the world.

The distillery offers an excellent visitor experience, combining historic buildings and traditional whisky-making with an impressive range of tours and tastings. Its whiskies are renowned for their approachable, fruit-led Speyside character, making Glenfiddich an enjoyable visit for both established whisky enthusiasts and those discovering single malt for the first time.

Also situated in Dufftown, The Balvenie Distillery is renowned for its dedication to traditional craftsmanship. The distillery retains skills and processes that have become increasingly rare in Scotch whisky production, and its intimate visitor experiences provide a fascinating insight into the people and techniques behind the whisky.

Balvenie’s whiskies are typically rich, rounded and honeyed, with maturation and cask finishing playing an important part in their character. Tours are deliberately small and immersive and can include the distillery’s floor maltings, production areas, warehouses and guided tastings. Advance booking is highly recommended.

Set in the remote Livet Valley in the heart of Speyside, The Glenlivet Distillery is one of Scotland’s most historic and internationally renowned whisky producers. Founder George Smith became the first licensed distiller in the parish of Glenlivet in 1824, establishing a name that would become synonymous with the smooth, elegant style of Speyside single malt.

The distillery is particularly known for its smooth and fruity character, while its contemporary visitor experience gives guests an opportunity to discover both the history and craft behind one of Scotland’s best-known whiskies. Surrounded by rolling hills and open countryside, the journey to The Glenlivet also offers a wonderful introduction to Speyside itself.

In the picturesque Speyside village of Aberlour, where the Lour Burn meets the River Spey, Aberlour Distillery produces a beautifully rich style of single malt shaped by the landscape and ingredients of the surrounding area. The distillery continues to celebrate the legacy of its founder, James Fleming, alongside a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and locally sourced ingredients.

Aberlour is particularly admired for its use of both sherry-seasoned and American oak casks, creating whiskies with layers of fruit, spice, vanilla and rich sweetness. A choice of distillery experiences and tastings makes this a particularly appealing stop during a day exploring Speyside.

Surrounded by the dramatic mountain scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, Dalwhinnie Distillery occupies one of the most striking locations of any Scottish whisky producer. Founded in 1897 and standing around 1,164 feet above sea level, it is one of Scotland’s highest distilleries.

Dalwhinnie produces an elegant Highland single malt characterised by gentle smoke, heather-honey sweetness and a wonderfully smooth character. Guided tours and tastings offer an opportunity to experience the whisky in the landscape that helps define it, making Dalwhinnie an excellent choice for guests combining a distillery visit with a longer journey through the Cairngorms.