8 Doors Distillery is a micro whisky distillery and visitor centre in John O’Groats which was started by local couple Kerry & Derek Campbell to combine their passion for whisky and their love for the local area they grew up in.
The most northerly distillery on the UK mainland with a spectacular view across the Pentland Firth the team are producing the first Single Malt whisky there for 185 years.
While waiting for the 8 Doors spirit to mature, visitors can sample their independent whisky bottlings which have been created under the brand Seven Sons. The Seven Sons range encompasses a number of Scotch Whisky options, with Whisky Tasting Flights available in the visitor space to find your favourite.
The team have also created a delicious liqueur called Five Ways, a whisky base with the invigorating zest of orange, the warmth of ginger, the sweetness of honey, and a hint of spice. With a striking bottle inspired by the famous John O’Groats signpost it’s the perfect souvenir to take home with you. Enjoy Five Ways blended liqueur neat, on the rocks, or as the cornerstone of a signature cocktail – a versatile drink for any occasion! Make sure to ask for a sample when you visit.
The distillery visitor experience won Tourism Destination of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards in November 2023. Open 7 days a week from 10am you can experience the warm welcome and whisky lounge for yourself. It’s the perfect space for enjoying a dram, whisky coffee or whisky cocktail. As a popular stop on the North Coast 500 route they also have a great selection of soft drinks, coffee and home made baking along with mocktails so drivers don’t miss out!
They offer a range of Tours – some give the chance to get up close to the distillery production processes and warehouse before sampling their new make spirit, Seven Sons bottlings and Five Ways liqueur. Options start from 20 mins for those short on time, to a more in-depth tour lasting 1.5hrs so there’s plenty of choice.
Tour Options:
Through the Looking Glass: 20-30 mins. Tasting Room only. Mini tasting session overlooking the beautiful Copper Pot Stills and views over the sea to Orkney.
Express Tour: 45-60 mins. Tour the Distillery and Warehouse before finishing in the tasting room with 3 samples.
Tasting Tour: 75-90 mins. More in-depth tour of the Distillery and Warehouse before finishing in the tasting room with 5 samples.
Don’t forget to allow extra time to explore the local area – with coastal walks in both directions from the John O’Groats signpost there’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air before grabbing a bite to eat from one of the local café’s. And there’s plenty of local shops to browse while you are here too.