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Strathisla Distillery, Moray
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  5. Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail

Food and Drink

Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail

Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail is the only trail of its kind in the world. Set in the heart of stunning Speyside, this trail takes in seven world-famous working distilleries, one historic distillery and the fascinating Speyside Cooperage.

Speyside is famous for its wonderful whisky and is often called 'Malt Whisky Country'. It's home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries, making it the ideal place to discover more about this ancient art. The area is one of Scotland's five whisky regions.

Transport

Car

Days

3

Miles

74

Route

from Glenlivet to Forres

Highlights

Whisky, history, landscapes

Areas Covered

North

Day 1

overview

Glenlivet, Knockando, Craigellachie

Your whisky pilgrimage begins deep in the heart of Speyside at The Glenlivet Distillery. After your visit there, follow the River Spey north to Knockando for a tour of Cardhu Distillery before heading west to Craigellachie to round your day off with a visit to the Speyside Cooperage.

  • Miles

    21

  • Km

    34

  • Stops

    3

  • Transport

    Car

Speyside Cooperage, Moray

The Glenlivet Distillery

Begin your tour of Speyside's famous distilleries by visiting The Glenlivet Distillery in Banffshire. The guided tour gives you an insight into the intriguing history of this spectacular single malt. You can treat your senses as you enjoy a dram drawn straight from a cask in Warehouse No.3, followed by the chance to taste two further samples in surrounds of the dram room.
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Cardhu Distillery

Drive 13 miles north to Knockandu for your next stop on the trail, Cardhu Distillery. Take one of the two tours offered to find out more about the only malt whisky distillery pioneered by a woman. Enjoy a dedicated tasting and nosing session with an expert at the end of the 'Glassic Tour' which includes a complimentary whisky glass to take home.
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Speyside Cooperage

Continue 9 miles towards Dufftown, considered by many to be the heart of the Speyside whisky region, where you'll discover the spectacular Speyside Cooperage. At the only working cooperage in the UK you have the unique opportunity to witness the ancient art of creating whisky barrels using traditional tools and methods and you can even have a go at making your own mini-cask.
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Day 2

overview

Dufftown, Rothes, Keith

The second part of your whisky adventure is a day in whisky heaven, with tours of three working distilleries. Begin in Dufftown, the 'Malt Whisky Capital' of the world, with a tour of Glenfiddich Distillery before heading to Glen Grant Distillery followed by Strathisla Distillery.

  • Miles

    23

  • Km

    37

  • Stops

    3

  • Transport

    Car

Strathisla Distillery, Keith

Glenfiddich Distillery

Start your second day with a trip to the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown. Built by William Grant and his family over a period of 18 months, the first drops of whisky flowed from the stills on Christmas Day, 1887. For a truly memorable experience, book a place on the half-day Pioneer's Tour where you get to bottle your Glenfiddich direct from the cask and enjoy a tasting and nosing masterclass.
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Glen Grant Distillery

A quick journey to Rothes takes you to the Glen Grant Distillery, the only Scotch whisky distillery that is named after its founding owners. Explore the distillery's beautiful Victorian Garden then take a guided tour or private tasting session to find out more about the distinctive dram.
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Strathisla Distillery

Take a 20 minute drive to Keith and tour Strathisla Distillery, the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands which dates back to 1786. One of the distillery's fantastic tours will give you an insight into the art of blending as the distillery produces a range of Chivas Regal premium blended whiskies alongside its single malt Strathisla 12-Year-Old.

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Day 3

overview

Elgin, Forres

Your final day on the Malt Whisky Trail begins in the charming town of Elgin with a tour of Glen Moray Distillery. Afterwards travel west to Forres and tour Benromach Distillery before visiting Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery.

  • Miles

    35

  • Km

    56

  • Stops

    3

  • Transport

    Car

Benromach Distillery, Moray © JohnPaul

Glen Moray Distillery

Embark on your final day of the trail with a visit to Glen Moray Distillery in Elgin, where a warm welcome awaits you. Soak up the brilliant atmosphere in the distillery and watch the small, dedicated team craft the single malt on the Regular Tour or, for an in-depth insight, take the Fifth Chapter Tour led by the Distillery Manager.
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Stop 2 - Benromach Distillery

Take the 20 minute journey to Forres and the Benromach Distillery which is home to the world's first fully certified organic single malt. Uncover the secrets behind creating Benromach's beautiful malts with an Exclusive Manager's Tour or enjoy the hands-on Bottle Your Own Experience tour.
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Stop 3 - Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery

After a final 10 minute drive you can complete your exploration of the Malt Whisky Trail at Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery, the idea of entrepreneur Alexander Edward. Spend time looking around the distillery, which finally closed for production in 1983, and find out more about its fascinating chequered past.
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