Scotch whisky

Whisky is Scotland's national drink and our biggest export, enjoyed across the globe as well as right here in Scotland. Skilled distillers transform barley and water into a precious spirit, which is tucked away to mature.

Whisky samples at the Clydeside Distillery.

© Digital Tourism Scotland / Matt Davis

Scotland's whisky regions & distilleries

Discover Scotland's five whisky regions and distilleries where you can sample their distinctive malts.

Clynelish Distillery

© Clynelish Distillery

Whisky maps

There are over 130 active distilleries in Scotland spread across five whisky regions. Many offer fascinating tours – take the chance to sample the unique flavours and character of different whiskies.

Check out our map of each whisky region to plan your trip.

Whisky trails, tours and events

Uncover the many ways you can enjoy Scotland's whisky with these unique experiences. 

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Speyside's malt whisky trail

Follow this 3-day itinerary around some of Speyside's top whisky attractions in the north east of Scotland.

Whisky tours

Book a tour of a whisky distillery, or travel around Scotland visiting several whisky experiences.

What's new in the world of whisky?

For a traditional Scottish drink going back centuries, there's always something new to discover.

Rosebank Distillery

Known as the 'King of the Lowlands', Rosebank Distillery reopened its doors in summer 2024 and has recently won a major architectural award.

Stirling Distillery

Whisky-making has returned to Stirling - in style! Stirling Distillery named a winner at the World Whiskies Awards Scotland 2025.

The Hearach

Sample the long-awaited release of single malt whisky from the Isle of Harris Distillery.

Blackness Bay Distillery

Located next to the Lobster Pot restaurant, book a tour at the Blackness Bay Distillery who distil whisky and craft a unique variety of rum styles.

Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery

Immerse yourself in one of Arbikie's field to bottle experiences and find out more about why it's one of the world’s most sustainable distilleries.

The Lost Close - underground whisky tasting

Whisky tasting in an underground location unlike anything you've ever seen, plus a new Women in Whisky tour.

Whisky facts

Are you a newcomer to the world of whisky? Here's what you need to know.

Lindores Abbey Distillery

© Fife Council/Chris Watt

What is Scotch Whisky?

Scotch whisky is malt whisky or grain whisky that must be made in Scotland in a manner specified by law.

It's divided into five distinct categories:

  • Single malt
  • Single grain
  • Blended malt
  • Blended grain
  • Blended Scotch whisky

Whisky casks at Speyside Cooperage

© VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields

What is single malt whisky?

  • Comes from a single distillery
  • Made exclusively from malted barley
  • Distilled using pot stills at a single distillery
  • Aged for at least 3 years in oak casks no bigger than 700 litres

What is single grain whisky?

  • Comes from a single distillery
  • Can be made from any cereal grain including small amounts of barley

Find out more about the history of whisky

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