If you want to visit a whisky distillery near Inverness but are unsure where to go, you must read our Best Distillery Tours Near Inverness Guide. We have done the research and have come up with the optimal strategies, whether you are self-driving, catching public transport, or would like to have someone else organise a whisky tour for you. For the best Inverness distillery tours, read on!
General Distillery Visitor Information
Due to the increasing popularity of distilleries as a tourist attraction, we highly recommend that you book your distillery tours well in advance to avoid disappointment or avoid a long wait. While you can often just 'walk in' for a tasting, please check the distillery's website for opening hours and tour times before you go as they change throughout the year. The web links and phone numbers for each distillery are provided in their distillery profiles below. The times listed below were accurate at the time of writing.
Dogs, Children and Inverness Distillery Tours
Dogs are generally not allowed in Distillery restaurants/cafes, visitor centres or in production areas, so don’t plan to bring your dog on a distillery tour. Guide dogs and special assistance dogs are permitted, although they may not be allowed in some production areas, so please check with the distillery before you book a tour.
Each distillery has a different policy on the age or number of children that can be taken on a distillery tour or be present during a tasting; please check the distillery's website or call ahead to confirm whether your child/children can join you. A quick summary for distilleries near Inverness:
For more information on which distilleries you can take your children to, see our post 50 Distillery Tours In Scotland Your Kids Can Actually Go On.
Accessibility / Wheelchair Access
Most distillery tours near Inverness are at least partially wheelchair accessible/suitable for those with mobility impairments. Contact the distillery directly if you have any questions. Also have a look at Euan's Guide - a purpose built website that makes it easier for those with disabilities to find great places to go.
But I Don’t Want To (Or Can’t) Drive!
The following distilleries are accessible by public transport (bus) from Inverness, and the journey is 45 to 60 minutes (each way), other than the newly opened Uile-Bheist Distillery which is right in the heart of Inverness. While other distilleries are accessible by public transport (Glenmorangie, Balblair, Clynelish / Brora) the time to reach them by public transport is over 2 hours each way.
Glen Ord Distillery and The Tomatin Distillery are approximately 30 minutes in a car from Inverness so you may also wish to consider a taxi or Uber if a bus is not your preferred mode of transport.
Day Trips From Inverness - Organised Whisky Tours
Rabbie’s Tours offer a number of organised small-group tours from Inverness in their 16-seater mini buses. Each of the following small group tours visits at least one distillery and is a fantastic way of visiting the region without having to drive yourself.
One day tour from Inverness visiting Dunrobin Castle, Glen Ord Distillery, and the wee towns of Dornoch and Beauly.
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One day tour from Inverness visiting Carrbridge and the Dulnain Bridge (aka the Old Packhorse Bridge), Tomatin Distillery, and the Glenmore Forest Park / Lake Morlich (one of Scotland’s most scenic and popular lochs).
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Inverness to Moray and Speyside, visiting Glen Moray Distillery, Elgin Cathedral, the Gordon and Macphail Whisky Shop, and Cardhu Distillery.
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Road Trip! Self-Drive Whisky Tour
Oh, the freedom of the open road! You have your pick of distillery tours near Inverness. These maps are designed to be interactive – click on the square frame icon top right of the map to open it in a new browser (‘view larger map’). Modifying the route is easiest on your computer, not your mobile phone, however, if you’ve only got a mobile device, you can import the destination pins into Google Maps and use the directions features to get the best routes.
For more information on how to use Google MyMaps, more information is available on our Scotland Distillery Map page.
Basing yourself in Inverness also means you are not too far from an abundance of distilleries in Speyside; if you are considering tours in Speyside, see our Guide to the Best Speyside Whisky Distillery Tours.
We’ve chosen the following routes from Inverness as all of the distilleries are usually open most days with regular tours, but please keep in mind it is generally now essential to pre-book your visit times at least a day or two in advance. Even in 'normal times' tours often book out, especially on weekends and during peak holiday times, and you don’t want to drive all that way and miss out. We've included the online booking and phone booking information in each distillery profile below.
There are only so many distillery tours you can do in a day. I recommend you pick your favourite TWO.
You can certainly stop by other distilleries, have a look, take some photos and do a tasting (or grab yourself a bottle to take home) but if you’re trying to do more than two distillery tours, you’re going to be pushing for time. The routes below are around 3 hours of driving excluding all other activities. If you allow two tours, you’re already at 5-6 hours for the day, minimum. Most distilleries run tours between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm (last tour at 4 pm), but this varies depending on the time of year (most close earlier Nov – Mar). Remember to consider this when you’re picking your destinations, and prepare for a long day.
Hot Tip For the Designated Driver: most distilleries have 'driver's drams' to take away. Always ask and see if you can do ‘take away’ or ‘take home’ samples - many distilleries now let you select a designated driver ticket option, so they know to include a take home tasting at the end of the tour. Note, this usually doesnt apply to 'tasting experiences', just the basic tours.
Another option is to buy some glass screw top containers before you go - the glass wont react with the alcohol, although, being glass, it is more susceptible to being broken if dropped or knocked. Specimen containers from a chemist (they're sterile, leak proof and won't shatter!) are another good last minute option - Clynelish used to hand these out for their drivers drams.
Inverness North Coast 500 Distillery Tour
Inverness South and Spey
To see all the Distilleries in the Highlands and Speyside regions, see our Scotland Distillery Map.
Whisky Distillery Profiles
Balblair Distillery
Balblair Distillery Opening Hours
Children over 12 years of age are permitted on Discovery Tours when accompanied by an adult - tickets are free for persons aged 12 - 17 years. For safety reasons, all photography (including both flash, non-flash and mobile phones) and video recording is strictly prohibited within the production areas of the distillery. Balblair Distillery Tours are partially wheelchair accessible. There is quite a bit of walking involved (approx 200m) so a tour may not be suitable for all persons. Balblair has a wheelchair accessible bathroom and wheelchair accessible parking space,
The Balblair Discovery Experience
Guided distillery tour followed by a tasting of two (2) the Balblair 12 and 15 Year Old expressions. £25 per person, approximately 90 minutes duration. Online advanced bookings for the Balblair Discovery Experience are recommended. Maximum 12 persons per tour.
The Balblair Essence Experience
The Balblair Essence Experience offers visitors the opportunity to explore the precision and time invested in Balblair's distillery processes. One of their senior guides will lead you through each element of the production process, highlighting how each step creates the quality and character inherent in every drop of Balblair. To round off the tour, you will get the chance to taste a range of Balblair single malts, including 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Old, 21 Year Old and an exclusive hand bottling. You will also receive a tasting glass to take home. £50 per person and approximately 2 hours duration. Online advanced bookings for the Essence Experience are recommended. Maximum 8 persons per tour.
The Balblair Definitive Experience
An intimate and insightful journey into the world of Balblair; The Definitive Tour is limited to small groups for a more in-depth experience. Enjoy an in-depth guided tour of the distillery with one of Balblair's senior guides, and as part of this experience, you will have the rare opportunity to taste the wash and wort as it evolves through its journey to becoming new make spirit. The exclusivity continues as your guide gives your special access to one of Balblair's warehouses which is reserved only for visitors on The Definitive Tour, where you will have the chance to hand-bottle a Balblair single malt. The culmination of this ultimate experience is the tasting of all four of Balblair's signature whiskies, ranging from the 12 year old to 25 year old. £100 per person approximately 2.5 hours duration. Advanced bookings are essential.
Benromach Distillery Opening Hours
January, February: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
March to October: Monday to Saturday: 9.30 am - 5:00 pm
November, December:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
You must be over 18 years of age to go on a Benromach Distillery Tour. Have a quick look around the distillery before you go with a Benromach Distillery Virtual Tour. Benromach Distillery Tours are not wheelchair accessible, though the Vistor's Centre is accessible.
Benromach Discover Tour
Guided tour of the Benromach Distillery followed by a tasting of three Benromach whiskies. £25 per person and 60 minutes duration. Advanced online bookings are essential.
Benromach Exploration Tour
Guided tour and tasting of the Benromach Contrast Range. £45 per person and 90 minutes duration. Online advanced bookings for the Benromach Exploration Tour are essential.
A Contrast Tasting is also available as a stand-alone tasting experience (no tour) £20 per person and 30 minutes duration.
Benromach Mastery Tour
Guided tour of the distillery and tasting of a selection of unique and rare Benromach whiskies. £95 per person and 2 hours duration. Advanced online bookings for the Benromach Mastery Tour are essential.
Glen Ord Distillery Opening Hours
The Glen Ord Distillery Visitor Centre is open from:
March to October:
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
November to February: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
There is an on-site cocktail bar and deli for tasting plates and platters.
Read our full Glen Ord Distillery profile here.
Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery Tour
Guided tour, and a tutored tasting of three (3) unique expressions paired with one macaron at the end of your tour. From £20 per person, 85 minutes duration: Online advanced bookings are highly recommended as Glen Ord is a very popular distillery to visit and each tour group has maximum of 16 persons.
Dalmore, Alness IV17 0UT Telephone +44 1349 882 362
The 12 pointed stag horn crest synonymous with The Dalmore was granted to the Mackenzie clan in 1263 when Clan Chief Colin of Kintail rescued King Alexander III from a raging stag. The Mackenzie's first leased, then owned Dalmore from 1867 to the mid-1960s
Dalmore Distillery are currently closed for renovations - they are planning to reopen in 2025.
Clynelish Distillery Opening Hours
One of the Four Corners of Johnnie Walker Distilleries, Clynelish is open year round (January to December) Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Children over 8 years of age are permitted on tours of Clynelish Distillery - tickets for persons aged 8-17 years are £9.50.
You can read our full Clynelish and Brora Distillery profile here.
Clynelish Flavour Journey
Guided, full-sensory tour of Clynelish Distillery followed by a tutored tasting and whisky highball. £21 per person and 105 minutes duration. Online bookings for the Clynelish Flavour Journey are available.
Clynelish Express Tasting
A tutored tasting experience of three (3) drams of whisky (no tour). £17 per person and 45 minutes duration. Online bookings for the Clynelish Express Tasting are available.
Clynelish Process Tour and Premium Tasting
A guided tour of Clynelish Distillery with a tutored tasting of three (3) exclusive Clynelish single malts. £35 per person and 60 minutes duration. Online bookings for the Tour and Premium Tasting are available.
Brora Distillery Tours
Brora Distillery tours are available monthly - tours start from £225 per person and include tastings of limited edition Brora whiskies. Advanced bookings are essential.
Glenmorangie Distillery
Glenmorangie Distillery Opening Hours
Glenmorangie Distillery Tour
Guided tour of Glenmorangie distillery followed by a tasting of two (2) drams of Glenmorangie whisky. Approximate duration 45 minutes, £23 per person, with a maximum of 12 persons per tour. At the time of writing, online bookings were no longer available and must be made by calling +44 (0)1862 892 477.
The Tomatin Distillery is located 16 miles (26 km) south of Inverness on the A9, and is easily reachable by car or taxi (around 35 minutes). Public transport is also an option if you don't mind a 0.8 mile (1.2 km) walk from the highway to the distillery - see Stagecoach Inverness for current bus timetables. Children of all ages are welcome at the distillery and on the Tomatin Legacy Tour.
The Tomatin Distillery Opening Hours
The Tomatin Distillery is open Monday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, May to October (10:30 am til 4:30 pm November to April) and Distillery Tours are available hourly. Advanced bookings are highly recommended as they are a popular distillery.
The Tomatin Legacy Tour
A guided tour of the Tomatin Distillery followed by a tutored tasting of three (3) whiskies: Tomatin Legacy, Tomatin 12 year old and the lightly peated Cù Bòcan Signature. £15 per person (£5 for 5 to 17 yos, and free for children under 5 years old), approximately 75 minutes duration. Advanced online bookings for the Tomatin Legacy Tour are recommended.
Taste of Tomatin Tour
A guided tour of the Tomatin Distillery followed by a tutored tasting of six (6) Tomatin whiskies. £40 per person (over 18s only), approximately 2 hours duration. Advanced online bookings for the Taste of Tomatin Tour are recommended.
The Tomatin Single Cask Experience
A guided tour of the Tomatin Distillery and warehouse followed by a tutored tasting of five (5)Tomatin single cask expressions. £60 per person (over 18s only), approximately 2.5 hours duration. Advanced online bookings for the Tomatin Single Cask Experience are recommended.
Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SG Telephone +44 1463 234308
The first new distillery to be built in Inverness for 130 years, Uile-Bheist (Gaelic meaning wild beast/monster) produce their spirit using only locally sourced barley and water from nearby River Ness.
As the distillery is also a brewery, the wash (beer) is fermented using Uile-Bheist’s own brewer’s ale yeast before being run through the stills.
The Uile-Bheist Discovery Tour is £31.50 per person, which includes a distillery tour, tasting of whisky (theirs won't be available for at least 3 years) and Uile-Bheist beer. Uile-Bheist Distillery offers several tasting experiences (including whisky, cheese and chocolate tasting), all of which include a tour of the distillery.
The Uile-Bheist distillery is next door to the Glen Mhor Hotel and apartments (with free parking), making it the perfect location to base yourself for touring the other distilleries near Inverness.
Uile-Bheist Distillery Opening Hours
Uile-Bheist Distillery are open 7 days a week from 11 am til 11pm - tours are available several times a day. Advanced online bookings are highly recommended, especially if you're in a group. Tailored tour experiences can also be arranged.
Scotland Whisky Maps and Photographic Prints
Whisky Gifts, Wall Art and Man Cave Decor. Made By Whisky Lovers For Whisky Lovers
Best Places To Stay In Inverness
There are a large number of accommodation options in Inverness, from hostels to hotels and self-catering apartments. The following hotels are recommended for their proximity to whisky bars:
Located right next door to the new Uile-Bheist Distillery. The Glen Mhor Hotel is a little unusual in that it comprises 10 Victorian townhouses, 11 self-contained apartments and 110 bedrooms for you to choose from. Located on the River Ness, many rooms have views across the river to Inverness Cathedral and Eden Court Theatre. There is free car parking available, which makes this an excellent base for touring the region if you plan to drive. Click here to see rates for Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments.
Located on the banks of the River Ness, a short walk from the city centre of Inverness; the 4-star
Centrally located, Highland Apartments by Manlsey offer the ultimate in modern luxury and comfort, with lifts (elevators) to all floors, secure private parking and free wi-fi internet access. Most apartments have balconies overlooking the town or the river, with Inverness Castle in the background. There are stunning views towards Loch Ness to the south and the mountains to the north and west. It is an ideal location to enjoy Inverness' nightlife, including a short walk to The Malt Room, where you'll find over 200 whiskies and friendly staff to help you with a tasting. Click here to see rates for Highland Apartments by Mansley.
What To Do In Inverness
As the biggest city in the Scottish Highlands, there are countless tours and attractions to visit while you're in Inverness. Our picks would be (in addition to visiting all the distilleries of course):
If you plan on driving yourself, then use the above links to help map out your itinerary.
References & Further Reading
One of Amanda's favourite books. Around 1885, Alfred Barnard was secretary of Harper's Weekly Gazette, a journal dedicated to the wine and spirit trade. In order to provide his readers with the history and descriptions of the whisky-making process, Barnard decided to visit all distilleries in Scotland, England and Ireland. Accompanied by friends, he visited and sketched over 150 distilleries, including many of the now 'lost' distilleries of Campbeltown.
Spirit of Place by Charles MacLean, with photographs by Lara Platman and Allan Macdonald, is a unique addition to the literature on Scotch whisky, from the world's greatest expert on the subject. The perfect gift for anyone planning a tour of Scotland's distilleries, a souvenir for anyone who has visited them, and simply the perfect companion to a dram at home. Campbeltown is overlooked as a region, but Spirit of Place does feature Springbank as part of the 'West Highlands' distillery profiles.
Ingvar Ronde's annual guide to all things Scotch whisky, The Malt Whisky Yearbook is your go-to guide for distillery facts and stats. With comprehensive and up-to-date distillery summaries, editorials on the state of world whisky, profiles on global whisky trail blazers (the people having the most impact on the industry), the Malt Whisky Yearbook packs in a lot of facts and figures and is an essential Almanac for whisky fans.