Highland Whisky Trails near Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

There Is Whisky Galore in the Highlands

Discover some of Scotland’s famous Whisky Distilleries. Explore the Highland Whisky Trails. The Highland’s is one of Scotland’s important Whisky distilling regions, there are many distilleries only a short journey from the Hotel. Within 20 minutes of the hotel are:

Distilleries within 20 minutes of the Inverness Palace

Glen Ord Distillery – on the edge of the Black Isle in the Highlands west of Inverness, is a delight to both the eye and the palate founded in 1838, with tours, Exhibition and Shop. You can distillers at work creating a magical malt whisky which is sweet, malty and dry on the palate. It is in easy driving distance from Inverness. A good selection of guided tours and special tasting tours are available. Opening times vary throughout the year.
Tomatin Distillery – is located in the Monadhliath Mountains over 1000ft above sea level just south of Inverness off the A9. The first formal distillery was established in 1897 and it is was the first fully Japanese owned Scottish Distillery in 1986. Since that time the Distillery has gone from strength to strength with the secret of bubbling pure spring water, tender barley and gentle patience all go into creating an incredibly soft Highland whisky. Open all year round there is a great selection of visitor Tours and Shop a must visit if you are travelling south of Inverness,
Glenmorangie Distillery near Tain established in 1843 has been producing its famous malt on the tranquil Dornoch Shores. You will find a fantastic selection of Whisky Tours with unparalleled access to the Distillery & its Warehouses. You can experience all stages of the Whisky making process, learn about the pioneering use of only the finest casks and of course enjoy a Tasting too!

The Highland Whisky Trails

If you are passionate about Whisky and want to find out more about the whisky trails across Speyside, Elgin and Huntly then the best starting point is www.maltwhiskytrail.com the trail includes these distilleries all within driving distance of Inverness.

Benromach Distillery is the smallest working distillery in Speyside. Founded in 1898, it was rescued in 1993, the HRH Prince of Wales officially opened it in its Centenary year. Now you can see the mash tun, the burnished copper stills and the brass spirit safe where the distiller’s craft creates the unique qualities of the single malt. During your visit discover the time-honoured skills of whiskey making, one that remains true to it’s heritage. “Nose” and enjoy a dram of the award-winning Benromach Single Malt in the old Drier House and now Malt Whisky Centre.

Cardhu Distillery nestles in a picturesque setting in the heart of Speyside. Speyside is known all over the world as whisky country. The Cardhu distillery which is the only distillery started by a women, really does stand out from all the other distilleries in the Speyside area. The malt whisky produced at Cardhu has a warmth and cleanliness of taste which experts describe as “silky” and is used in some of the award winning Johnnie Walker blends. Open all year with a varied tour selection and shop.

Dallas Dhu Distillery has a difference, it is a disused distillery owned by Historic Scotland but still offering the full tour of the whisky process through the ages and you can sample a wee dram. Tour highlights in include the Malt Barn, the Kiln, Mash House, Tun Room, Still House and into the Bonded Warehouses. You will gain enter the time capsule of Dallas Dhu and find out how Whisky was made. The Distillery is currently closed with plans to reopen soon.

Glenfiddich – The Grant family built The Glenfiddich Distillery with their own hands and determination and is one of the few only family owned distilleries today. The crystal clear water of the Robbie Dhu Springs, the barley, the pure Highland air and the unusually small size of the stills, produced a single malt Scotch whisky which has stood the test of time and Glenfiddich has grown to become the world’s favourite single malt Scotch whisky. With an excellent selection of tours this impressive Distillery is a must see.

Glen Grant – in 1840 the maverick style of the Grant brothers who founded Glen Grant had a passion for clarity and the unconventional which gave way to the design of the distillery and its surroundings, to the whisky’s clean, contemporary flavour. New openings include the Distillery Victorian Gardens which have recently been restored to their original glory. Tours and Tastings are available at this unique Scottish Distillery.

The Glenlivet – *Winner of the Best Visitor Attraction Award at the 2013 Scottish Thistle Awards* The Glenlivet can only be made in one particular spot, in a single glen, in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky-making country. Explore the turbulent history of the whisky smugglers, delve into the intriguing mysteries of distilling and sample the golden magic that is The Glenlivet. With an exhibition, gift shop and coffee shop it is a great day out for a Whisky lover!

Glen Moray – a small friendly distillery means a warm welcome awaits you at Glen Moray Distillery in Elgin. Glen Moray has been distilled on the banks of the River Lossie since 1897 by a small dedicated team of craftsmen. In over a century of distilling at Glen Moray, much has changed. However, the ingredients, processes and the skills of those responsible for producing this finest quality single malt whisky remain constant. This is not your usual speyside distillery but one that offers a relax look at the Whisky with Tours and Coffee Shop.

Speyside Cooperage – in the heart of Scotland’s rolling hills lies Speyside Cooperage, the only working cooperage in the UK where you can experience the ancient art of coopering. Since 1947, the family owned Speyside Cooperage has produced the finest casks from the best American Oak. Today the cooperage continues to work and produce the age-old product, still using traditional methods and tools. Although shipped across the world, many of the casks remain in Scotland, providing a vital ingredient in Scotland’s whisky making process. You will enjoy the journey through the lifecycle of the cask, see the highly skilled coopers at work, try it for yourself with the mini casks or simply relax and enjoy the gift and coffee shop.

StrathIsla – is the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands since 1786. Learn about the age-old craft of whisky distilling and the art of blending. Many of the buildings have changed little, from the old cobbled courtyard to the distinctive double pagodas, making it one of the most picturesque distilleries in Scotland. Strathisla is the spiritual home of one of the most famous whisky brands in the world – Chivas Regal. Tours and Tastings operate all year round.

Whilst visiting the distilleries use the Palace free local Visitor Attractions Guide to find some other great stops on your tour of the Highlands.

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