Top Tips for Deciding Which Distillery to Visit
21/10/2026

One of the most common questions we receive from guests planning a Scottish tour is: which distilleries should we visit? With more than 150 whisky distilleries across the country, alongside a growing number of excellent gin and spirits producers, the choice can feel overwhelming.

To help inspire your next Scottish adventure, our Touring Development Executive, Lydia, shares her thoughts on some of Scotland’s standout distillery experiences, along with practical advice on choosing the right tours and tastings based on your interests, location and preferred tipple.

Scotland is famous for its distilleries, from the Borders to the Highlands, there are over 150 malt and grain distilleries, 70 of which have visitor centres attached – and that’s just the whisky! But Scottish produce is so much more than whisky, and visitors and locals would do well to remember that gin distilleries and other drinks experiences can be just as much fun, especially if whisky just isn’t your thing.

Deciding which distilleries to visit can be a bit daunting with so many to choose from. If you’re a whisky aficionado, you might know exactly which distilleries you’d like to pay a visit to. But if it’s your first time in Scotland and you feel a little overwhelmed by choice, our tips for deciding which distilleries to visit can help you narrow down your choices to get the most out of your time in Scotland.

What’s your tipple?

Whisky production is a long (and often expensive) game. Scotch whisky must be aged for a minimum of 3 years before bottling to legally be considered Scotch. As a result, many newer distilleries choose to distil other spirits in the meantime to bolster their income whilst their Scotch is aged.

Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh has its own range of New Make Spirits. As an unaged whisky, it remains completely clear, making it look deceptively similar to water despite its bold character. The distillery team also craft their own rum, whisky, and vodka, all of which are available in their on-site bar – the perfect epilogue to one of their guided tours.

Those who prefer a gin to a whisky may enjoy a visit to Lind and Lime Distillery in the chic neighbourhood of Leith in Edinburgh. I visited not long ago with a group of friends and enjoyed a lively and highly personable tour with Adeline. Not only do you get the chance to sample this fantastic, refreshing gin, but you also gain real insight into all the aromatics used in its production, mix your own gimlet cocktail, and get to bottle and seal your own bottle to take home with you. This is a great tour to do with friends, it’s interactive, unpretentious, and underpinned by a deliciously drinkable gin.

The team behind Lind and Lime also own and operate Port of Leith Distillery close by; the world’s tallest distillery and unique in its vertical architecture, this beautiful building is crowned by a bar at its summit with panoramic views across the city. Even if you choose to not take part in a tour, there are few better views in Edinburgh to accompany your tipple of choice.

Location, Location, Location

Many of Scotland’s most famous names in whisky – Glenfiddich, The Macallan, Laphroaig, to name but a few – distil in remote locations. Before you decide which distilleries, you’d like to visit, consider their locations and the region they are located in. Some distilleries are set deep in the Highlands and can be difficult to reach by public transport.

You may wish to consider a specific Scotch region to focus on for your trip to Scotland, each of which has a unique characteristic:

Speyside

The most densely populated with distilleries out of all five regions, and perhaps the most well-known. Speyside whiskies are often matured in Sherry casks and have minimal peat influences but can be packed with fruit flavours such as apple and pear, as well as vanilla and spices.

Lowland

There is a great variety in Lowland whisky production, and there is plenty of new activity in this region. Lowland malts can be some of the most accessible for new drinkers, they are often light, delicate, and clean in their flavours.

Highland

Like the Lowlands, there is huge variety in Highland whisky. This region is the largest and also takes in the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland in this remit. The variety in this area means there is often something to suit every taste, from light and floral malts to more rich and chewy options.

Campbeltown

One of the two smallest whisky regions with a great deal of variety, offering salty, smoky, fruity, and sweet flavours.

Islay

On Islay, peat is the name of the game, and this smoky, fiery characteristic can be an acquired taste for some.

Whether your planning a day trip around Edinburgh or a whisky adventure through the Highlands and Islands, Little’s can provide tailored luxury transport throughout Scotland. Our experienced Touring Chauffeurs are not only experts on Scotland’s roads but are often whisky lovers themselves, offering personalised recommendations and local insights that can elevate your distillery journey from memorable to unforgettable.

Tour, tasting, or something more?

Many distilleries offer a variety of experiences for guests, from an informal tasting at their bar, to a full day experience including tasting menus and carefully curated drink pairings. It’s worth thinking about what you most want to get out of your visit; are you interested in learning about the different processes behind distilling or are you hoping to sample a range of different expressions with an expert guide, or perhaps you’re a whisky aficionado looking for a really special occasion?

For a truly elevated distillery experiences The Macallan is the place to turn, they offer a range of unique and characterful experiences showcasing the best of their produce and craftsmanship. Set in perhaps the most unique and architecturally impressive distillery in Scotland, The Macallan delivered high-end luxury experiences, both pre-bookable and bespoke. Their onsite Time Spirit Restaurant offers the opportunity to elevate a distillery visit with a tasting menu in an elegant and unique setting.

Not a distillery?

If you’re completely new to Scotch whisky, you may prefer to not visit a distillery at all. For accessible and engaging experiences, Edinburgh has some excellent visitor attractions that an exciting insight into Scotch whisky through guided and immersive experiences.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is located at the top of the Royal Mile and is a fantastic experience to book if you’re not sure where to start with whisky. Their tiered experiences mean there is bound to be something to suit everyone, from whisky novices to experts. Their onsite restaurant also allows whisky to be paired with delicious Scottish produce, providing the perfect combination for whisky and food-lovers.

Ready to plan your whisky excursion? We’d recommend browsing SipSeekers.com where you can search for Scottish drink experiences based on drink type, date, and region.

If you’re not sure where to start, our Tour Team at Little’s can provide bespoke recommendations for whisky and distillery touring in Scotland, for everything from half day tours to multi-day itineraries.