The Glenlivet distillery

If you fancy sampling a taste of local history, then pop along to the world famous Glenlivet Distillery. With small production distilling legalised in 1823, local farmer George Smith set up a distillery on his farm near Minmore. Today the quality of “The Glenlivet” has developed a worldwide reputation.

The distillery is open to visitors during the summer. See whisky being made and enjoy a sample of the finished product (charges apply for tours). Inside the former grain store and malting, you’ll also find an exhibition, shop and cafe.

Tomintoul distillery 

Built in the mid 1960s, the distillery produces three million litres of alcohol each year. The family business has been making single malt whisky in the Speyside Glenlivet region for four generations. Tours are sometimes possible for groups by prior arrangement.

Whisky smuggling

During the early 1800's, as many as 200 illegal stills were at work in the Livet Glen, the secluded hills providing the perfect location for producing illicit spirit. Smugglers travelling in convoy would head over the hills for Perth, Aberdeen and Edinburgh to sell their illicit but renowned product at market, with the Excisemen in hot pursuit. 

Enjoy a walk along one of the Smugglers Trails, named after characters from our whisky heritage past.

The Whisky Castle

The Whisky Castle shop in Tomintoul is also well worth a visit for the whisky enthusiast. With over 500 malt whiskies, including many single cask, independently bottled and small batches, there are opportunities for a tasting experience to help you select your ideal malt.

Malt whisky trail

Follow the malt whisky trail through Speyside to seven working distilleries, a historic distillery and a cooperage.