By place · DISTILLERY TOURS IN THE UK
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 8 distillery tours in the UK worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to check before you commit.
Tour Holyrood Distillery in central Edinburgh with an English-speaking guide such as Courtney, Dave, or Callum. Start with a seasonal cocktail, visit the gin lab and whisky floor, then taste gin and single malt whisky while learning about yeasts, oak, and modern Scotch production.
“We loved our tour with Thais! She was knowledgeable , fun and had a great sense of humor. Would highly reccomended :)”
Spend one hour at Clydeside Distillery with guides such as Nina, Linzi, or Madeleine. Explore the 1877 Old Pumphouse, watch the whisky-making process, admire River Clyde views, and taste three Clydeside drams. You keep the small tasting glass, and non-drinkers can take samples home.
“Loved learning about the history of Clydeside Distillery and tasting their whiskies! Really engaging and humorous tour, absolutely would recommend!”
At Bombay Sapphire’s Laverstoke Mill, guide-led tours with hosts such as Luke, Naomi, Nick, or Helen cover ten botanicals, glasshouses, vapor infusion, and the old paper mill. You’ll make a G&T at the Turbine Bar, watch a short film, and finish with cocktail options.
“Value for money, and interesting experience. Option of non alcoholic drink was nice. Could've shown Around more stuff.”
Explore the Port of Leith Distillery with an English-speaking guide such as Olivia or Ellie. See its unusual vertical design, fill a miniature bottle of new make spirit, and taste new make, port, sherry, and table whisky in the QC LAB. The distillery bar requires a separate booking.
“Beautiful new distillery, and the second vertical one in Europe. Our tour guide Olivia was knowledgeable and fun. We got to bottle and keep a small bottle of their "hearts" distilled spirit. The tasting was good. ***WARNING: Given it's a new distillery they have yet to release their own whisky. Thus that is not part of the tasting.***”
At Holyrood Distillery, you’ll tour a young Edinburgh whisky and gin maker, see its experimental approach, and taste several spirits. Guides such as Diego, Brice, Courtney, and Neil bring their own style to the hour-long visit, which ends at the bar and shop.
“Very interesting and good experience! A guide who was passionate about whisky and was very good at explaining and creating a feel-good ambiance.”
At 56 North Distillery, learn how South Loch Gin is made, from botanicals and copper stills to bottling. Your English-speaking guide leads a G&T, three guided samples, and a final cocktail. The tour also includes Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar and its extensive spirit collection.
“Very informative and fun! Our lovely guide Abby made the whole experience very interesting and the atmosphere was very cozy. Liked it a lot (including the tastes of the gins) - totally recommend it ✌️”
At Uilebheist Brewery & Distillery in Inverness, an English-speaking guide explains how whisky and beer are made, with folklore woven into the tour. Your 75-minute visit ends with three tastings: new-make spirit, Colpach whisky, and beer. Groups are capped at 15.
“Our guide, Richard, was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything in detail. Tasting part of the tour was a bit lacking.”
From Inverness, George or another Clan Tours guide drives a small group of up to eight through Speyside for distillery visits, tastings, Highland history, and the Speyside Cooperage. Expect a flexible day, but budget extra for entry fees, food, and whisky.
“He is a nice, gentle and humorous person. also he knows a lot of distilleries and it was really helpful. it was such a great experience.”
Pick a bottle and see where it is poured properly.
