Day 1

 

Dalwhinnie

The highest distillery in Scotland, Dalwhinnie Distillery‘s history dates back to 1897. It’s location is on a bleak and desolate hillside where two old drovers roads met. When the railway arrived in the highlands it was the perfect setting for a distillery and the local founders John Grant, George Sellar and Alexander Mackenzie established the now internationally famous brand.

Experience a whisky flight of three drams, with chocolates paired by Andrew Burnett, The Highland Chocolatier.

Cragganmore

In 1869, Big John Smith founded Cragganmore, said to be the most experienced distiller of his time. In addition to his business acumen and skill as a distiller, Smith understood distribution was key to success. He lobbied the Caledonian Railway for a branch that helped him turn Cragganmore into a popular, high-quality single malt whisky.

A complex and characterful whisky is produced at Cragganmore distillery. On a full production tour, see what makes the distillery tick, from its picturesque Spey Valley location to its flat top stills. With its high approaches and hidden valleys of flavour, this whisky has many high points to offer. This Speyside aroma is one of the most complex in the world, and because of its popularity the distillery cannot keep up with demand.

After the production tour enjoy three drams in the Victorian livingroom at the distillery.

Strathisla

Established in 1786, Strathisla Distillery is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Located in the quaint town of Keith it was the first distillery owned by the Chivas Brothers of Chivas Regal fame and Strathisla produces both a fantastic Single Malt and is the soul of each and every Chivas Regal bottle.

Speyside accommodation

This evening you’ll stay at the award-winning Dowans Hotel in Aberlour, deep in the Cairngorm National Park and a stones-throw from the great distilleries we will visit.

Built in 1888, the Murray family have restored this Victorian mansion as a luxurious and vibrant Speyside hotel that boasts a contemporary restaurant offering local and seasonal dishes. ‘The Still Bar’ has been developed with the whisky connoisseur in mind and offers over 500 whiskies to sample.

Day 2

 

Speyside Cooperage

Located just outside Aberlour visit the only working Cooperage that you can visit in Scotland, where oak whisky barrels are created, refreshed and prepared for ageing of Scotch Whisky. Using ancient techniques up to 5000 years old, marvel at the speed and precision of the skilled coopers and witness the sights, sounds and smells of the Speyside cooperage.

Please note that the cooperage is only open on weekdays

Cardhu

Established by John and Helen Cumming, these trailblazing whisky entrepreneurs have a fascinating story that is told through the Cardhu whisky tour experience. started in 1811 John had a reputation as a whisky smuggler but it was his wife who was selling bottles of whisky from the kitchen window.

Seeing the opportunity to legitimise their business through The Excise Act of 1823, John Cumming built the new Cardhu distillery further down the valley. John Walker & Sons took control of Cardhu in 1893 and today the quaint distillery is known as the ‘Speyside home of Johnnie Walker’.

Glenlivet

Thanks to a visit by King George IV in 1822, Glenlivet was considered to produce the best in whisky in the world. Strictly speaking, producing and selling whisky was illegal when the king visited because of the tough landscape allowing distillers to evade the tax man. One of the first distillers who legitimately apply for that license was George Smith who had rented a small farm from the Duke of Richmond and Gordon. He officially opened The Glenlivet in 1824, the distillery draws water from the historic Josie’s Well a short distance away. The whisky produced here exhibits the characteristic soft, round note of Speyside Whiskies and is also used in Chivas’ own blends.

The Macallan

Situated in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan distillery is the second-largest whisky producer in Scotland. The whisky is offered in various guises (mostly because of the different oaks it is aged in). It came from humble beginnings, founded in 1824 by local school teacher Alexander Reid and has become the official whisky of the speaker of the House of Commons.

In July 2019 a brand new £140 million visitor experience opened its doors and a year afterwards the building was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize for excellence in architecture.

Please note that The Macallan is subject to availability. Please allow at least 6 months notice and check with us before booking if this is an essential visit.