Glenarder Distillery Recommendations – go to options for your stay at Glenarder

Here is a a basic “essential” distilleries to visit while staying at Glenarder. The list contains, our local, classic ‘big ones’, best value and specialist options. Note – essential to make reservations at distilleries.

Our local. We recommend Cardhu Distillery as it is our our closest, only 2km. Close enough to often smell the delicious aroma waft up the valley. Small and intimate distillery experience which is nice as a contrast to the larger more commercial disitlleries. TOP TIP – look for the Highland cattle behind the distillery for good photo opp!

The Iconic one! The not to be missed and only 7 km from Glenarder, the new £140 million Macallan Visitor Centre and distillery designed acclaimed architect, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners.  A series whisky experience with several levels of tours available. The new futurist style visitor Center opened in June 2018. A must on your disitllery tour. The Macallan

All round village distillery. Aberlour Distillery is a pretty distillery situated just as you enter Aberlour. Take in the best Aberlour has to offer: lunch or supper at The Mashtun bistro pub on the edge of the Spey River, pick up some delicious nibbles and deli treats at the Speyside Larder, take a tour of world famous Walkers Shortbread. TOP TIP – Aberlour distillery offers a designated drivers package which allows the driver to enjoy the tour but take home the samples to enjoy later.

The classics. Glenlivet distillery. Recommend for the beautiful drive to Glenlivet, Lovely location and for the super organised visitor Center, tours and restaurant on site.

The classics. Glenfiddich. Again it’s a classic, super organised tours and restaurant on site. TOP TIP – take in the nearby Speyside cooperage tour in and watch the masters at work preparing whisky barrels for the distilleries. Fascinating to watch the speed and skill of workers. Gift shop on site. http://www.speysidecooperage.co.uk

Best value Distillery. Glen Grant distillery, Rothes. Glen grant offer the best allround value for money Distillery tour and tasting. TIP included in the price is access to the beautiful and enchanting gardens. On a nice weather day it is a lovely place to take a walk. They have picnic areas in the garden area as well as on site tea shop. Also take in lunch or a beverage at the Station Hotel and whisky bar.

The best specialty tour. The Balvenie is one the most highly recommended distillery tours. “This is the distillery that people said I had to visit. Now I see why! David Mair is fantastically knowledgeable and shows you aspects of whisky-making not seen elsewhere. The tasting is one of the best I’ve experienced. This tour is a must”

Bottling your own Balvenie in Warehouse 24 costs £30 and is available exclusively as part of The Balvenie Distillery tour.