5 of the most beautiful Scottish whisky distilleries

There are over a hundred whisky distilleries in Scotland, stretching from Bladnoch in the south all the way up to Highland Park in the north, here is our selection of some of the most picturesque.

Published 26th Aug 2016
Updated 21 st Sep 2023

Though more people care about the final product, (which we'll admit is the fun part) we can't help being mildly obsessed by the buildings where the magic happens - the distilleries.

These are the places where the liquid alchemy takes place, and water is turned into liquid gold. They also happen to be some of the most picturesque buildings in Scotland and many even give our wonderful castles a run for their money in the scenic stakes.

Here are five Scottish whisky distilleries we think are the most beautiful:

Strathisla Distillery

(Region: Speyside, Owner: Chivas Brothers, Address:  Seafield Ave, Keith AB55 5BS)

Picture: Flickr

Picture: DSLRManu\Flickr

Without a doubt one of the prettiest distilleries you'll come across, Strathisla was founded in 1786 and was originally called Milltown. Its towering pagodas, cobbled courtyard and wooden waterwheel make it the perfect distillery to visit for those who love aesthetically pleasing places, and it also just so happens to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, which will appeal to whisky geeks too.

Blair Athol Distillery

(Region: Highlands, Owners: Diageo, Address:  Perth Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5LY)

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveler

Adding ivy to any building immediately makes it more pleasing on the eye, there's something so satisfying about the mix of plant and stone that makes this particular distillery so idyllic. Founded in 1798, this Diageo owned distillery is the spiritual home of Bell's whisky.

The distillery is also one of the most visited in Scotland due to its pretty facade and central location.

Dalmunach Distillery

(Region: Speyside, Owners: Chivas, Address: Carron, Moray, AB38 7QP)

item 4

Picture: contributed

Occupying the former site of the old Imperial distillery, this modern distillery is named for the nearby pool in the River Spey, and is one of Scotland’s newest distilleries.

10 facts you (probably) didn't know about Guinness

It's also beautifully designed to compliment its surroundings and looks like a futuristic version of what's capable in distillery design.

Ardbeg Distillery

(Region: Islay, Owners: Moet Hennessy, Address: Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7EA )

item 4

Picture: Youtube

We could have included several of the Islay distilleries but in the end, Ardbeg just won out. Standing proud on the Kildalton Coastline, the beautiful white coated walls and stencilled name mark this distillery one of our favourite sights.

The new addition of the copper still and Ardbeg logo in the courtyard make it as beautiful from above as it is from the ground.

Tormore Distillery

(Region: Speyside, Owners: Chivas, Address: Richardson Rd, Advie, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3LR)

11 of the best Glasgow pubs to watch the Six Nations
item 4

Picture: ronnie leask\Geograph.org

With its pretty mix of green and white and its distinctive clock tower and chimney, Tormore is one of the more quaint distilleries on our list.

It also looks very unique when compared to the architecture of most of the other distilleries in Scotland. Founded in 1958, its brand of single malt was recently re-launched and is beginning to gain a little traction in terms of sales and popularity.

 

 

 

Perthshire auctioneer to host world's first auction dedicated to women in whisky
Location:none
Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
Copyright ©2024 National World Publishing Ltd
Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram