As the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky trail, Speyside is understandably a popular destination for whisky lovers and tourists alike. But just across the hill into Aberdeen lies another great visitor experience - the opportunity to visit some of the Granite City's excellent whisky establishments.
In Aberdeen city centre, whisky enthusiasts can enjoy a dram from some of the city’s fine establishments including:
The Grill
(213 Union Street, Aberdeen, Aberdeen City AB11 6BA
01224 573530)
Located on the city’s thoroughfare, Union Street, The Grill is one of Aberdeen’s oldest and most famous bars. A former winner of Whisky Magazine's World Whisky Bar of the Year, The Grill has a selection of nearly 600 whiskies including many old and rare malts and is recognised as one of the finest whisky bars in Scotland.
CASC
(Exchange Street, Aberdeen, Aberdeen City AB11 6ND
01224 212373)
Situated in Aberdeen’s eclectic and historical Merchant Quarter, CASC bar specialises in whisky, craft beer and Cuban cigars. They run monthly themed whisky tasting evenings and have a selection of over 200 malt whiskies on offer. The recently launched their new Whisky Mash Festival, teaming up with neighbouring restaurant, art gallery and live music venue, Musa, and featuring independent bottlers, distilleries and breweries.
The Tippling House
(4 Belmont Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JE
reservations@thetipplinghouse.com)
One of Aberdeen’s finest and award winning cocktail bars is situated in the heart of Aberdeen’s lively Belmont Street, featuring many bars and restaurants. The venue offers a range of specialist whisky sampling flights, featuring produce from local suppliers including artisan cheeses from I. J Mellis and luxury chocolates from Cocoa Ooze.
The Tippling House is also part of the upcoming ‘Drink! Aberdeen’ festival which is a week-long series of events including seminars, workshops, dinners, tastings and tours, aimed at both consumers and the food & drinks industry.
UPSTAIRS
(19 Crown Terrace, Aberdeen AB11 6HD
01224 596203)
This wine and whisky bar has a selection of 80 different whiskies, with a focus on Cask Strength and Single Cask Malts. It is located just off Union Street and also offers tutored whisky tasking sessions.
The Illicit Still
(Netherkirkgate, Broad Street, Aberdeen AB10 1AU
01224 623123)
With possibly the coolest architecture of any of the bars on this list, the Illicit Still offers a great venue to enjoy your whisky in. Named after those illegal distilling dens that were once dotted all over Scotland's hills and glens, the Illicit Still harkens back to a time when whisky was about the enjoyment and not about the money involved and the delicious thrill of avoiding the 'gaugers', the excise officers who hunted for those who would seek to use the 'Illicit Still'.
The Still is not just about the whisky and the wonderfully gothic interior also plays host to quizzes, live music and sport. Definitely one for those seeking a livelier venue.
