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:
(Region: Speyside, Owner: Chivas Brothers, Address: Seafield Ave, Keith AB55 5BS)
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.
(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.
(Region: Speyside, Owners: Chivas, Address: Carron, Moray, AB38 7QP)
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.
It's also beautifully designed to compliment its surroundings and looks like a futuristic version of what's capable in distillery design.
(Region: Islay, Owners: Moet Hennessy, Address: Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7EA )
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.
(Region: Speyside, Owners: Chivas, Address: Richardson Rd, Advie, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3LR)
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.
