Highland and Speyside Whisky Tours from Inverness
Welcome to Venture Highland’s Whisky Tours from Inverness page!
Our private luxury tour company offers an unforgettable experience for visitors, whisky lovers and connoisseurs alike.
Whether you are new to scotch whisky or an expert in “tasting” or collecting, we guarantee that our tours will take you on a journey through Scotland’s rich history and culture of whisky-making in our luxurious Mercedes Vehicles.
We offer pick-up from Inverness, Invergordon, Edinburgh, Glasgow and most other locations across Scotland.
We have some information below on some of our popular stops in the Highland and Speyside Whisky regions, however, we can take you on a tour of distilleries, historical sites, areas of outstanding natural beauty, nature sites and other sites of interest all over Scotland.
Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on an exploration of some of Scotland’s finest distilleries located all within easy reach from Inverness or Invergordon port.
We have included just a selection of Distilleries below which we can include on your Whisky tour from Inverness, however, we can create a totally bespoke private tour for you and take you anywhere in Scotland.
With over 140 Distilleries in Scotland and 50 in Speyside alone, there are plenty to choose from and some beautiful journeys getting there.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the production process, taste different varieties of whiskies, and gain insight into how each distillery creates its unique flavour profiles.
During your visit, you’ll also have the chance to explore stunning natural landscapes in the Highlands of Scotland.
Come join us on a Whisky Tour from Inverness with Venture Highland Tours – it’s sure to be an adventure that you won’t forget.
Inverness is the capital city of the Highlands and is a great base if you’re planning your whisky tour of Scotland, the Highlands and Speyside.
We have included below some of the most popular whisky tours from Inverness and a new addition for 2023, all under 2 hours from Inverness city Centre. Whisky maps of Scotland can be a handy tool to plan your trip.
Uile-bheist Distilery whisky tours from Inverness, Inverness
A new addition to the 2023 tour calendar is Scotland’s newest Distillery and Brewery which officially opened in February 2023.
Scotlands only “Brewstillery” Uile-Bheist aim is to create the finest artisan whisky and beer.
Based on the River Ness and within walking distance from the City Centre. We will be looking forward to touring the first distillery to open its doors in Inverness in over 130 years this season.
Glen Ord Distillery tours from Inverness. Muir or Ord, Highland
One of our regular stops on our Whisky Tour from Inverness is Glen Ord Distillery founded in 1838 on the Ord Estate near Muir of Ord.
Glen Ord is located approximately 30 minutes from Inverness and is also along the route of our local Outlander Tour and our local history tour, so there are plenty of opportunities to combine some history, outlander tour locations and beautiful scenery with your next whisky tour from Inverness.
The distillery has a new visitor centre, gift shop and bar where you can sample various whisky at a tasting session.
Sample some of their award-winning singleton single malt whiskies, or if a dram is not your thing, why not try one of their expertly mixed whisky cocktails which seem to go down a treat with our guests.
Glen Ord also offers a ‘Malt Master Experience’, which gives visitors an insight into the art and science behind whisky-making (This needs to be booked in advance)
Dalmore Distillery tours from Inverness, Alness/Invergordon
The Dalmore Distillery was established in 1839 and is situated just outside Alness, near Invergordon.
As part of their tour experience, visitors sample different whiskies while discovering the history and heritage behind each bottle.
Dalmore has won several awards over the years for its impressive range of single-malt whiskies.
Approximately 40 minutes away on a tour from Inverness.
Tomatin Distillery tours from Inverness, Tomatin, Inverness
Tomatin Distillery is a renowned whisky distillery located near Inverness, Scotland. Established in 1897, the distillery often celebrates its long and storied history of producing world-class Scotch whisky.
Tomatin produces a range of single malts as well as a blended whisky, with each variety offering its own unique character.
They export all over the world with a fast-growing market in Asia.
The distillery takes advantage of the crystal clear water source from nearby hills and mountains to create an exquisite taste profile.
This water goes through a natural filtration process over centuries to bring out the best flavours.
The cool climate in this part of Scotland also helps the whisky mature slowly, allowing more time for flavour development and refinement.
Tomatin visitors can learn about the history of whisky production and sample some of their signature whiskies during a guided tour.
It’s easy to see why Tomatin has been producing such high-quality Scotch whiskies for over 100 years – they have truly mastered the art! Approximately 20/30 minutes from Inverness to Tomatin Distillery
Balblair Distillery tours from Inverness, Edderton, Tain
Balblair distillery is a historic Scottish whisky producer that has been in operation since 1790.
Located in the picturesque Highlands region, Balblair is known for its exceptional single malt whiskies and unique flavour profile.
The distillery’s visitor centre offers tours of the facility and tastings of its signature whiskies.
Visitors can learn about every aspect of the production process, from malting to maturation, and experience firsthand what sets Balblair apart from other whisky producers.
One distinctive feature of Balblair is its vintage releases.
Rather than using age statements to denote the maturity of their whiskies, Balblair labels each bottle with the year it was distilled.
This approach allows drinkers to experience the unique flavour profile that comes from each specific year’s harvest.
Collecting Balblair Whisky is popular among enthusiasts due to its rarity and quality.
Some vintage releases have sold for high prices at auction, making them highly sought after among collectors. Balblair offers tours, a gift shop, tastings and the opportunity to fill your own bottle of the good stuff.
Balblair was once owned by John Ross, who went on to become a member of parliament.
It was also one of the first Scottish distilleries to embrace electricity in its production process.
A Balblair Distillery tour from Inverness is often combined with a tasting or tour of Glenmorangie Distillery which is only a couple of miles up the road.
Glenmorangie Distillery tours from Inverness, Tain, Highland
Glenmorangie prides itself on its traditional methods that have been handed down through generations.
All the whisky produced at Glenmorangie is aged for at least 10 years in a variety of different casks, including ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks.
This process creates unique flavours and aromas that can only be achieved using traditional Scottish techniques.
At Glenmorangie visitors can take part in interactive tours where they can learn more about the history and process behind whisky production.
There’s even a tasting room where guests can sample some of the signature expressions produced at Glenmorangie.
So if you’re looking to discover more about Scotch whisky production and taste some unique whiskies while taking in breathtaking views along the way, then a visit to Glenmorangie Distillery is highly recommended!
Glenmorangie is approximately 1 hour north of Inverness and is easily accessible from the A9 which is the major trunk road from Inverness going north.
Speyside Whisky Distillery Tours from Inverness
Speyside is a special area of Scotland when it comes to Whisky with some of the biggest brands in the world being produced here.
With over 50 distilleries in the Speyside region of the Highlands alone, this makes the area has the highest concentration of whisky distilleries around
Benromach Distillery, Forres tour from Inverness
Benromach is a renowned whisky distillery located near Forres which is approximately 1 hour from Inverness.
Established in 1898, the distillery prides itself on producing whisky with a unique character and flavour profile that has been carefully crafted using traditional methods.
The distillery uses locally-sourced barley which is hand-malted by Benromach’s dedicated team before being milled and mashed to create the perfect mash for whisky production.
The unique taste of Benromach comes from its use of exclusively Scottish-grown barley and the highest quality peat smoke to produce its spirit.
The single malt whiskies created by Benromach are known for their rich colour and full body, with hints of hazelnut and dark fruits complementing smoky notes that linger on the palate.
The distillery also produces a range of limited edition whiskies as well as a range of aged malts aged up to 25 years that showcase its depth of character and complexity.
Visitors to the distillery can also book an immersive tour that takes them through every stage of whisky production, from malting to ageing, before they sample some exclusive samples in the tasting room.
Whether you’re a novice or connoisseur, a visit to Benromach is sure to be a rewarding experience that will leave you with an appreciation for the art of whisky making in Scotland and perhaps with a few souvenirs to take home.
The Macallan Distillery, The Macallan Estate tour from Inverness
The Macallan Distillery, nestled in the lush hills of Scotland’s Speyside region, is one of the world’s most iconic producers of single malt whisky.
The distillery recently opened a state-of-the-art visitor centre, offering whisky enthusiasts and tourists alike the chance to discover all that goes into making The Macallan’s award-winning range of whiskies.
The Macallan whisky distillery is one of Scotland’s most famous and prestigious whisky producers.
Founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, the distillery has a long and storied history of producing some of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.
Today, the Macallan brand is known worldwide for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavour profile.
In 2018, the Macallan opened a state-of-the-art visitor centre that offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of whisky-making.
The centre features interactive exhibits, guided tours, and tastings that allow visitors to learn about every aspect of the whisky-making process.
One of the unique aspects of Macallan whisky is its collectability. Some rare bottles from the distillery have sold at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars, even in some cases over a million, with a bottle selling last year for over $1.3m dollars.
Collectors are drawn to Macallan because of its reputation for excellence and rarity.
Some fun facts about Macallan include that it was one of only six whiskies featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds,” and that it has been awarded numerous accolades over the years, including being named “Best Single Malt Whisky” at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2020.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or simply curious about this iconic Scottish drink, a visit to the Macallan whisky distillery is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Please note that the Macallan Estate is only open on selected dates and many of the tours and events have to be pre-booked.
Macallans restaurant offers top-class food all produced on the Macallan Estate. Booking is essential for the restaurant or tasting menu experience.
Cardhu Distillery Tour from Inverness
Cardhu distillery is a renowned Scottish whisky producer that has been in operation since 1824. Founded by John and Helen Cumming, the distillery has a rich history and legacy of producing exceptional single-malt whiskies.
Visitors to Cardhu can experience the distillery’s state-of-the-art visitor centre, which offers tours of the facility and tastings of its signature whisky.
The centre provides an immersive look into the production process, from malting to fermentation to maturation.
One unique aspect of Cardhu is its connection to women in whisky-making. Helen Cumming was one of the first female distillers in Scotland, and her daughter-in-law Elizabeth Cummings took over as head distiller after her passing.
Today, Cardhu continues to honour this legacy with initiatives like its Women in Whisky program.
Collecting Cardhu whiskies is also popular among enthusiasts. Some rare bottles have sold at auction for high prices due to their quality and rarity.
Cardhu’s signature flavour profile features notes of honey, vanilla, and oak, making it a beloved choice for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
Cardhu was one of the first distilleries to receive a licence following the Excise Act of 1823, and it was once owned by John Walker & Sons before being acquired by Diageo in 1987.
The distillery is still an important part of making Johnnie Walker Whisky.
You can also get the opportunity to visit the Distilleries resident “Hairy Coo’s” (Highland Cows) which live on site.
A visit to Cardhu distillery is not only an opportunity to taste some exceptional single malt whisky but also a chance to learn about the history and legacy of this iconic Scottish brand. If doing a Whisky Tour from Inverness to Speyside,
This is often a good distillery to combine on a route with Macallan, Ben Romach or Tomatin depending on site availability. Contact us today to discuss your Whisky tour with our experienced guides.
Glenlivet Distillery
Glenlivet distillery is one of Scotland’s most iconic whisky producers, renowned for its exceptional single malt whiskies and rich history.
Founded in 1824, Glenlivet is located in the Speyside region and offers visitors a chance to learn about the production process and taste some of their signature whiskies.
The distillery is also famous for its association with King George IV, who declared Glenlivet to be his favourite whisky and helped cement its reputation as a premium brand.
Today, Glenlivet continues to produce some of the world’s finest single malt whiskies, making it a must-visit destination for any whisky enthusiast.
On-site distillery tours and tastings are available.
Glenfiddich Distillery
Glenfiddich is a world-renowned Scottish distillery that has been producing exceptional single-malt whiskies for over a century.
Founded in 1886, Glenfiddich is located in the Speyside region of Scotland and offers visitors an immersive experience into the production process of their signature whiskies.
The distillery also offers a range of exclusive tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample rare and limited-edition releases.
With its commitment to quality and innovation, Glenfiddich continues to be one of Scotland’s most beloved and respected whisky producers.
The Speyside Cooperage
While not a distillery, The Speyside Cooperage plays an important part in Whisky Distilling in the Speyside Region.
Tour their facility for a chance to see the ancient art of coopering.
The facility has provided loyal service to the Speyside Whisky Distilleries since the 1940s producing Oak barrels for distilling the world-famous Speyside Whisky.
Their visitor centre will take you on a journey from Acorn to Cask and it reopens in spring 2023 after a large refurbishment.
Additional Distilleries
Other Distilleries are within easy reach of a Whisky Tour from Inverness but it’s important to note that not all are open for onsite tours.
Ardmore Distillery
Balblair Distillery
Ben Nevis Distillery
Blair Athol Distillery
Clynelish Distillery
Dalwhinnie Distillery
Deanston Distillery
Edradour Distillery
Fettercairn Distillery
GlenDronach Distillery
Glengoyne Distillery
Glen Garioch Distillery
Glenmorangie Distillery
Oban Distillery
Old Pulteney Whisky
Royal Brackla Whisky
Speyside:
Aberlour Distillery
Allt-A-Bhainne Whisky
Aultmore Whisky
Ballindalloch Castle Estate Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Balvenie Scotch Whisky
BenRiach Scotch Whisky
Benromach Scotch Whisky
Braeval / Braes of Glenlivet Scotch Whisky
Cardhu Scotch Whisky
Cragganmore Scotch Whisky
Craigellachie Scotch Whisky
Dallas Dhu Historic whiskey distiller Museum
GlenAllachie whisky
Glenburgie whisky
Glendronach whisky
Glen Elgin whisky
Glenfarclas whisky
Glenglassaugh whisky
The Glenlivet whisky
Glen Grant whisky
This list includes some of the most well-known and popular distilleries in these regions, but it’s important to note that there are many more distilleries located throughout Scotland.