Many visitors to Scotland want to be sure to get a taste of our most famous export, whisky, during their stay, not just by sampling it at the local pub, but by visiting a malt whisky distillery as part of their golf trip.
The Lowlands of Scotland, where many golfing visitors will spend most of their time, offers only a few distilleries to visit. Whisky making was, and is, very much a Highland tradition.
Edinburgh/North Berwick
The Glenkinchie distillery is just half an hour from North Berwick and the only distillery within easy reach for golfers based in this area. Glenkinchie is home of the Edinburgh Malt - a fragrant, woody and light drink often suggested as an aperitif.
Troon/Prestwick
There are no distilleries within the Troon area itself and the best option if visiting here is to head north to the Glengoyne distillery, just south of Loch Lomond. This requires a half day trip from Troon or Prestwick. The malt produced here is described as having a rich aroma, with hints of oak, apple and sherry with a fruity finish. A variety of tours, including extended tasting tours, are available.
If you opt to take a day trip to visit the Isle of Arran, an hour away by ferry, then an alternative is the Lochranza distillery on the north end of the island.
St Andrews/Gleneagles
The nearest distillery to St Andrews is Tullibardine, just 10 minutes south of Gleneagles. The single malt produced here is described as 'easy drinking' and an ideal pre-dinner appetiser. It is described and smooth and mellow on the palate with a fruity flavour and clean crisp finish.
Heading North
For those heading to Inverness from the central belt or St Andrews their route will take them directly past Pitlochry, Dalwhinnie and Tomatin.
The Blair Athol distillery in Pitlochry is part of the Bell's group and one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. They produce a 12 year old single malt with a mellow aroma, a strong fruity flavour and a smooth finish.
Dalwhinnie distillery is the highest distillery in Scotland at 1,073 feet above sea level. The product is a full bodied and smooth malt.
Tomatin is 16 miles south of Inverness and produces a lightly peated 12 year old single malt, which is described as rich and elegant with a long and satisfying finish.
Between Inverness and Dornoch are two more distilleries, Dalmore and Glenmorangie.
Dalmore is half way between Inverness and Dornoch. They produce both a 12 and 21 year old malt and the product is described as full bodied and full flavoured with a long and lingering after taste.
Glenmorangie is one of Scotland's more famous brands and the 10 year old is claimed to be Scotland's favourite malt whisky. The distillery now produce a range of finishes, including sherry wood, port wood, Madeira wood, Burgundy wood and Sauterne wood casks.
Speyside
For those who are spending time in the north, perhaps based in Nairn, Inverness or Dornoch and have a day to spare, we would suggest a detour into the heart of Speyside as part of their travels. Whisky lovers are spoilt for choice here. Speyside is about an hour or so south of Inverness and just north of the Cairngorm mountains.
Speyside is one of Scotland's most famous whisky producing areas and is known for its elegant and light malts, often with some sweetness to them. Distilleries seem almost on top of each other in some places and within less than an hour drive from each other you can choose from Macallan, Aberlour, Cardhu, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant and Balvenie to name just a few. Over half of Scotland's distilleries are within a small area here. Please note that not all of the Speyside distilleries are open to visitors but those we have mentioned are.
Further Notes
All distilleries provide a complimentary taste of the product at the end of the tour. Most distilleries charge an admission charge, normally between £3-£6 for their standard tour. Often all, or part, of this admission charge is redeemable against purchase of product at the end of your tour. Many distilleries now offer extended and more expensive tours which might include additional tastings, 'nosing' from the barrel, and even blending and/or bottling your own whisky.
Most distilleries will have a 'silent season' when production ceases. This is often for a period of around three weeks. Some distilleries will continue tours throughout their silent season, some will offer limited tours while others will stop tours for the duration of the silent season. It is always best to call a distillery in advance of visiting to check on current tour status.