Nestled on the scenic coast of the Moray Firth, Nairn is a charming town in the Scottish Highlands, renowned for its stunning beaches, golf courses, and historical sites. However, one of the region’s most compelling attractions is its proximity to some of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a curious newcomer, exploring these whisky distilleries near Nairn offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s rich whisky heritage.
Location: Forres, approximately 10 miles from Nairn
Benromach Distillery, founded in 1898, is a gem in the Speyside region. This family-run distillery prides itself on traditional methods, producing hand-crafted single malts with a distinctive Speyside character. A tour of Benromach offers a fascinating insight into the whisky-making process, from malting to maturation. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings of their signature whiskies, such as the Benromach 10-Year-Old and Organic Single Malt.
2. Glen Moray Distillery
Location: Elgin, around 22 miles from Nairn
Glen Moray Distillery, established in 1897, lies on the banks of the River Lossie. Known for its wide range of expressions, Glen Moray offers something for every palate. The distillery tour provides an in-depth look at their production techniques, including their use of bourbon and wine casks for maturation. The tasting experience here is exceptional, with opportunities to sample unique cask finishes and limited editions.
3. Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery
Location: Forres, approximately 12 miles from Nairn
For a step back in time, visit Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery. Although it ceased production in 1983, it has been preserved as a whisky museum. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland, Dallas Dhu offers a glimpse into the whisky industry’s past. Self-guided tours allow visitors to explore the distillery at their own pace, learning about the traditional processes and the history of whisky production in the region.
Location: Craigellachie, about 32 miles from Nairn
The Macallan is one of Scotland’s most famous distilleries, renowned worldwide for its premium single malts. A visit to The Macallan Distillery is an experience of luxury and innovation. The state-of-the-art visitor centre offers immersive tours that delve into the craftsmanship behind their exceptional whiskies. Highlights include the Six Pillars Tour, which explores the foundation stones of Macallan’s whisky-making.
Location: Muir of Ord, around 28 miles from Nairn
Glen Ord Distillery, founded in 1838, is one of the oldest distilleries in the Highlands. Known for its rich, full-bodied single malts, Glen Ord offers a variety of tours that cater to different levels of whisky knowledge. The Signature Tour provides an overview of their production process, including a visit to the mashing, fermentation, and distillation areas, followed by a tasting session.
Exploring the whisky distilleries near Nairn is a delightful journey through Scotland’s storied whisky tradition. Each distillery offers a unique experience, showcasing the diverse flavours and methods that make Scotch whisky so revered. Whether you’re savouring a dram in a historic setting or learning about innovative techniques, these distilleries provide an unforgettable taste of the Highlands. Be sure to book ahead of time as many distilleries require advance booking for tours, especially during peak tourist seasons.
These are just to name a few- there are lots more distilleries to be explored!
Check out the Visit Scotland website for more information on Scotland’s whisky distilleries.
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