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Five Distillery Tours
Whisky and Gin - Tours and Tasting
A trip to Scotland isn't complete without sampling a wee dram. These distilleries are all within an hours radius of the Forth Bridges and each has a unique offering - from being the spiritual home of Scotch Whisky to being the UKs first vertical distillery. Some use techniques honed over the centuries whilst others are innovating. One thing for sure, they all taste good. Enjoy!
1. Blackness Bay Distillery
Near Linlithgow | 20 mins drive from the bridges
Blackness Bay Distillery is a small, traditional Scottish distillery located on the shores of the Firth of Forth in the oldest building in Blackness.
The distilling tours cover both spirits and stories with an emphasis on using instinct and natural learned experience for authenticity.
After the tour, you can eat in the adjoining Lobster Pot, visit Blackness Castle, and explore the delightful town of nearby Linlithgow with its magnificent palace and charming peel.
2. Port of Leith Distillery
Edinburgh | Short train journey into Edinburgh
For something a little different, visit the UKs first vertical distillery in the historical whisky heartland of Leith. The 90 minute tours tell the story of the distillery founders whilst showcasing its incredible architecture. You'll also find out about whisky production, fill your own miniature and enjoy a nice selection of samples.
After the tour, you can enjoy epic views over Leith from the top floor bar - especially stunning at golden hour!
3. Holyrood Distillery
Edinburgh | Short train journey into Edinburgh
Situated in Edinburgh's Southside district, a short walk from the historic old town, Holyrood Distillery produces the city's only single malt whisky and an award winning range of gins.
They offer a range of tours, including an advanced tour for true connoisseurs and a short highlights tour for those pushed for time! Afterwards, you can take a self guided or guided tasting experience in the distillery bar.
4. Kingsbarns Distillery & Darnley's Gin Cottage
Kingsbarns | 1 hours drive from the bridges
Located in the East Neuk of Fife, the visitor experience includes guided tours, tastings, and a behind-the-scenes look at how the handcrafted spirits are created.
For gin lovers, a visit to Darnley’s Gin Cottage is a must. Located onsite, it offers an intimate look into the creation of award-winning gins, complete with gin tastings and experiences.
5. Lindores Abbey Distillery
Newburgh | 40 mins drive from the bridges
Often referred to as the spiritual home of Scotch Whisky, distilling in Lindores Abbey can be traced back to 1494. After a break of over 500 years, the abbey has been revived and whisky is flowing once again from magnificent copper stills. With stunning views over the fishing waters of the River Tay, this is a wonderful site to visit.
The distillery tours cover the history and process of whisky making and afterwards, you can relax in the cosy Legacy Bar and enjoy a tasting experience. If you would like to eat, you can pre-order a food platter (48 hours notice is required). Even better, well behaved dogs are welcome!
