Get a taste for whisky in Aviemore & The Cairngorms
When coming to the Cairngorms National Park one of the things you will want to try is our famous Speyside whiskies – in fact some of the best distilleries in Scotland are right here on our doorstep thanks in large part to our proximity to the River Spey, famous throughout the world for it’s drams, legendary fishing and stunning beauty. There is a huge amount of distilleries near Aviemore – so here are our top picks of where to taste, experience and buy whisky when in Aviemore and on your Whisky journey.
There is so much to see and experience when it comes to Whisky with over 50 distilleries in the Speyside Whisky region. Don’t be put off exploring whisky if you don’t know your Glenlivet from your Glenfiddich, don’t know your Speyside distilleries from your Highland ones (even experts can’t agree on that) or are worried about whether you should put water in your dram or not (we say go for it if you want) – whisky is no longer just for the experts and a lot of the old snobbery and stuffiness is gone. Whisky is now an exciting accessible drink with lots of passionate people who will help you discover everything it offers – we think there is no better place to do it than the Cairngorms.
Why not follow our trail as a day trip visiting old and new distilleries and whisky shops whilst driving over some of the most stunning and breathtaking roads.
Slainte!
Distilleries to visit in the Cairngorms, Moray and Highlands
- The Speyside Distillery
The Speyside distillery offer private tours to their picturesque distillery near Kingussie by prior arrangement. They also run The Snug in Aviemore where you can buy and taste their award winning range of Whiskies – call Claire on 01479 810126 for tasting availability.
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Dalwhinnie Distillery
If arriving in Aviemore from the South you will have passed this on the way – both the A9 and railway line offer views of this iconic stunning picture postcard distillery. The distillery here dates back to the 1890s and is the highest distillery in the country. The drams produced here are lovely and gentle thanks to being produced using crisp fresh snowmelt from the Drumochter hills. Tours are available 7 days a week throughout the year. Dalwhinnie does have a train station with the Dalwhinnie visitor centre a 15 min walk away. - The Cairn Distillery
World renowned whisky merchants Gordon Macphail have expanded their offerings with a new distillery near Grantown on Spey called The Cairn. Although new, their knowledge is old and it promises a bright future with its proximity to the River Spey. The Cairn Distillery includes an immersive visitor experience, tasting rooms, retail space and a coffee shop to either sober up or line your stomach. - Tomatin distillery
Located between Aviemore and Inverness – Tomatin distillery dates from the 1890s and is located in a village in the Highlands.Tomatin whisky might not be the most famous Highland whisky but it has a worldwide following and frequently picks up prestigious international awards. The Tomatin distillery shop is open daily and stocks the full range of their expressions – Tomatin legacy is a lovely one to pick up if you are new to whisky. Tomatin distillery tours run 7 days a week from 10:00 until 16:00. They recommend booking in advance. - Uile-bheist
Nestled on the edge of the River Ness you will find Uile-bheist. It is the first new distillery to be built in Inverness for 130 years – Uile-bheist is an independent, modern distillery using some of the most advanced stills in Scotland. They have worked hard to make everything environmentally friendly in a stunning purpose build modern building. They offer tours of their distillery and brewery, tastings and a nice bar with a fantastic selection of their own beers and malts from around Scotland. The whisky is still maturing but in the meantime you can try their new make spirit or craft brewed beers. Often has live music on at weekends in the bar area. - Tormore Distillery
This is amazing to drive past on the way to the Malt Whisky Trail and well worth a photo stop to take in its archictectual beauty and way of life. Surrounded by old staff houses, this could have been your dream job with a dream house to live in. There is not a visitor centre yet but there is one planned for the future.
Where can I buy Whisky in the Cairngorms?
There is no better way to enjoy whisky than in a cosy Highland pub – The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore has a fantastic selection of whisky (and gins) and makes a great spot to spend the afternoon. Food here is top notch and space is limited so it’s worth booking in advance if you fancy a meal too. However, many of the pubs and restaurants will stock local whiskies and gins with bartenders that are more than happy to serve you their personal recommendations. If in Inverness check out the Malt Room, it’s as small as a bar can be but you are sure of great service and impressive range of whisky – hit it during the day for more laid back feel as can get crowded at night – they have a bottle shop across the lane too.
If you’d like to buy a bottle of whisky to take home try these options:
- The Snug, Aviemore
Speyside Distillery Offers their range of whisky for sale at The Snug along with artwork by local artist in residence Joanna McDonough.
- Two Thirsty Men, Grantown
A locally run small batch beer brewery and off licence in Grantown on Spey. The shop also sells local Whiskies in full size or miniature form.
- Whisky Castle, Tomintoul
Take a trip up to Tomintoul – the highest village in the country – and you will find the most fantastic Aladain’s cave of whisky. This shop has been running since 1904 and offers an impressive selection of 600 different whiskies – including – single malts, independent bottlings, single grain whisky and blends. You can enjoy tastings here as well as finding bottles exclusive to the shop. Family run with passionate, knowledgeable staff it is no wonder they welcome 30,000 visitors a year. Forget buying your whisky from a supermarket or national chain – this whisky shop is the real deal. There is also Tomintoul distillery near by.
There is no better way to enjoy whisky than in a cosy Highland pub – The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore has a fantastic selection of whisky (and gins) and makes a great spot to spend the afternoon. Food here is top notch and space is limited so it’s worth booking in advance if you fancy a meal too. However, many of the pubs and restaurants will stock local whiskies and gins with bartenders that are more than happy to serve you their personal recommendations. If in Inverness check out the Malt Room, it’s as small as a bar can be but you are sure of great service and impressive range of whisky – hit it during the day for more laid back feel as can get crowded at night – they have a bottle shop across the lane too.
If you’d like to buy a bottle of whisky to take home try these options:
- The Snug, Aviemore
Speyside Distillery Offers their range of whisky for sale at The Snug along with artwork by local artist in residence Joanna McDonough.
- Two Thirsty Men, Grantown
A locally run small batch beer brewery and off licence in Grantown on Spey. The shop also sells local Whiskies in full size or miniature form.
- Whisky Castle, Tomintoul
Take a trip up to Tomintoul – the highest village in the country – and you will find the most fantastic Aladain’s cave of whisky. This shop has been running since 1904 and offers an impressive selection of 600 different whiskies – including – single malts, independent bottlings, single grain whisky and blends. You can enjoy tastings here as well as finding bottles exclusive to the shop. Family run with passionate, knowledgeable staff it is no wonder they welcome 30,000 visitors a year. Forget buying your whisky from a supermarket or national chain – this whisky shop is the real deal. There is also Tomintoul distillery near by.
Are there any distillery tours or whisky tasting near Aviemore?
Speyside, Dalwhinnie, Cairn and Tomatin distilleries all offer tours and are easy to reach from Aviemore. Aviemore is also close to the official Malt Whisky Trail.
If you don’t want to worry about who is driving while everyone else enjoys the drams – there are a number of options for tours. Many local taxi firms offer tour services – try Aviemore Taxis or Doc’s taxis. Inverness based Wow Scotland also offer tours that combine multiple distilleries.
Speyside Malt Whisky Trail
Aviemore is short distance away from the distilleries in the Speyside whisky region and associated Malt Whisky Trail. There are in total 50 distilleries in this region that between them make half of Scotland’s whisky – all from the banks of the River Spey – a whopping 40 million litres of spirit! Some of the most famous distilleries in Scotland hail from here – including Glenfiddich, The Macallan and Glenfarclas – all 3 offer tours and tastings. For details of more Speyside distillery tours the Malt Whisky Trail website is a great resource. For a fascinating insight into how whisky barrels are made check out the Speyside cooperage – the only cooperage in the country that offers tours – see how they make and repair 150,000 casks a year.
Love Scottish craft gin? Then read on to find out more about our local gins.
Discover our collections:
With so much to do Aviemore and The Cairngorms are a great choice for your next family holiday – discover all our properties have to offer in these handpicked collections for your next family holiday.
Hot tub lodges
Our hot tub lodges in Aviemore and Cairngorms make the perfect place to get everyone together when the Schools are off. Sleeping from 8 to 19 there is a place for everyone. All are dog friendly too.
Family friendly
No matter the size of your family, our Highland lodges and holiday homes are a great choice in the holidays. They have everything you need for a family break.
Budget friendly
We have great options in stylish Aviemore apartments – perfect for small families or couples. Close to everything Aviemore has to offer in the holidays.
Rural retreats
Our rural holiday homes in The Cairngorms offer relaxation in tranquil settings but also make a great base to get out and explore.
Stay in Aviemore
Aviemore is a year round destination for holidays – there is so much on offer for all ages this easter. It also makes a great base to explore the Cairngorms and wider Highlands.
Dog friendly
Almost all of our properties welcome dogs – so you can take the whole family to Aviemore in the school holidays. With great walks from your doorstep there will be sure to be waggy tails every day.
