Moray Whisky Distilleries & Tours

With over 50 whisky distilleries, including (our nearest) Benromach, Aberlour, Balvenie, Cardhu, Glenfarclas, MacAllan, Glenfiddich, Dufftown – to name but a few, Moray Speyside is home to the highest concentration of distilleries in Scotland. Fortunately, many are within a few miles of each other, making it an ideal area for whisky tours.

It is Moray’s rich supply of pure water and fertile soils which help to produce the smooth and complex whiskies that provide an almost refreshing contrast to the heavily peated whiskies distilled in other regions. With a Moray Speyside whisky, you’ll often identify more of a sweet and fruity profile, however notes of nuts and malt are also common, and some will have a refined smokiness from the traditional use of peat.

The Loft is also a working farm where, amongst other things, we grow Barley which is used in the whisky making process; our connection to what puts this beautiful region on the map that we are proud of.

The Malt Whisky Trail

At The Loft we’re very lucky to have the Malt Whisky Trail right on our doorstep – there is no better way to discover the unique flavours of Scotch Whisky, it’s history and how it’s made. It is the only trail of its kind in the world, making it the perfect opportunity to discover the secrets, stories and maybe even a few scandals with behind-the scenes tours.

Not everyone knows that the hills around Speyside once hid hundreds of illegal whisky stills – some of which would find its way onto the tables of royalty. Lucky for some, a tax and licensing change in the early 1800’s meant that this illegal production became highly profitable and some of the previously illicit distilleries flourished.

So if you love whisky, you will love Moray Speyside and a stay at The Loft pitches you in the perfect place to discover much more. However, if you’re not keen or unsure about all the fuss surrounding Scotch whisky, why not take some time to explore a distillery or two? Most of the tours often end with a tasting, which can surprise even the most sceptical non whisky drinkers.

Craigellachie Bridge across the River Spey at Craigellachie

The Gin Connection

Most will know the adage about time being a vital component of the spirit’s recipe. And time equals money! Whether the spirit rests in oak for just a couple of years, or ultimately forms part of a 12-, 15-, or 18-year-old bottling, the financial returns in the whisky industry are far from quick in their arrival.

For startups, this complicates matters and so, new distilleries have two options: put out aged spirits produced at third-party distilleries until their own juice is ready, or produce a non-aged clear spirit like gin, which can be bottled and sold almost immediately.

The latter is a tried and tested technique employed across many newer distilleries now and it’s not only startup whiskey producers that are turning to gin – some of the world’s best and most storied whisky distilleries have also added a gin to their portfolio.

Worth noting

During busy times the distilleries can get booked up so it’s best to book in advance if possible. Most have different types of tours available depending on how in depth you want to go or indeed how much whisky you’d like to try!

It’s also worth noting that if you are driving, don’t drink any whisky as there are very strict penalties for drink driving in Scotland and the limits are much lower than the rest of the UK. Happily, some of the distilleries are well prepared and drivers are sent away with their samples in neat little bottles to enjoy at home.

Check out the malt Whisky Trail map by clicking here.

Moray Speyside Distilleries with Visitor Centres

Benromach Distillery – Forres

Glen Moray Distillery – Elgin

Strathisla Distillery – Keith

BenRiach Distillery – Near Elgin

Glen Grant Distillery – Rothes

The Macallan Distillery – Craigellachie

Cardhu Distillery – Charlestown of Aberlour

Glenfiddich Distillery – Dufftown

Balvenie Distillery – Dufftown

The Glenlivet Distillery – Ballindalloch