Dalwhinnie Distillery
Dalwhinnie Distillery
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Dalwhinnie Distillery is a VisitScotland five star attraction and the home to a famous Highland Single Malt Whisky renowned for its gentle flavours accentuated with notes of heather honey. Set in a mountain scenery at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, Dalwhinnie is the highest distillery in Scotland at 1164 feet above sea level. The name Dalwhinnie is derived from the Gaelic language, meaning ‘meeting place’, referring to the meeting of ancient cattle drovers' routes through the mountains. Dalwhinnie is 1.5 hours south of Inverness on the A9, 2 hours north of Edinburgh on the A9 and 1 hour east of Fort William on the A86 and A82. Please check our opening hours on our website before you visit us.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Rohit4 contributionsA whiskey tour.I had the pleasure of having Robert Rodger as our guide on a whiskey tour, and I can't praise him enough! Robert's knowledge about the distillery and whiskey was truly impressive. His humor kept the tour entertaining from start to finish. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic experience. Thanks to Robert, we left with a deeper appreciation for whiskey and unforgettable memories. If you're looking for a top-notch guide who can make your distillery tour unforgettable, Robert is your guy. Five stars all the way!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 October 2023
- CharlottegCHCDalgety Bay, United Kingdom33 contributionsA warm welcome to allA warm welcome always awaits you at Dalwhinnie. While not a whisky drinker myself it is the number one choice of distilleries that I take my guests to who want to not only try but also buy whisky to take home. Warm friendly staff and a beautiful location.Visited October 2023Travelled on businessWritten 13 October 2023
- Rien G7 contributionsUnique location, great tour, nice tasting. Although unhandy, you have to book tickets in advance.Great distillery on a beautiful location and easy to understand the production process. Tasting of 3 whisky’s in a very nice manner, even small take home bottles for the car driver! Excellent guide.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 October 2023
- Nige_G4Matlock, United Kingdom42 contributionsGreat value Distillery experienceMy third whisky distillery tour. By now I’m seeing differences between the distillery tours I have done, the way they are set up and the way they are conducted. Each one has subtle differences in what you see, what you don’t and what you’re told. Dalwhinnie is more organised and there has been thoughts put into areas where the process is presented without showing you the actual production area, for example; the milling of the malt. What we did see was very well presented by our guide, Emma. She’s very knowledgeable about the distillery and clearly enjoys doing these tours. The tasting experience is arguably the most important part of any tour. Dalwhinnie have this absolutely right. You get to taste three drams of their core range, with chocolates for each whisky and a branded whisky glass to take away. If you purchased the three drinks at the bar and bought a glass you will have spent more money than the cost of the tour!! Tell the people in the shop that you have done the tour, show them your souvenir glass and you’ll get 10% discount on any purchases up to £250 value too. Thank you for a great tour.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 15 October 2023
- Alexis B2 contributionsThank you Andy and Dalwhinnie!Andy was an amazing tour guide! So friendly and has so much knowledge about the distillery. The pairings of chocolate and whisky were phenomenal as well. There’s a good reason Dalwhinnie is my moms favorite! Thank you Andy and Dalwhinnie for having us on our travels.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 19 October 2023
- A7658QQfionam6 contributionsWhisky and chocolateFantastic tour with our guide Robert. He was clear, concise, knowledgeable and most importantly friendly and approachable. We thoroughly enjoyed the whisky and chocolates. Would recommend a trip to Scotland’s highest distillery if you’re anywhere near.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
- LindaW3107Hartlepool, United Kingdom63 contributionsClan Cross StitchTourVisited last week with my fabulous friends from Clan Cross Stitch for a Whisky & Chocolate pairing experience! Who knew that they work so well together! Friendly, knowledgeable guide & the chance to try 4 superb whiskies, my favourites being the winter spirit & the very aged last dram! Spent money in the shop (for Xmas)! Would definitely visit again as stunning location!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 28 October 2023
- Elaine S5 contributionsThoroughly enjoyable!Loved every minute of this experience. Robert’s gentle manner, and sense of humour all contributed to this rating. A thorough tour with a lot of information made it an interesting experience. The hands-on tasting at the end was really enjoyable.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 October 2023
- StephenToronto, Canada12 contributionsSpecial experience in the Scottish highlandsA trip to Scotland would not have been complete without a whiskey distillery tour. Our favourite whiskey is Dalwhinnie, so it was essential that we plan an excursion to the highlands to experience it ourselves. We took a two-hour train trip from Edinburgh. That alone was worth the experience. The distillery is (likely many others) isolated in a vintage outpost. Marie was our guide. We were part of a very small group. Marie took us through the distilling process, machinery and storage (in old oak casks located in the basement). The piece de resistance, of course, was the tasting - six different whiskeys, each paired with a different chocolate. Amazing experience. We left with a few tokens from the distillery as well as a couple bottles that we cannot source in Canada. I recommend Dalwhinnie as part of your Scottish itinerary.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 October 2023
- Paul M1 contributionExceptional.This is my favourite Distillery in Scotland. The whisky is incredible but nothing beats the localised feeling of this beautiful little Distillery that makes one of the best single malts on the planet. Andy McIntosh was our tour guide and he was absolutely phenomenal. The history he provided as well as the personalised touches and the care he showed my friend and I was just perfect. Thank you so much to Andy and everyone at Dalwhinnie for an exceptional experience. I recommend this Distillery as a must visit for anyone visiting the Highlands and anyone who loves whisky. Thank you Andy and thank you to all at Dalwhinnie. Perfect.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 15 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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1,723 reviews
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Ian M
Exmoor National Park, UK205 contributions
Aug 2020
Helpful, knowledgeable and friendly staff who also ensured the process of social distancing, remote temperature checking and mask routines were followed on arrival. We were unable to book a tour as they are fully booked for a month and running just one a day, but really enjoyed looking around the displays and a value for money tasting of 4 whiskies and 4 accompanying chocolates delivered with a stimulating and fun talk that lasted about 50 minutes. This included a free tasting glass in a box to takeaway and also 4 small containers to take away the tasting samples ( as we were driving and therefore did not imbibe during the talk). We also purchased some whisky. Recommend this for a visit if en route to the Highlands - fascinating place,
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard S
3 contributions
Mar 2020
We phoned to book our tour as had no data/wifi where we were staying and was very impressed with the efficient manner our query was dealt with.
The journey there from Fort William was beautiful and scenic.
On arrival was greeted pleasantly and our tour guide Una was wonderful. She was humorous and knowledgable as well as being enthusiastic making the tour a great experience we will remember. We will certainly be back again and will recommend to everybody who is interested in a whiskey tour.
The price was reasonable especially as you receive a couple of nips at the end of the tour (drivers can take theirs away in a small bottle provided) and you also get a glass in a box to take away. Also get a free sample of some delicious local chocolates.
The journey there from Fort William was beautiful and scenic.
On arrival was greeted pleasantly and our tour guide Una was wonderful. She was humorous and knowledgable as well as being enthusiastic making the tour a great experience we will remember. We will certainly be back again and will recommend to everybody who is interested in a whiskey tour.
The price was reasonable especially as you receive a couple of nips at the end of the tour (drivers can take theirs away in a small bottle provided) and you also get a glass in a box to take away. Also get a free sample of some delicious local chocolates.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nilesh P
Leicestershire, UK413 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
While making our way to John O Groats on the NC500 routes, we realised that this distillery was on they way. Being a person that enjoys a good single malt and not having visited a distillery before, I was pleased that this would be my first in Scotland.
The venue is beautifully located in the county side and has a lovely feel to the place when you first arrive.
A good size car park and opportunities to take photos of the outside as a souvenir of your visit.
The on-site shop is easily found and the Covid measures consist of a forehead temperature gauge and the wearing of masks.
Unfortunately I was not able to book a tour as they were fully booked. But some time spent in the shop gave me an appreciation of the place and of course I left with an unplanned purchase of an expensive bottle.
I recommend booking well ahead if you want to do a tour, otherwise a drop in visit is recommended.
The venue is beautifully located in the county side and has a lovely feel to the place when you first arrive.
A good size car park and opportunities to take photos of the outside as a souvenir of your visit.
The on-site shop is easily found and the Covid measures consist of a forehead temperature gauge and the wearing of masks.
Unfortunately I was not able to book a tour as they were fully booked. But some time spent in the shop gave me an appreciation of the place and of course I left with an unplanned purchase of an expensive bottle.
I recommend booking well ahead if you want to do a tour, otherwise a drop in visit is recommended.
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew V
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK8 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
Had a wonderful tasting session this time. For £10.50 you had 4 decorated chocolates and 4 drams. The 4 chosen were 15yr/winters gold/ Lizzies dram and the distillers edition. A great selection to show off the distillery. The drams are 12.5 ml and you get to take a small glencairn branded glass home. If driving they have bottles and small bag to take them with you. I have to say it’s exceptional value and why I’ll keep going back.
The young host was wonderful and very knowledgable and passionate. Giving a great tip about winters gold in the freezer over ice cream that I will try shortly. She answered all questions and accommodated a varied group well. I even learnt a few new things despite having been before.
I have previously done the tour and as a veteran of around dozen distilleries it’s very good indeed with a session in the warehouse itself which isn’t too common if you get to go once Covid is over.
The shop is a little expensive and there wasn’t the usual voucher so unless it must be bought at source you are better getting a bottle in the local supermarket or online.
The young host was wonderful and very knowledgable and passionate. Giving a great tip about winters gold in the freezer over ice cream that I will try shortly. She answered all questions and accommodated a varied group well. I even learnt a few new things despite having been before.
I have previously done the tour and as a veteran of around dozen distilleries it’s very good indeed with a session in the warehouse itself which isn’t too common if you get to go once Covid is over.
The shop is a little expensive and there wasn’t the usual voucher so unless it must be bought at source you are better getting a bottle in the local supermarket or online.
Written 24 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard
Birmingham, UK46 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Loved the tour, fun as well as educational and enjoyed the chocolate and whisky pairing. This is a Diageo owned distillery so the shop sells various Diageo products. Despite being part of Diageo the distillery still has its own personality and feels unique with its own personality. It’s well worth upgrading to the chocolate pairing, 1) the chocolates are delicious and pair well with the whiskys but 2) you get 6 tasting rather than 2, including 2 cask strengths and the limited edition Lizzie’s dram. They provide take away samples for drivers so I was able to enjoy the tasting a second time, minus the chocolates, when I got home.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MFC31
London, UK4,002 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
It’s an effort to get here, but it’s totally worth it! Wed pre-booked the whisky and chocolate tasting masterclass as something different to the usual tasting…. Good choice!
Our guide Angela took us through each of the four whisky’s and chocolates with in-depth yet easy to follow knowledge about the whisky and the process behind its creation. It lasted approximately 30mins.
Out the front of the distillery is a bar and undercover area serving whisky cocktails, other Diageo drams and coffee for the drivers. Dalwhinnie are the first distillery I’ve come across where they won’t let a driver drink at the tasting due to Scotland’s zero blood alcohol level for drivers. My wife got her tasting samples to take home as we’d agreed that she’d be the driver. I think this is exceptionally responsible from Dalwhinnie!
Our guide Angela took us through each of the four whisky’s and chocolates with in-depth yet easy to follow knowledge about the whisky and the process behind its creation. It lasted approximately 30mins.
Out the front of the distillery is a bar and undercover area serving whisky cocktails, other Diageo drams and coffee for the drivers. Dalwhinnie are the first distillery I’ve come across where they won’t let a driver drink at the tasting due to Scotland’s zero blood alcohol level for drivers. My wife got her tasting samples to take home as we’d agreed that she’d be the driver. I think this is exceptionally responsible from Dalwhinnie!
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BNJMNB11
Glasgow, UK118 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
A short stoat off the A9 this distillery offers the perfect opportunity to break up the journey north or south. We went as part of a birthday road trip and we were not disappointed.
Our tour group consisted of myself, my fiancé and one other couple making the tour very personal and affording plenty of time for questions and photographs. The tour lasted approximately 30/45mins and allowed you to see various parts of the distillation process before sitting down within for a generous tasting session and your very own Dalwhinnie tasting glass. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, we weren’t allowed to drink on the property however each dram came in its own jar letting you take it away and enjoy at your leisure.
The shop is perfect if you want to buy a small keepsake and has a wide range of Whiskies for those looking to make more substantial investment.
A special mention has to go to our tour guide who noted that it was my 30th birthday and ensured the distillery went that extra mile to make it memorable.
Great distillery, great tour and great staff 👍🏻
Our tour group consisted of myself, my fiancé and one other couple making the tour very personal and affording plenty of time for questions and photographs. The tour lasted approximately 30/45mins and allowed you to see various parts of the distillation process before sitting down within for a generous tasting session and your very own Dalwhinnie tasting glass. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, we weren’t allowed to drink on the property however each dram came in its own jar letting you take it away and enjoy at your leisure.
The shop is perfect if you want to buy a small keepsake and has a wide range of Whiskies for those looking to make more substantial investment.
A special mention has to go to our tour guide who noted that it was my 30th birthday and ensured the distillery went that extra mile to make it memorable.
Great distillery, great tour and great staff 👍🏻
Written 3 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jodie S
2 contributions
Jul 2021
We had the most wonderful tour at Dalwhinnie for my 40th birthday, we were unsure what to expect with Covid how it would run.
This is my favourite whisky and I was very excited to finally be at the distillery. We had booked the 10am slot and when we arrived the distillery was quiet and very well kept.
We were met at the front door with a lovely smile welcoming us to Dalwhinnie.
Our temperature taken and once cleared welcomed in, hand sanitisers were available and used throughout the tour. Masks had to be worn and social distancing was in place.
We met in the gift shop but we would be able to have a good browse after the tour.
The tour guide was Una and we had two others join us. We were taken round the distillery, told the history of Dalwhinnie and then taken to the stills to learn how this wonderful whisky is made.
We had lots of fun information and learnt things we wouldn't have known if we didn't visit (No spoilers). I particularly enjoyed the store for the barrels and learning about the wood used etc.
Then came the tasting which was exceptional. We had 3 delightful drams and a chocolate to go with each from a local supplier (they were fantastic!) and we were also given our own Dalwhinnie tasting glass to take home.
As my husband was driving he got to take his drams home in the 'drivers kit' so he wasn't left out, such a brilliant idea!
As it was my birthday I did get to try a special dram which made the experience so much more.
Una was kind, well informed and happy to answer any questions, you could tell she loved her job.
After the tour and tasting we got to have a look around the shop and as we had been on the tour we got 10% off everything! Brilliant idea and well used :)
We honestly enjoyed this distillery the most out of all the ones we have previously done ( working in the trade we have been t a few!)
Many thanks Una and the team, we hope to be back one day.
This is my favourite whisky and I was very excited to finally be at the distillery. We had booked the 10am slot and when we arrived the distillery was quiet and very well kept.
We were met at the front door with a lovely smile welcoming us to Dalwhinnie.
Our temperature taken and once cleared welcomed in, hand sanitisers were available and used throughout the tour. Masks had to be worn and social distancing was in place.
We met in the gift shop but we would be able to have a good browse after the tour.
The tour guide was Una and we had two others join us. We were taken round the distillery, told the history of Dalwhinnie and then taken to the stills to learn how this wonderful whisky is made.
We had lots of fun information and learnt things we wouldn't have known if we didn't visit (No spoilers). I particularly enjoyed the store for the barrels and learning about the wood used etc.
Then came the tasting which was exceptional. We had 3 delightful drams and a chocolate to go with each from a local supplier (they were fantastic!) and we were also given our own Dalwhinnie tasting glass to take home.
As my husband was driving he got to take his drams home in the 'drivers kit' so he wasn't left out, such a brilliant idea!
As it was my birthday I did get to try a special dram which made the experience so much more.
Una was kind, well informed and happy to answer any questions, you could tell she loved her job.
After the tour and tasting we got to have a look around the shop and as we had been on the tour we got 10% off everything! Brilliant idea and well used :)
We honestly enjoyed this distillery the most out of all the ones we have previously done ( working in the trade we have been t a few!)
Many thanks Una and the team, we hope to be back one day.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy G
Esher, UK88 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
The masterclass was very well delivered. Our host provided detail about the end-to-end whisky production process that is often skipped over in an easy to follow and compelling way. The tempo and blend of talk and taste was just right - 4 whisky’s over 45 minutes. Not only did they pair the whisky with different chocolate truffles (which works really well), they also explained the theory of the type/strength of the chocolate depending on the whisky.
Having done many a distillery tour, I much prefer a tasting on its own. However, this tasting provides the info normally provided during the tour. Great balance.
Having done many a distillery tour, I much prefer a tasting on its own. However, this tasting provides the info normally provided during the tour. Great balance.
Written 24 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anissa
5 contributions
Oct 2022
We took a wonderful whiskey tour with Andy. We ended up being the only two on the extended tour they offered and it was very informative and fun. Andy was hilarious and entertaining, but also knowledgeable and professional, providing a lot of commentary and personal insight into the whiskey making process. We learned a lot about the history of Dalwhinnie and how to properly taste whiskey. We would absolutely recommend this to anyone who is even marginally interested in whiskey.
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cornee S
Trogen, Germany
Hey there,
Me and a 3 family members are planning a trip to your distillery end of this month, my girlfriend is pregnant, so she won't be drinking. Can she just tag along or is there a special tarif for non drinking visitors?
Thanks in advance!
Written 18 September 2019
Weet niet of het voor je zwangere vriendin ook geldt maar normaal gesproken zal ze gewoon moeten betalen. Het is wel de moeite waard en erg leuk. Je kan als je nog moet rijden je whisky meekrijgen, heb je extra 🤟🏻
Written 19 September 2019
Is there anywhere to leave your dog - do you have kennels on site ?
Written 15 July 2019
This is what is on their visitor information page, you can always get the number and give them a ring, they are always very helpful...hope this is of help.
Assistance dog facilities
Assistance dog exercise facilities
There is a large grass area in front of the distillery so plenty of room for dogs to run around.
Other assistance dog facilities
We have dog bowls for thirsty dogs and many of our staff are dog lovers and owners so happy to meet new dogs.
Written 16 July 2019
Hello! We will book tickets for a tour in December, but I want to ask you which is the better way to get there. Our tour will drop us off at Dalwhinnie (they go back to Edinburgh) and we need to book a hotel near the distillery and find our way back to Edinburgh. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.
Written 23 October 2018
Sorry, we were based in Pitlochry in Fonab Castle and went to Dalwhinnie an a daytrip. We didn‘t stay in the vicinity of the distillery, so cannot really make any recommendations about local hotels.
Written 23 October 2018
Do you have to book in advance?
Written 12 September 2018
No, you can, its up to you. There’s always a chance that they are fully booked 😊
Written 13 September 2018
Hi there, yes I got a drivers pack. No problem.
Written 19 August 2018
Hola, quisiera saber si el tour se puede hacer en español.
Gracias
Written 2 May 2018
Dalwhinnie D
Dalwhinnie, United Kingdom
Hi Silvia. Our tours are conducted in English but we do have abbreviated translation leaflets to offer. Hope to see you at Dalwhinnie!
Written 8 May 2018
helomz
Paris, France
Hi, Is the distillery open on Sunday? Do we have to book in advance ?
Written 19 April 2018
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