What to Expect on a Scottish Highlands Distillery Tour

The Scottish Highlands are a dream destination for whisky enthusiasts, offering breathtaking landscapes and some of the most renowned distilleries in the world. A distillery tour in this region is not just about sampling fine Scotch; it’s an immersive journey into centuries-old traditions, craftsmanship, and history. 

Whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or a curious traveler eager to learn more about Scotland’s national drink, knowing what to expect on a distillery tour will enhance your experience. From the rich history of whisky production to the intricate distillation process and exclusive bottles available only at the distilleries, this guide will prepare you for an unforgettable whisky adventure in the Scottish Highlands.

History of Whisky in Scotland

The earliest records of whisky distillation in Ireland and Scotland trace back to the 1400s. From a technical standpoint, Ireland was the first to make whiskey, but a Scottish individual will claim they perfected the craft. In any case, the technique of distillation was still in its early stages at this time. The whisky was significantly different from the product we have today.

A significant distinction was that the whisky was unaged, resembling moonshine more closely.

The process of whisky distillation expanded and advanced for several centuries, reaching the early 1700s. It was around this period that England and Scotland united to form a single kingdom. This “new” kingdom brought fresh possibilities for taxation. 

The only certainties in life are death and taxes. The most contentious tax was the malt tax introduced in 1725. The increased tax on malt, a crucial component for whisky, led to a 90% tax rate on whisky. Furthermore, the British crown imposed a stringent cap on the quantity of whisky licenses it would permit.

Due to taxes and licenses, the majority of Scottish whisky production was either halted or forced underground by the mid-1700s. Basically, this period was similar to the American prohibition period. Not exactly the same, but for the next century, it is estimated that approximately 75% of whisky production in Scotland was illegal. Following the Excise Act of 1823, regulations on licensing distilleries were relaxed. Whisky manufacturing quickly began to rise, ushering in a period of renewal for the sector.

What to Expect on a Distillery Tour

When you choose to take a Scottish Highlands distillery tour, you will typically encounter similar kinds of equipment, no matter which distillery it is. This is, naturally, because the distillation method is generally similar across different distilleries. The main distinctions arise from the ingredients, particularly the water and malt, but can also stem from aging methods and the varieties of barrels in which the whisky is aged.

An excellent Scotch whisky tour will guide you through the distillation process step by step, beginning with the mash. This is the ground malt and/or various grains combined with water, and subsequently heated to facilitate fermentation. This is fundamentally the same procedure for making beer, but in this instance, the resulting liquid, known as wort, undergoes additional processing to increase the alcohol content.

This occurs in the still, where the wort is heated to a point that allows the alcohol to evaporate while the remainder of the wort stays intact. This vapor of alcohol is gathered and then cooled to return to a liquid state. This is a distillation process. This purified liquid can be passed through the still again (i.e., double or triple distilled).

Once it is prepared for the subsequent stage, it is placed into barrels for maturation. Scotch must mature for a minimum of 3 years and 1 day in oak barrels, although many single malts are aged significantly longer, with some reaching up to 18 or 21 years. The old warehouse that stores the whisky is usually not included in the regular tour, although some distilleries, particularly the smaller ones, provide this option.

What to Buy at a Distillery

In the gift shops, numerous distilleries provide exclusive bottles only available at the distillery. As the name suggests, these whiskeys are unavailable in different places. These are certainly the products to seek out when visiting a Scotch whisky distillery. They will be slightly pricier than the usual bottle, but these items are one-of-a-kind.

Based on my experience, these whiskeys possess superior quality compared to the usual selections. Some are even small batch whiskeys, and you can view the precise quantity of bottles produced in the batch. I discovered my preferred whisky in Scotland like this – the distillery edition of Dahlwinnie.

Conclusion

A Scottish Highlands distillery tour is more than just a tasting experience—it’s a deep dive into the heart of Scotland’s whisky-making heritage. From learning about the fascinating history of illicit distillation to witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle, these tours offer an unparalleled appreciation for Scotch whisky. 

Whether you’re picking up a unique distillery-exclusive bottle or simply soaking in the scenic beauty surrounding these legendary sites, a distillery tour in the Highlands is a must-do for anyone visiting Scotland. So raise a glass, embrace the rich traditions, and enjoy the journey.