10 distilleries and their latest plan for reopening
Doesn’t it feel like there is some light at the end of the tunnel and at some point soon, we may be able to get out there and see our friends and families again in more normal settings.
Hopefully this means that we can also actually begin to see our distilleries open up again to the public. I’ve looked at 10 distilleries across Scotland and below is the latest information from their websites and direct discussions as to their current views on opening plans. You’ll see we are starting feel things open up in the very near future. has made some tentative plans built around the Scottish government relaxation of COVID rules.
Strathisla, Speyside
The brand home of Chivas Regal, all going well will open the shop on the 26th April. They will hope to do some outdooring tasting of drams at this time and should restrictions relax further on 17th May then they would then consider opening some of their tours with restricted numbers. One of the tours in their portfolio being mainly a stroll outside, I would be hopeful that this can become available again very soon.
Macallan, Speyside
The Macallan visitor centre is taking a very cautious approach and currently is not advising of any opening dates on their website or on the phone. Their latest advice is to keep watching their website for updates and they commit to keeping this as up to date as possible.
Dewar’s Aberfeldy
Dewar’s are currently making tickets available for tours up to a maximum of 8 people. These can be purchased on their website right now. This is of course dependent on the rules relaxing in line with the current Scottish government plans but it is definite progress.
Edradour, Pitlochry
Currently there is no information their website with regard to proposed openings in line with government guidance. I will continue to look for progress here. No one is available to comment on the phone currently.
Tullibardine Distillery
The website currently does not have any proposed opening dates detailed at present; I will keep watching for further updates.
Diageo has a large portfolio of distilleries that offer a full suite of tour options. They are starting to open up the booking availability now. Below are a selection of dates you can book right now.
Dalwhinnie Highland Distillery
Dalwhinnie Distillery Tour and the Dalwhinnie Expressions tour & Masterclass are both available to book from 26th April. Dalwhinnie whisky & chocolate masterclass experience is available to book from 1st June.
Glenkinchie, Lowland distillery
Glenkinchie Flavour Journey is available to book for dates from 26th April onward. All other tour options are being advised as available to book soon, so we will continue to watch this space.
Blair Atholl Highlands Distillery
Blair Atholl is currently available to book the Signature Tour and the connoisseurs Allt Dour Experience from 28th April. The Masterclass Experience is being advised as coming soon.
Talisker, Skye
Talisker on the stunning Isle of Skye usually offer a Talisker Cask Tasting and Flavours of Talisker experience, none of which are available to book at present although I understand there is aspiration to have booking availability soon.
Cragganmore, Speyside
On beautiful Speyside, Cragganmore offers 3 options A Taste of Speyside, Cragganmore Range Tasting Experience and Cragganmore Distillery Tour. None of these are available to book at present but should be starting to open for booking soon.
You can keep up to date on all of the Diageo distilleries visitor centres here
I hope that this has given you some insight but more importantly a sense of things beginning to return to normality. If you are interested in discussing a visit to a distillery or two, please check what I offer and get in touch with me here. I can help arrange a spectacular trip for you in line with all current guidelines to ensure you get the most out of your trip aligned to the the very latest situation tied to your aspirations.
Till next time.