8 Doors Distillery

The distillery's name is inspired by the legend surrounding Jan De Groot - the man that John O’Groats takes its name from. In particular the house he built on the site which is now marked by a mound near the John O’Groats house hotel, a short distance from the distillery.

Located at the very northern tip of mainland Scotland in John O’Groats, 8 Doors Distillery is Scotland’s most northerly mainland whisky distillery and a striking new addition to the country’s whisky map. Offering guided tours and tastings, it provides visitors with a close-up look at modern Scotch whisky production in one of the most remote and dramatic settings in the Highlands.

Blending heritage, and innovation, 8 Doors Distillery gives guests the opportunity to explore the whisky-making process while experiencing the unique coastal character that defines this part of Scotland.

Address:

John O’Groats, KW1 4YR
T: 01955 482000

This distillery is included as part of our Caithness & Orkney Tour.

Opening Times:

Mon-Sun 10am-5pm | Open until 6pm July, August and September.

Experiences:

Tours run seasonally from April to early October on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 12:30pm or 3pm. Drams and whisky flights are available in the Lounge Area every day from 11am.

8 Doors' New Make Spirit won ‘Best in Category – Scotland’ at the World Whisky Awards this year. And was shortlisted in the Top 5 at the Global Awards in London. You get to taste the New Make Spirit as part of the distillery tours.

BEHIND THE SCENES DISTILLERY TOUR £15

Step into the heart of 8 Doors Distillery with our exclusive Behind the Scenes tour. You'll get an up-close look at how we craft our whisky, starting in the Distillery Production Area, where we take you through the key stages - Mashing, Fermentation, and Distillation. From there, we’ll guide you into our traditional dunnage-style warehouse, where our casks rest and mature to perfection.

The experience wraps up in our Tasting Room, where you can take in stunning views while enjoying our award winning New Make Spirit, two expressions of our Seven Sons whisky, and discover the unique character of our Five Ways blended liqueur.

Duration: 60 mins

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the distillery open to visitors?

The distillery is open to visitors Mon-Sun 10am-5pm. In the summer months (July, August and September) it is open until 6pm.

Do I need to book distillery tours in advance?

Tours typically run on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays. Timeslots: 12:30pm or 3:00pm. It is recommended to book these tours in advance of arriving at the distillery.

How long does a distillery tour take?

60 minutes

What is included in the tour?

A tour of the distillery along with a tasting experience.

Is whisky tasting included?

yes - you can sample some of the distillery's whiskies.

Are distillery tours suitable for beginners?

Yes

Is the distillery family friendly?

Yes. 8 Doors Distillery welcomes visitors of all ages.
Our lounge and shop area are open to everyone and offer coffee, cake, hot chocolates, and a range of soft drinks, making it a comfortable space for families to relax. No booking required.
You must be 18 or over to take part in a distillery tour
Young people aged 16+ can relax in the lounge during the tour
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

How do I get to the distillery?

By Road:
Take the A9 North from Inverness and follow signs for Wick. Once you get closer you’ll pick up signs for John O’Groats itself. Continue until you reach the end of the road and you’ll see our building. There is a large car park in front of the distillery building making access easy.

By Train/Bus
Trains from Inverness to Wick (17 miles away) or Thurso (20 miles away) are the 2 options. You’d then need to take a taxi or bus to John O’Groats. Note that due to our rural location public transport options can be limited.

By Air
Wick Airport is 17 miles from the distillery, but currently only operates limited flights To and From Aberdeen.
Inverness Airport is 127 miles from the distillery but has a number of options for flight connections.