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 8 Doors 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.

What tours are available at 8 Doors Distillery?

8 Doors Distillery offers a guided whisky tour that takes visitors behind the scenes of its production process, including insights into spirit creation and the chance to explore the distillery’s approach to modern Scotch whisky ma

How long does the 8 Doors Distillery tour take?

60 minutes

Is whisky tasting included at 8 Doors Distillery?

Yes, selected 8 Doors Distillery experiences include guided whisky tastings, allowing visitors to sample expressions produced on-site as part of the tour.

Do I need to book 8 Doors Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for 8 Doors Distillery tours, particularly during peak travel periods, to ensure availability.

Is 8 Doors Distillery family friendly?

8 Doors Distillery may offer limited access for families in certain areas, however whisky tours and tastings are generally designed for adult visitors. It is best to check specific experience details before booking. The lounge and shop area is 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

Where is 8 Doors Distillery located?

8 Doors Distillery is located in John O’Groats, at the northern tip of mainland Scotland, making it one of the most northerly distillery experiences in the country.

How do I get to 8 Doors 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.

Is parking available at 8 Doors Distillery?

Parking is typically available for visitors at or near the distillery, though availability may vary depending on season and visitor numbers.

Is 8 Doors Distillery accessible?

Accessibility can vary depending on the areas visited during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to contact the distillery in advance for specific accessibility requirements.

Does 8 Doors Distillery have a café or visitor lounge?

Yes, visitors can usually enjoy a relaxed lounge or hospitality space as part of the experience, offering a place to unwind before or after the tour.