Balblair Distillery

Sitting on a remote and unspoiled hillside overlooking the Dornoch Firth in the North of Scotland, time passes slowly at Balblair Distillery but a warm and unrushed welcome is always guaranteed.

Since 1790 we’ve honoured a patient, hands-on approach to making Balblair. We’re never rushed, instead we like to take our time. This means we can make sure our single malt has the most exceptional flavour and character. At Balblair, we’ve always taken our time to make our single malt. Together with this commitment, we celebrate the role our Highland home plays in shaping the character of our whisky.

Address:

Edderton, Tain, Ross-Shire, IV19 1LB

Opening Times:

April - September Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm and Saturday: 11am - 4pm
October - March Monday - Friday: 10am - 4:30pm

Podcast:

In the March 2024 episode we spoke to Lukasz Dynowiak, Global Brand Ambassador at International Beverages.

Due to his role, Lukasz finds himself in the fortunate position of working with some amazing distilleries including Balblair, Pulteney, Speyburn and Knockdhu and so it will come as no surprise that there was plenty for himself and David to chat about. Listen as they delve into the history of each distillery with Lukasz explaining what it is that makes each of their malts so distinctive. Lukasz certainly has plenty of great stories to tell, so sit back relax and prepare to be fascinated…

Tours:

There’s something about Balblair distillery that makes visitors feel instantly at home. At Balblair, we take great pride in what we do. We want to share it with the world, not only through our malts themselves, but by letting people see behind the scenes at our distillery. You can explore our buildings, meet the makers, learn how we craft our malts and enjoy a taste or two of our whisky, from the very place it was born.

THE BALBLAIR DISCOVERY EXPERIENCE £30

The perfect introduction to Balblair. THE BALBLAIR DISCOVERY EXPERIENCE will embark on an exciting journey of our distillery for 12 guests. Our guide will begin the experience by revealing the way we make our single malts, sharing with you the age-old processes we adhere to ensure absolute quality and why we take our time to craft every drop to perfection.

THE BALBLAIR ESSENCE EXPERIENCE £60

A warm welcome to Balblair. THE BALBLAIR ESSENCE EXPERIENCE will give 10 guests the opportunity to learn about the time and precision invested in crafting our single malt whisky. Led by one of our senior guides, guests will begin a journey through past and present at Balblair, exploring each part of our production process and seeing how each step builds quality and character into our whisky.

THE BALBLAIR DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE £150

A unique adventure into the world of Balblair. THE BALBLAIR DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE gives 6 guests an intimate discovery of Balblair. Accompanied by our expert guide, you will explore how our whisky gets its distinctive taste and character, learning each detail that goes into making it - from water to whisky. The experience will also give you the unique opportunity to view and taste our wort and wash as it is developing to become new make spirit. You will then get exclusive access to one of our warehouses, reserved for guests of THE DEFINITIVE EXPERIENCE and this is where you will taste the specially selected single cask hand bottle, unique to the visitor centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Balblair Distillery?

Balblair Distillery offers a range of guided whisky experiences, including the Discovery, Essence and Definitive tours. Visitors can explore the distillery’s production areas, learn about traditional Highland whisky making, and enjoy guided tastings, with more exclusive experiences including warehouse access and hand-selected cask bottlings.

How long does a Balblair Distillery tour take?

Tour durations at Balblair Distillery vary depending on the experience selected. Most tours last between 1 and 2 hours, with premium experiences such as the Definitive Tour offering a more in-depth visit.

Is whisky tasting included at Balblair Distillery?

Yes, whisky tastings are included as part of Balblair Distillery experiences. Guests can sample a range of Balblair single malts, with some tours also offering exclusive cask or warehouse tastings.

Do I need to book Balblair Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Balblair Distillery tours and tastings, particularly during peak travel periods, as spaces are limited and experiences often sell out.

What are the opening hours of Balblair Distillery Visitor Centre?

Balblair Distillery Visitor Centre is generally open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm during April to September, and Monday to Friday, 10am to 4:30pm during October to March. Opening times may vary seasonally.

Is Balblair Distillery family friendly?

Balblair Distillery is family friendly in visitor centre areas such as the shop and reception spaces. However, distillery tours and tastings are intended for adult visitors.

Is Balblair Distillery accessible?

Balblair Distillery offers accessible visitor facilities, though some tour routes may include stairs or uneven surfaces due to the historic production buildings. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the distillery in advance.

Is parking available at Balblair Distillery?

Yes, parking is available for visitors at Balblair Distillery, including accessible parking close to the visitor centre.

Does Balblair Distillery have a café or shop?

Balblair Distillery has a visitor shop offering whisky, gifts and exclusive bottlings, including the opportunity to purchase hand-filled bottles from selected casks.

Where is Balblair Distillery located?

Balblair Distillery is located in Edderton, near Tain in Ross-shire, in the Scottish Highlands overlooking the Dornoch Firth.