Bladnoch Distillery

In the rapid flow of life there are moments of stillness. In the early mornings, the silence of the dawn, the beauty of a crashing wave. In the quiet reflection by a roaring open fire, the deep connection between friends sharing a great scotch. Like a tranquil pool in the bend of a rushing river. This is the spirit of Bladnoch. For over 207 years: Still, in flow.

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’ Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through. This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery. The team at Bladnoch are truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

Address:

Bladnoch, Dumfries & Galloway DG8 9AB

This distillery is included as part of our Dumfries, Galloway & The Borders Tour.

Opening Hours:

Visitor Centre Tue-Sat 10am-5pm
Café Melba Tue-Sat 10am-4pm

Podcast:

In April 2025 we spoke to Nick Savage, Master Distiller and Head of Operations at Bladnoch Distillery.

Nick tells us all about Bladnoch’s history, stunning setting and its 2015 ‘resurrection’, describing it as a ‘brand new, 200 year old distillery’!

We learn that Nick’s mantra is ‘taste first’ and how that flows through everything the distillery produces - from the floral, fruity and refreshing Vinaya to the The Wave - which is the second release in the exciting Master Distiller’s collection.

Tours:

CLASSIC TOUR & TASTE £25

Discover how Bladnoch and Pure Scot whiskies are crafted with our Classic Tour. Step inside our distillery, home to over 200 years of history, and explore the key stages of production, from grain to glass.

Tours start at 11am, 1pm and 3pm Tuesday to Saturday

Duration: 1hr

THE SPIRITED TOUR £55

This experience takes a deeper dive into the stories, people, and traditions that have shaped Bladnoch since 1817, along with a guided route through our production site to see each stage of our whisky-making process. End the tour with an in-depth tasting of four Bladnoch expressions exclusively from the Master Distillers’ limited editions and single cask whiskies.

Only available Fridays, 11:30am

Duration: 1.5hrs

TASTE FIRST EXPERIENCE £20

Bladnoch’s Taste First Experience offers an in-depth walk through of our core whiskies. In a small group of six, you’ll enjoy drams together while hearing the stories that have shaped them, and discover what makes our Bold Galloway Spirit so distinctive.

Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm

Duration: 30mins

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Bladnoch Distillery?

Bladnoch Distillery offers a range of guided whisky experiences, including the Classic Tour & Taste, the Spirited Tour, and the Taste First Experience. Visitors can explore Scotland’s oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery, learn about traditional Lowland whisky production, and enjoy guided tastings of Bladnoch single malts.

How long does a Bladnoch Distillery tour take?

Most Bladnoch Distillery tours last between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on the experience selected. The Taste First Experience is shorter at around 30 minutes, while the Spirited Tour offers a more in-depth visit lasting approximately 1.5 hours.

Is whisky tasting included at Bladnoch Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in Bladnoch Distillery experiences. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of Bladnoch single malts, with some tours offering additional exclusive or limited-edition drams depending on the experience.

Do I need to book Bladnoch Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is required for Bladnoch Distillery tours, as experiences operate on scheduled time slots and are limited in group size. Booking ahead is strongly recommended to secure preferred times.

What are the opening hours of Bladnoch Distillery Visitor Centre?

Bladnoch Distillery Visitor Centre is generally open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. The distillery is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays. Opening hours and tour times may vary seasonally.

Is Bladnoch Distillery family friendly?

Bladnoch Distillery is family friendly in visitor areas such as the café, shop, and reception. However, distillery tours and tastings are intended for adult visitors, with age restrictions applying to alcohol experiences.

Is Bladnoch Distillery accessible?

Accessibility at Bladnoch Distillery is limited in some areas due to the nature of the historic production site. While the visitor centre and café are accessible, some tour routes may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Visitors are advised to check in advance.

Is parking available at Bladnoch Distillery?

Yes, parking is available for visitors at Bladnoch Distillery, including free on-site parking close to the visitor centre.

Does Bladnoch Distillery have a café or shop?

Yes, Bladnoch Distillery features Café Melba, serving light meals, cakes, and drinks, along with a visitor shop offering whisky and distillery merchandise.

Where is Bladnoch Distillery located?

Bladnoch Distillery is located in Bladnoch, near Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, in the south-west of Scotland.