Dalwhinnie Distillery

Dalwhinnie Distillery sits in the Cairngorm National Park at over 1,100 feet above sea level, making it the highest distillery in Scotland. It produces a gentle Highland whisky shaped by cold mountain conditions and pure water sources.

Built in 1897 and currently the highest distillery in the country, Dalwhinnie – or 'Plain of Meetings' in Gaelic – is named for its location at a junction of old drove roads, between two mountain ranges.

About Dalwhinnie Distillery

Founded in 1897, Dalwhinnie is known for its soft, honeyed Highland style, influenced by its cold climate and high-altitude location. Its whisky is often described as delicate and floral, reflecting the surrounding mountains and natural environment of the central Highlands. The visitor experience is focused on storytelling and whisky tastings in a Highland setting.

Dalwhinnie Distillery Tours & Experiences

Dalwhinnie Classic Distillery Tour (from) £21

Let us welcome you to Scotland’s highest and coldest distillery to discover Dalwhinnie’s hand-crafted classic single malt. Our passionate guides will lead you through our production process with a tour of our iconic distillery followed by a tutored tasting of three single malts, each paired with artisan Scottish chocolate and complimentary memento.

Duration: 45mins

Dalwhinnie Elusive Expressions Tour (from) £70

Immerse yourself in the world of Dalwhinnie with an in-depth exploration of our iconic distillery. Our experienced guides will deftly weave science and history as you trace the journey of our Gentle Spirit with detailed review of the production process before gathering in the sanctuary of the warehouse to draw whisky straight from the cask.

Your experience will culminate in our Wallace Room with an intimate, tutored tasting of six elusive Dalwhinnie expressions each paired with handcrafted artisan chocolate from Iain Burnett as well as a complimentary souvenir with which to remember your time at the Meeting Place.

Duration: 1hr 45mins

Dalwhinnie Whisky & Chocolate Tasting £14

A guided tasting of 4 Dalwhinnie Single Malts, individually paired with chocolates from the Highland Chocolatier.

Duration: 30mins

Plan Your Visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery

Address:

Dalwhinnie, Inverness-shire PH19 1AA

Tour:

This distillery is included as part of our Cairngorms and Beyond Tour.

Directions:

Directions by car: Inverness to Dalwhinnie distillery is 55 miles south on the A9. Fort William to Dalwhinnie distillery is 45 Miles on the A86 and A82. Perth to Dalwhinnie distillery is 58 miles on the A9.
Directions by train: Dalwhinnie distillery is a 10 minute walk from Dalwhinnie train station.

Opening Times:

Opening hours vary. Please visit Dalwhinnie website for more information.

Facilities:

Visitor centre and shop
Tasting rooms
Parking available
Railway access nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Dalwhinnie Distillery?

Dalwhinnie Distillery offers a range of Highland whisky experiences, including the Classic Distillery Tour, Elusive Expressions Tour, whisky and chocolate tastings, and premium warehouse experiences. Visitors can explore Scotland’s highest distillery and learn how its gentle, honeyed single malt is crafted in the Cairngorm mountains, followed by guided tastings paired with artisan chocolate.

How long does a Dalwhinnie Distillery tour take?

Most Dalwhinnie Distillery experiences last between 30 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes depending on the tour selected. Standard tours typically last around 45 minutes, while premium warehouse and tasting experiences can extend up to 1 hour 45 minutes.

Is whisky tasting included at Dalwhinnie Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in Dalwhinnie Distillery experiences. Guests can enjoy guided tastings of Dalwhinnie single malt, often paired with Highland chocolate as part of the experience.

Do I need to book Dalwhinnie Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Dalwhinnie Distillery tours, particularly during peak travel periods, as experiences operate on scheduled times and availability can be limited.

What are the opening hours of Dalwhinnie Distillery Visitor Centre?

Dalwhinnie Distillery Visitor Centre is generally open daily from 10am to 5:30pm between March and October, and 10am to 4pm between November and February. Opening hours may vary seasonally, and visitors are advised to check ahead before travelling.

Is Dalwhinnie Distillery family friendly?

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

Is Dalwhinnie Distillery accessible?

Dalwhinnie Distillery offers accessible visitor facilities in key public areas. Some tour routes may include stairs or uneven surfaces due to production areas, so visitors with specific accessibility requirements are advised to contact the distillery in advance.

Is parking available at Dalwhinnie Distillery?

Yes, parking is available for visitors at Dalwhinnie Distillery, including spaces for cars and coach access. The distillery is also conveniently located a short walk from Dalwhinnie railway station.

Does Dalwhinnie Distillery have a café or shop?

Dalwhinnie Distillery has a visitor shop offering whisky, gifts and exclusive bottlings. Selected tasting experiences include whisky and chocolate pairings, though there is no full café on site.

Where is Dalwhinnie Distillery located?

Dalwhinnie Distillery is located in the village of Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorm National Park, Highlands of Scotland. It is the highest distillery in Scotland and sits conveniently on the A9 between Perth and Inverness.