Wolfburn Distillery

Wolfburn Distillery is located in Thurso on the far north coast of Scotland and is the most northerly mainland whisky distillery. Visitors can explore a working Highland distillery producing small-batch single malt whisky using traditional methods and a hands-on approach to production. Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the whisky-making process, followed by a tasting of Wolfburn’s core range and limited-release single malts.

Wolfburn Distillery is a 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards winner and is among the 'top 10% of things to do worldwide'!

About Wolfburn Distillery

Wolfburn Distillery is a modern Highland distillery built on a historic whisky site in Thurso, Caithness. It is known for producing small-batch single malt whisky with a focus on traditional craftsmanship and slow, careful production methods.

As the most northerly mainland distillery in Scotland, Wolfburn has a remote coastal setting that influences both its identity and visitor experience. The distillery operates as a working production site, giving visitors a close-up view of the whisky-making process rather than a separate, commercial visitor attraction.

Wolfburn is widely recognised for its smooth, well-balanced Highland style and its commitment to producing whisky without haste, using long fermentation and gentle distillation techniques.

Wolfburn Distillery Tours & Experiences

Visitors can join guided distillery tours that provide a close-up look at the whisky-making process. The experience includes access to the production areas, where guests can learn how Wolfburn single malt whisky is crafted from start to finish.

All tours include a guided tasting of Wolfburn whiskies. Depending on the experience, guests may sample core expressions alongside limited releases or special bottlings.

Tour durations typically last around 1 hour 30 minutes, with scheduled tours running throughout the day depending on season and availability.

Advance booking is recommended as group sizes are limited and tours can sell out during busy periods.

Wolfburn Classic Distillery Tour £18

At Wolfburn we don’t have a visitors centre so when you visit you’ll see the inner workings of the distillery itself, where our master craftsmen make single malt whisky the way it should be made: with care and without haste. Tours finish with a tasting of our various malts, and there’s the opportunity to buy bottles and Wolfburn merchandise. The tour includes a tasting of five core whiskies at the end and each visitor will receive a free 'Perfect Dram' glass.

Duration: 1hr 30mins

Read our review of the Wolfburn Classic Distillery Tour here.

Wolfburn Premium Distillery Tour & Tasting £40

During the tour, you will be taken on a journey through time, learning about the original Wolfburn distillery founded in 1821 and its evolution to the present day. Our premium tasting offers you the opportunity to experience a tutored tasting of five of our multi-award-winning whiskies along with three rare or limited releases.

Duration: 2 hours

Plan Your Visit to Wolfburn Distillery

Wolfburn Distillery is located in Thurso, Caithness in the far north of Scotland, approximately 1km from the town centre and within easy reach of the North Coast 500 route.

The distillery operates with scheduled opening times and guided tours. Opening hours may vary depending on production schedules and season.

Facilities include an on-site distillery shop and parking for visitors. There is no café or restaurant on site.

The distillery is a working production site, so some areas may include stairs or industrial flooring. Visitors with accessibility requirements are advised to contact the distillery before booking.

Location:

Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

Tour:

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

Directions:

Wolfburn Distillery is located in Thurso, Caithness in the far north of Scotland, approximately 1km from Thurso town centre and railway station. It is a key stop on routes through the northern Highlands.

Opening Times:

Mon-Fri 10am-4pm

Podcast

We interviewed Mark Westmorland, Global Brand Ambassador at Wolfburn, in our October 2021 podcast. Mark talks about the team at Wolfburn and how each of their strengths makes the Distillery thrive, how their motto of ‘Fortune favours the brave’ leads them in all they do, and how choosing his favourite whisky is like choosing his favourite child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Wolfburn Distillery?

Wolfburn Distillery offers guided Classic and Premium tour experiences that take visitors through the full whisky-making process inside a working distillery rather than a separate visitor centre. Tours typically include a walkthrough of production areas, an introduction to traditional whisky-making methods used at Wolfburn, and a guided tasting of several core range whiskies. Premium tours may include additional rare or limited-release drams.

How long does a Wolfburn Distillery tour take?

The Classic Distillery Tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including the guided visit and tasting session. Premium tours may take slightly longer depending on the experience selected.

Is whisky tasting included at Wolfburn Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in all tours. Guests typically sample a range of Wolfburn’s core whiskies at the end of the experience, with Premium tours including additional rare and collectable expressions.

Do I need to book Wolfburn Distillery tours in advance?

Yes, all tours must be booked in advance. Classic tours can be booked online, while Premium tours and group visits require direct contact with the distillery.

What are the opening hours of Wolfburn Distillery Visitor Centre?

Wolfburn Distillery operates guided tours Monday to Friday with set departure times (typically morning, midday and afternoon), and limited Saturday availability during peak season. Opening hours may vary depending on production schedules.

Is Wolfburn Distillery family friendly?

Children aged 6–15 may join tours free of charge, with reduced pricing for 16–17 year olds. Children under 6 are not permitted on tours. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is Wolfburn Distillery accessible?

Wolfburn Distillery is wheelchair friendly in many areas, including toilets and main visitor spaces. However, part of the tour includes an elevated steel walkway that is not fully accessible, meaning some sections may not be suitable for all mobility levels.

Is parking available at Wolfburn Distillery?

Yes, parking is available for visitors at the distillery in Thurso. The site is located around 1 km from Thurso town centre and is easily reached by car.

Does Wolfburn Distillery have a café or shop?

Wolfburn does not have a café or restaurant on site. However, there is a distillery shop offering whisky, merchandise, and a “fill your own bottle” experience with exclusive releases.

Where is Wolfburn Distillery located?

Wolfburn Distillery is located in Thurso, Caithness in the far north of mainland Scotland (KW14 7XW), approximately 1 km from Thurso railway station.