Distillery and Whisky News November 2025 - Arbikie
Hello whisky lovers, and welcome to our November edition of Distillery and Whisky News.
As November settles in, the nights are darker, the air is colder, and there’s no better excuse to cosy up with a good dram and a warm pair of slippers. For those still planning a distillery visit, remember that many are now switching to their winter hours, so booking ahead is a must.
And yes, it might just be time to whisper the word… Christmas. If you’re looking for a little seasonal indulgence, why not treat yourself or the whisky lover in your life to a whisky advent calendar? A dram a day sounds like the perfect way to count down to the festive season.
Until next time...
Distillery Of The Month: Arbikie Distillery
Arbikie is recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable distilleries and every spirit is grown, distilled, matured and bottled on-site, creating a truly single-estate range of luxury drinks. Those visiting are invited to discover this unique process through the Arbikie Distillery Experience, where you will learn, taste and enjoy the journey from field to bottle.
Overlooking the stunning Lunan Bay, the distillery's Kirkwood Suite offers a warm welcome for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. Ingredients are locally sourced, grown on the estate or cultivated in the distillery’s own grow tunnel. Just as Arbikie crafts its spirits with a field-to-bottle ethos, the food follows a field-to-fork philosophy.
Stay for the weekend in one of the distillery's stunning ÖÖD Houses which combine scenic unrivalled views of the Scottish coast and countryside with the comforts of modern living. From one-way glass allowing uninterrupted views to underfloor heating, you can live in exquisite style. Choose between our hot tub or sauna ÖÖD Houses. The best part? You're in touching distance of the distillery - so you can pop in for a tipple, some food, or a tour or an experience.
Find out more about Arbikie Distillery at its dedicated pages on the DistilleryTours.scot website.
Venue of the Month: Ardbeg House
Nestled in the heart of Port Ellen, just moments from the iconic Ardbeg Distillery, Ardbeg House offers a whisky and hospitality experience found nowhere else in the world. With twelve luxurious, individually designed bedrooms inspired by the rich histories and legends of Ardbeg, guests can immerse themselves in the true spirit of Islay - both on the plate and in the glass.
The Signature Restaurant celebrates the island’s finest local produce with an unmistakable Ardbeggian twist, while the Islay Bar provides a warm welcome to all who visit. Every detail of Ardbeg House has been thoughtfully chosen to create an unforgettable stay that reflects the warmth, charm and rugged beauty of Islay.
Throughout the house, guests will find subtle touches and hidden surprises that bring to life the island’s storied past - from tales of smugglers and legendary figures to the myths and creatures said to haunt its windswept shores.
Those staying at Ardbeg House can also enjoy an exclusive distillery experience, with a daily tour reserved for guests, offering an insider’s look at the craftsmanship, peat and passion behind one of Scotland’s most distinctive whiskies.
Find out more about Ardbeg House on its dedicated page at the DistilleryTours website.
Experience of the Month: Glenturret Whisky Makers Experience Tour
Immerse yourself in the art of whisky making at Scotland’s oldest working distillery with The Glenturret Whisky Maker’s Experience. This exclusive tour invites enthusiasts to step behind the scenes where tradition and craftsmanship meet.
Led by one of Glenturret’s expert guides, you’ll journey through centuries of whisky-making heritage, exploring the still house and cask rooms before settling in for a guided tasting of five rare and distinguished single malts, each one revealing a story of flavour, time and character.
The experience culminates with a unique opportunity to create and bottle your very own 100ml single malt to take home, an unforgettable keepsake of your visit. This is a hands-on celebration of Scottish whisky at its finest and a must-try for anyone looking to connect more deeply with the craft, taste and legacy of The Glenturret.
Find out more about all of The Glenturret Distillery's tours on their dedicated pages at the DistilleryTours website.
Date With A Dram: Glen Scotia 12 Year Old
For November's Date With A Dram competition we've teamed up with Glen Scotia Distillery to offer you the chance to win a bottle of their 12 Year Old Single Malt.
Competition Time
To be in with a chance of winning a bottle of Glen Scotia's 12 Year Old Single Malt simply follow DistilleryTours.scot on Facebook or Instagram and share our 'Date with a Dram' post dated 3 November. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced in our December newsletter!
Congratulations to Reece Campbell from the West of Scotland who won October's competition - a bottle of Ardnahoe's Bholsa Single Malt.
You must be 18 years old or over to enter. Please note, will never approach you for your credit card details or personal information, send you friend requests or ask you to click on a link. Please stay safe online and remember to drink responsibly.
Malt of the Month: anCnoc 12 Year Old
This Highland single malt whisky has been matured for 12 years in American oak ex-bourbon casks for a long lasting sweet and smooth finish.
Perfect Serve: Away The Crow Road
A delicate twist on a classic, The Good Spirit Co.'s Away The Crow Road combines an 8-year-old North Highland blend, Bitter Bianco, Dolin Rouge Vermouth, and a touch of celery bitters for an elegant aperitif perfect for chilly evenings.
Podcast: Hear Scotland's Whisky Voices
Our Distillery Tours podcast series takes you behind-the-scenes into the world of Scotland’s finest distilleries. Each episode features interviews with the people who make whisky happen - from master distillers to brand legends - plus regular updates on new releases and insider stories you won’t catch anywhere else.
Looking for inspiration for your next Distillery Tour? Follow us on FACEBOOK and INSTRAGRAM to hear more, and subscribe to this newsletter at DISTILLERYTOURS.SCOT/SIGNUP.