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Top 9 Distilleries near Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire We Tipsily Visited
So last week, my friend and I were sitting in a cosy pub, debating whether Aberdeen’s whisky could really be as amazing as everyone says. Naturally, there was only one way to find out—we had to go on a distillery-hopping adventure!
And let me tell you, Aberdeen did not disappoint. From hidden gems to famous spots, we explored, tasted, and even got a little lost along the way (obviously, due to alcohol, so drink moderately!).
Now, I’m sharing those we ultimately loved and enjoyed with you! So, get your tasting glasses ready and check these best distilleries near Aberdeen—you won’t want to miss these!
City of Aberdeen Distillery
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Website: https://cityofaberdeendistillery.co.uk/
Address: Arch 10 Palmerston Rd.
Contact details: +44 122 458 9645
Operating hours:
- Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 5:30 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 6:30 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Cost: ££ (Prices are available upon booking)
City of Aberdeen Distillery is all about artisanal craftsmanship, right down to their small-batch production. This means you’re getting something pretty special every time you sip.
The distillery offers a variety of experiences. You can join one of their tours to get a behind-the-scenes look at how your favourite spirits are made—and yes, there are tastings involved!
They also run some fantastic gin-making classes if you’re feeling adventurous. Food isn’t the main attraction here, but you’ll find plenty of options for pairing with your favourite tipple.
Pro tip:
Remember to book your tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. These spots fill up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out!
The House of Botanicals
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Website: http://www.thehouseofbotanicals.co.uk/
Address: Arch 4 Palmerston Rd.
Contact details: +44 122 458 2992
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 5:30 PM
Cost: The House of Botanicals Tour & Tasting Season Ticket – £180
Specialising in gin and other botanical spirits, The House of Botanicals is a playground for anyone who loves a good cocktail. They offer an extensive selection of house-made spirits, each with its own unique blend of botanicals and herbs.
They don’t have food, but their spirits more than compensate. Anyway, what you can expect here is an intriguing journey through a wide range of botanicals used in their spirits.
They offer immersive tours where you can learn about the historical and modern uses of botanicals in distillation. Additionally, these tours often include tastings and sometimes even a cocktail-making session.
Pro tip:
Try to visit during the weekdays if you want a more relaxed and less crowded experience. Also, don’t forget to ask for their signature cocktail recipe!
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
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Website: http://www.royallochnagardistillery.com/
Address: Crathie, Balmoral, Ballater
Contact details: +44 133 974 2700
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Royal Lochnagar: The Essence Tour – starts at £20
- Royal Lochnagar Expressions Tour – starts at £35
- Royal Lochnagar Warehouse Tasting (no tour) – starts at £70
- Royal Lochnagar x Twisted Ankle Brewery Tasting – starts at £35
If you’re making a trip out to Crathie, Balmoral, or Ballater, you absolutely have to visit the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Known for its royal connections and historical significance, this distillery offers a blend of tradition and high-quality single malt whisky.
The distillery offers comprehensive tours that take you through their whisky-making process, starting from the malting to the final sip. Tastings are a given, and they also offer premium tours if you’re looking for something a bit more exclusive.
While they don’t serve food, the picturesque surroundings make for a perfect picnic spot. You may also look forward to their special cask editions, available only at the distillery.
Pro tip:
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as you might end up exploring the beautiful Balmoral grounds. It’s a bit of a walk, but absolutely worth it!
House of Elrick Gin Ltd
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Website: http://www.houseofelrick.co.uk/
Address: Newmachar
Contact details: +44 165 186 2141
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Exclusive private tour – £45 per person
Over at Newmachar, you’ll find the House of Elrick Gin Ltd. This place is the epitome of Scottish craftsmanship, focusing primarily on gin production.
Their gin is made from water sourced from Loch Ness, making each bottle quite the conversation starter. They don’t offer food, but they’re more than happy to suggest nearby spots where you can grab a bite.
Anyway, tours here give you an in-depth look at their unique distillation process, and of course, no visit is complete without a tasting session. What’s really cool is that they also occasionally host gin-making workshops where you can create your own custom bottle.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to check their website or call ahead to see if they’re running any special events or workshops during your visit. These can be a great addition to your experience.
Glen Garioch Distillery
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Website: https://www.glengarioch.com/experiences
Address: Distillery Rd, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie
Contact details: +44 165 187 3450
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Cost:
- Warehouse No.4 (Behind the scenes) – starts at £65
- Whisky and Cheese tasting – starts at £55
- Founder’s Tour – starts at £20
- Distillery Cask Bottling (Bottle your own experience) – (price depends)
- Behind Closed Doors – – starts at £250
Glen Garioch Distillery has been crafting single malt Scotch whisky here since 1797, so you know they’ve got their game down. You can expect robust Highland malts, some of which are a bit rare and exclusive to the distillery.
The distilled spirits offered here cover a variety of aged whiskies, each boasting its own unique flavour profile. They offer guided tours that give you a deep dive into their whisky-making process, and yes, there are tastings included.
They even have a “Founder’s Tour” for those who want an in-depth look at the history and specifics of their whisky production. They also sell some limited-edition bottles in their gift shop, which make great souvenirs or gifts for fellow whisky aficionados.
Pro tip:
Remember to book your tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The spots fill up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on the full experience.
Fettercairn Distillery
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Website: https://www.fettercairnwhisky.com/
Address: Distillery Rd, Fettercairn, Laurencekirk
Contact details: +44 156 134 0205
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Taste of Fettercairn Tour – £7.50
- Taste of Imagination Tour – £7.50
Established in 1824, Fettercairn Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest malt whisky distilleries. They’ve got a unique copper cooling ring system in their stills, which really sets their whisky apart in terms of flavour and character.
Their visitor centre offers a cosy insight into their craft, complete with guided tours and tasting sessions that let you experience the full range of their whiskies. One of the great things about Fettercairn is the variety they offer.
Their tours include access to some older and rarer whiskies that you might not find elsewhere.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to check out their well-stocked shop where you can buy bottles to take home.
Lost Loch Spirits
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Website: https://www.lostlochspirits.com/
Address: Deeside Activity Park, Dess, Aboyne
Contact details: +44 133 988 3411
Operating hours: Depends on scheduled tour
Cost:
- Tour ticket – £25 per person (free for under 18s)
- Spirits School tickets – £99 per person
Located within the Deeside Activity Park, Lost Loch Spirits isn’t just your typical distillery; it’s a bit of a craft haven. They produce a variety of spirits, including gin, absinthe, and some experimental small batches.
This place is relatively new but has quickly made a name for its innovative approach. Their unique “eeNoo” gin and “Murdi’s” absinthe offer something different compared to traditional whisky distilleries.
They offer distillery tours that take you through their intriguing process of crafting these unique spirits. What’s also cool is that you can pair your visit with some outdoor activities available at Deeside Activity Park, making it a perfect spot for a day out.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on Lost Loch Spirits’ unique offerings by joining their Spirit School. It’s the perfect activity for groups to dive deep into the art of distillation and spirits-making.
The Glendronach Distillery
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Website: http://glendronachdistillery.com/
Address: Forgue by, Huntly
Contact details: +44 131 456 2679
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- The Classic Tour (1.25 hours) – £25 per person
- The Sherry Masterclass (1.5 hours) – £60 per person
- The Boynsmill Experience (2.5 hours) – £185 per person
The Glendronach Distillery is renowned for its richly sherried single malts, offering a different taste experience you won’t want to miss. Since 1826, they’ve been perfecting their craft in the valley of Forgue, and you can really taste the tradition in every sip.
This distillery is a mecca for those who love their whisky aged in sherry casks. The tours here range from quick tastings to extensive explorations of their history and distillation methods.
One of their highlights is the “Sherry Masterclass” tour, which introduces you to how Glendronach became renowned in the sherry cask maturation process. Plus, their gift shop is stocked with some exclusive bottlings you won’t find elsewhere.
Pro tip:
Try to invest in one of their older, more mature whiskies, like the 18- or 21-year-old offerings. They’re worth the splurge and make excellent gifts or personal treats.
Ardmore Distillery
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Website: http://ardmorewhisky.com/
Address: Ardmore Distillery, Kennethmont, Huntly
Contact details: +44 146 483 1213
Operating hours: By arrangement only
Cost: ££ (Available tours and prices are available upon contacting them)
Ardmore Distillery is all about traditional methods combined with a commitment to ecological sustainability. This place produces peated single malt, which is somewhat unique for this region.
They offer guided tours that not only walk you through the distillation process but also make a point to educate you on their eco-friendly practices. You’ll also get to see their large copper pot stills and learn about their thorough commitment to sustainability.
Their peat-fired maltings add a distinctive flavour to their spirits, giving you a taste that stands out from other Highland whiskies. And of course, they have a tasting room where you can sample their diverse range of whiskies.
Pro tip:
Remember to keep an eye out for their peated offerings; they provide a unique twist on the traditional Highland flavour profiles, and you might find some distillery-exclusive bottlings.