Things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland: The Best Distillery Tours

November 14, 2021 Augustus Redeker

Experience the richness of Aberdeen’s proud history and culture — from the sound of residents’ traditional Doric accent to the sights of glittering granite buildings lining the city’s streets. Explore the cobbled roads and historic university buildings of Old Aberdeen, then take a stroll along the nearby sandy beach and watch for dolphins in the busy harbour. Afterward, find your way to the quaint fishing quarter of Footdee, and lose yourself among its tiny cottages and colourful gardens.
Restaurants in Aberdeen

1. Aberdeen & Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group one Day Tour

Time Exposure Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This is a private tour for your group only. Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer and we will take you on a private tour to areas that are as stunning as they are interesting, chosen from the tour details section below. A suggested itinerary could be: • Old Aberdeen - See fascinating medieval history • Dunnottar Castle - one of the worlds most iconic castles, • Crathes Castle - a 16th century castle on Deeside with amazing gardens • Royal Lochnagar Distillery - the famous malt from the grounds of Balmoral Castle You can choose your own itinerary. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments. Pick up and drop off is from your Hotel, Airport, Train Station or Cruise Ship

Inclusions: All tours tailored to suit your exact requirements or locations chosen from Tour Details, Lunch is optional and location will depend on tour., Route and timings will depend on starting point and your choice of attractions.., Pick up from with Aberdeenshire

Exclusions: No drinks are included in the cost., Lunch not included in cost, Gratuities, Castle interior / guided tours not included, Distillery Tour costs not included

Reviewed By 776ashleighg

Pub trivia knowledge and it's about a cat that did her job so well records still holds! she receives letters every single gear even though she's been gone since the late 80s and every Hillary has adopted or taking care of cuz either been placed with old from family of people that work at The distillery or they've needed homes through the rspca there has not been a bread cat that works there and yes I would consider couser working at a distillery.

2. Speyside Whisky Experience by Whisky Trails: Three Speyside Distilleries

Edinburgh, UK Whisky Trails
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Whether you are a whisky aficionado or a complete novice, this Whisky Trail has something for everyone. You will be picked up from where you are staying and transported in comfort, safety, and style to Speyside. This is a private tour and only your group will participate. If you book between April and October you will visit the big three Speyside distilleries, namely The Macallan, Glenlivet, and Glenfiddich. The agenda is flexible so depending on whether you have chosen to book a tour at one of the distilleries, we will agree the timing for your day before setting off together. At the end of the Whisky Trail, we will head back to your starting point or another location by prior arrangement. Travel time from central Scotland is 3.5 hours in each direction, whereas Inverness lies around 1.5 hours drive away from the Speyside area. PLEASE NOTE: due to COVID19 restrictions, Distilleries may open and close at short notice, and may also only offer limited tour and tasting options.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Distillery Tour and Tasting fees, Lunch

Reviewed By Amy K

My cousin booked a private tour for three of us and it was fantastic! The vehicle was clean & comfortable, Brett provided a lot of information during the drive between each distillery and he was very knowledgeable when it came to the scotch whiskey. Brett is familiar with the employees at each distillery so you receive prompt service. I would book a tour with Brett when/if I’m back in Scotland.

3. Speyside Whisky Trail Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen

Bus Station, Guild St, Aberdeen AB11 6NA, UK Rabbie's
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4.9 based on 13 reviews

Whether you're a whisky lover or a whisky learner, you're bound to get a taste for it in the beautiful region of Speyside. Home to around 50% of all Scottish whisky distilleries, there's almost too much to see and drink. So on this tour, we help you get the most out of the region by taking you to two distinct distilleries. It’s a chance to learn about the incredible history, process, and flavours of Scotland’s national drink.

Inclusions: Professional driver/guide, Modern, air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach, Small Group Tour (16 people max)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off, Food and drinks, unless specified, Admission fees

Reviewed By Relax167982

We had a fabulous time exploring Highlands. Alice, our driver and guide, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. She took the local roads in the way to Inverness, and shared with us history of Scotland, and we truly enjoyed it. Boat trip was arranged in advance, so everything went smoothly. Highly recommended!

4. Taste of Scotland Tour

The Craftsman Company - Coffee & Ale House, 2 Guild St, Aberdeen AB11 6NE, UK Grampian Escapes Tours Ltd
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4.8 based on 6 reviews

For those who only have one day to visit Aberdeen, this tour gives you an insight into what the region has to offer in a 7 hour tour. With both a visit to Castles and Distillery Tour, this excursion will give you a taste of the Grampian and our local food giving you every excuse to come back again! On Thursday's we will substitute Pitmedden Gardens for Tolquhon, as the castle it no longer open on this day. As both are close together we can view the castle from the outside.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Food tasting, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Entrance & Tour fees

Reviewed By camillahC6924HG

Went on this tour with a group of friends and would highly recommend it. We were the only ones to have booked the tour this day, but it went on ahead anyways. Our tour guide Jacqueline was very sweet and knew about a lot of Scottish history and fun facts. The tour is great if you want to see a lot of different places in Northern Scotland which are difficult to get to without a vehicle. Really enjoyable and a great way to spend a day sightseeing in Scotland. Would definitely do it again.

5. Speyside Delight - Scottish Whisky Tour - Private Full Day

Edinburgh, UK Whiskywheels Tours
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4.8 based on 6 reviews

****** Private Tour ***** Visit three unique three Speyside distilleries in one day. Bespoke pickup! The best and most extensive Speyside day trip available! A unique experience that gives you best Scotland has to offer , all in one day, allowing you time to enjoy other activities on other days. Bookings subject to availability. Please book early to secure your place. Please contact for bookings between November 1st and January 10th. We may have to substitute in other distilleries based on opening hours.

Inclusions: Expert led whisky tasting session at each distillery, Bottled water

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Reviewed By 21pagon

This tour has 3 different and unique distilleries. Macallan was a must see for us and when you add Glenfiddich and Glenlivet it was a win. Each one was different enough to make the day interesting, fun and educational. I would not miss Glenlivet or Macallan. Ewan was a fantastic host, kept us on time, knowledgeable on the distilleries, shared his Scotland with us and pointed out “sight-seeing” opportunities as we drove through the Highlands. Prepare for a long day, but worth the investment if learning and experiencing the Scotch making process and history is important to you. The Highlands scenery was a bonus-beautiful country!

6. Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Macallan - Glenfiddich - Glenlivet - Private Tour

Edinburgh, UK Whiskywheels Tours
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4.8 based on 5 reviews

The first tour to take you to three top distilleries in one day! +Bespoke pickup+ Whiskywheels tours specialise in the wonderful whisky that Scotland has to offer. This Whisky Trifecta tour - Macallan, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. Macallan The jewel in the crown of Speyside. Not to be missed. Macallan is the most sought-after whisky for whisky collectors, here you'll find a huge range of Macallan Scotch whisky to buy and also take part in the fantastic three pillars tour. Glenfiddich Visit the family owned distillery to see what a truly world class family run business can achieve. Glenfiddich is the world's best-selling single-malt whisky and also the most awarded at the International Spirits Challenge. Glenlivet The tour and tasting at Glenlivet takes you back in time to how whisky was first made in Speyside. Covid precautions and government guidance adhered to.

Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Bottled water

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Reviewed By Catmandoo2014

I had found this company when browsing for tours to Auchentoshan and Glengoyne for a day, however none showed up anywhere on google. This company however, had the option for custom tours and so I gave it a go. Euan had quoted me a price for the day trip to Auchentoshan then Glengoyne and back to Edinburgh in a day. The price was honestly very worth it, a bit more than you would have spent if going alone. However, due to the date which was Sunday and buses don't run as often, the taxi's were not an option either due to the time constraint and rush. I decided to go along with the tour with Euan. No regrets. He drove me to the distilleries in his van which can take up to 7 persons. Along the route we had a good time talking and sharing with each other our experiences of Scotland and of course scotch. I would definitely go back for his custom tour services, he will plan everything accordingly and inform you of any changes if needed or any no go's.

7. Private Whisky Tour - Magnificent Macallan - Flexible pickup

Edinburgh, UK Whiskywheels Tours

This fantastic tour from any Scottish location to the Macallan distillery is designed for Macallan fans and whisky enthusiasts. The only Macallan specific tour available daily. Have lunch in the best Whisky hotel in Speyside - the Dowans hotel. Visit Glenfiddich distillery to compare tasting notes and see their fantastic distillery.

Inclusions: Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By 21pagon

This tour has 3 different and unique distilleries. Macallan was a must see for us and when you add Glenfiddich and Glenlivet it was a win. Each one was different enough to make the day interesting, fun and educational. I would not miss Glenlivet or Macallan. Ewan was a fantastic host, kept us on time, knowledgeable on the distilleries, shared his Scotland with us and pointed out “sight-seeing” opportunities as we drove through the Highlands. Prepare for a long day, but worth the investment if learning and experiencing the Scotch making process and history is important to you. The Highlands scenery was a bonus-beautiful country!

8. Aberdeenshire Castles Cows and Whisky Private Day Trip

Time Exposure Travel

An amazing private tour that provides a true taste of Scotland, all in one day. Historic Castles, Highland Cows and Whisky! Feel the history, taste the beef and drink a dram! Take home amazing memories. Crathes is a 16th-century world famous Castle featuring turrets, gargoyles, painted ceilings and ancient, great yew hedges in the amazing gardens. Aberdeenshire Highland Beef offer the chance for you to visit a working farm, meet our native breed of cattle, have the chance to photograph them, learn about their history and sample some of our succulent Premium Aberdeenshire Highland Beef! Enjoy an amazing tour round the Royal Lochnagar distillery which produces a world class single malt Scotch whisky. The Distillery is based in the grounds of the Queens Balamoral Castle, in the Highland whisky-producing area of Scotland. It close to the famous mountain of Lochnagar. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.

Inclusions: Lunch is provided by the farm and is traditional Beef Stovies served with Oatcakes and Beetroot and accompanied by a local Craft beer or a local Gin or a soft drink. No vegetarian option available., Tasting Tour at the Distillery

Exclusions: Official guided tour around Castle interior but access to the grounds and gardens is included.

Reviewed By 776ashleighg

Pub trivia knowledge and it's about a cat that did her job so well records still holds! she receives letters every single gear even though she's been gone since the late 80s and every Hillary has adopted or taking care of cuz either been placed with old from family of people that work at The distillery or they've needed homes through the rspca there has not been a bread cat that works there and yes I would consider couser working at a distillery.

9. Meet Johnnie Walker - Private Whisky Tour - Cardhu, Cragganmore, Royal Lochnagar

Aberdeen, UK Whiskywheels Tours

+++ MEET JOHNNIE WALKER! +++ Visit three of Scotland's most beautiful distilleries to find the secrets behind the world's most popular whisky. Distillery tour and tasting paid for. The only tour that takes you to the hidden sources of the world famous Jonnie Walker whisky. Single malt whisky from each distillery we will visit has been included in the famous Johnnie Walker blends over the past 100 years. A must for all whisky fans to find out about the history, the people and the single malt whisky behind Johnnie Walker. Each of these distilleries have been selected for one or more of the following: Johnnie Walker Blue, Green, Black and Red. Private tour!

Inclusions: At least nine samples of whisky., Bottled water

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Reviewed By 21pagon

This tour has 3 different and unique distilleries. Macallan was a must see for us and when you add Glenfiddich and Glenlivet it was a win. Each one was different enough to make the day interesting, fun and educational. I would not miss Glenlivet or Macallan. Ewan was a fantastic host, kept us on time, knowledgeable on the distilleries, shared his Scotland with us and pointed out “sight-seeing” opportunities as we drove through the Highlands. Prepare for a long day, but worth the investment if learning and experiencing the Scotch making process and history is important to you. The Highlands scenery was a bonus-beautiful country!

10. The Private Islay Platinum Whisky Tour - Flexible pickups - Scotland

Edinburgh, UK Whiskywheels Tours

***** Bespoke pickup and drop off ***** Take a whiskywheels.scot tour through Scotland’s rich whisky history by tasting and learning about the ‘water of life’ on a four-day tour from the pickup location of your choice. Explore the beauty of our country first-hand as we travel past Loch Lomond up to Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland. Then down the west coast to Islay. • We visit all of Islay’s whisky distilleries. • Full standard whisky tours at Oban, Lagavulin, Kilchoman and Bowmore. • Tutored tastings at Ardbeg and Clydeside distilleries. • Stops to gift shops and whisky tastes at Laphroaig, Bruichladdich and Ardnahoe. (Also, Caol Isla. Currently under construction) • Lunch at the Drovers Inn, Ardbeg restaurant and Port Charlotte hotel. • Return ferry to Islay is included. • Free time each evening. We can recommend places to eat. On our route back to your drop off, we stop at the world-renowned Loch Fyne whisky shop and to Clydeside, the Glasgow city distillery.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast

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Reviewed By 21pagon

This tour has 3 different and unique distilleries. Macallan was a must see for us and when you add Glenfiddich and Glenlivet it was a win. Each one was different enough to make the day interesting, fun and educational. I would not miss Glenlivet or Macallan. Ewan was a fantastic host, kept us on time, knowledgeable on the distilleries, shared his Scotland with us and pointed out “sight-seeing” opportunities as we drove through the Highlands. Prepare for a long day, but worth the investment if learning and experiencing the Scotch making process and history is important to you. The Highlands scenery was a bonus-beautiful country!

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