Private Whisky Tours of Scotland

Often included as part of the Highlands, whisky from the Island deserves to be recognised as its own region due to the flavours that separates themselves from those on the mainland.  As a result of their coastal surroundings, it will come as no surprise that many of these whiskies are tinged by the salinity of the sea. However, when you look beyond that, you will come across a variety of flavours that changes from island to island. Between them, Arran, Mull Jura, Skye and Orkney, provide a palate of different tastes that include black pepper, heather, brine, oil and honey

For what can be seen as the Manhattan of whisky, Speyside is the most densely populated whisky region in the world, with well over 60 at present. Lavish with nutty flavours, blended with a fervent sweet and fruity taste, Speyside whiskies are a personal favourite to many. It doesn’t have a strong peaty flavour, making it a good entry-level for those beginning their exciting whisky adventure.

Sitting just above England, the Lowlands is Scotland’s second-biggest whisky region in terms of area but is home to only five distilleries. They offer a unique range of flavours in their whisky that have expelled peat and salinity from their list of ingredients. Expect the flavours to be soft and smooth that are defined characteristically from typical Lowland flavours: grass, honeysuckle, cream, toffee, toast and cinnamon. Referred to as the ‘Lowland Ladies’ due to their lighter and floral tones, Glenkinchie, Linlithgow, Strathclyde and Girvan are excellent whiskies to ease yourself into your whisky tour due to their ‘gentle’ flavours.

Once home to 34 whisky distilleries, but now only to 3, Campbeltown’s calamitous fall from grace began in the 1850s was partly due to improved transportation links to rival distilleries in the north. Quite conversely, the region is now known for its quality, not quantity. Despite Campbeltown being a relatively small region, their whisky has contrasting flavours from one another. Springbank is robust and heavily smoked whereas Glen Scotia offers a more grassy and lighter flavour. 

Characterised through its peaty pungency, smoke, salinity and complexity of layers, Islay whiskies often are the most sought out whiskies from those who have an acquired taste. Despite being a relatively small island, Islay accommodates eight whisky distilleries, 3 of which are considered world heavyweights; Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. If you visit Islay for two or three nights, we highly recommend taking a whisky tour at each. Every Islay distillery stands beside the sea and the whisky sleeps in the warehouses breathing the sea air, so it is hardly surprising that some say the tang of the sea can be discerned in Islay whisky.

Wild seas, a tempestuous climate, breathtaking moors and scenic mountains, all help to create a breeding ground for powerful peaty drams that are tinged with elegant flavours of oak and heather. The Highlands is Scotland’s largest whisky-producing area that offers a diverse range of flavours. In the north, you’ll find that the whisky is sweet and rich in character, represented through its heavyweights, Glenmorangie and Dalmore. Fruity and lighter whiskies are more commonly found in the east, as is in the south, and over in the west is where you will find those drams with a peaty punch. Our favourite whisky tour is the Classic Tour at Glenmorangie which delves into the history of whisky distilling and includes a two dram tasting session at the end of the tour.