The Speyside whisky district in Scotland is home to ancient castles, rivers, valleys, towering mountains, and over half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries. The district also lays claim to the only malt whisky trail in the world. The Speyside area is blessed with the necessary ingredients for good whisky: pure spring water and plentiful supplies of barley and peat.
Scotland’s Whisky Trail was developed to promote the Speyside whisky industry. The trail presents a collection of seven working distilleries, a historic distillery, and a cooperage, where skilled coopers make whisky barrels.Confused? Here ‘s a little help .
The trail, approximately 70 miles long, is clearly marked with roadside signs. Several distilleries offer more than one type of tour. Most provide information on the history of whisky-making as well as modern production methods. Others give instruction in the art of tasting and nosing. Almost all of the distilleries offer a sample of the finished product.
Admission rates to each distillery vary, depending on the length and type of tour. On some tours, children under the age of 18 are granted free admission; on other tours, those under 18 are not permitted at all.
Weekends in May and September are particularly popular times for visitors to experience the trail since entire villages hold whisky festivals featuring parties and whisky tastings.