Tomatin Distillery
Inverness, The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is known for whisky production, and you can see the process up close at Tomatin Distillery. Located in the village of Tomatin—where it was first established in 1897—here you can join a variety of distillery tours to discover the history of Scottish whisky, plus enjoy tastings at the source.
The basics
It’s believed thay whisky production has been taking place in Tomatin since the 1700s, with Tomatin Distillery first producing whisky here in 1897. Through a variety of tours and tasting experiences, a visit offers insight into Scottish whisky production and a behind-the-scenes look at how it is made today. Tours range from 1–2.5 hours in length and can be booked online in advance. To save the hassle of appointing a designated driver, there are many tours that explore the area and focus on its whisky, which include round-trip transportation from Inverness.
Things to know before you go
- Tomatin Distillery and its visitor center are open daily, with some closures around the December holiday season.
- Access for wheelchairs is available to most parts of the distillery.
- Tastings are available at the bar, with no tours required.
How to get there
Tomatin Distillery is located in the town of Tomatin, about 16 miles (25 kilometers) south of Inverness, which takes around 25 minutes by car. If travelling by public transport, you can take the 37 bus from Inverness—the journey is around 40 minutes and you get off at Distillery Road End, then walk for around 10 minutes to reach the distillery. Alternatively, join a tour that includes round-trip transportation.
When to get there
This distillery is open to visitors daily throughout the year, with some closures during the December holiday season. Book tours online in advance to secure your preferred time and tour type; some tours take place multiple times a day, while others are limited to once a day. The most popular time of year to visit this area of Scotland is the summer months of July and August, but those willing to brave possible rain and cool temperatures may prefer the peaceful atmosphere of a spring or fall visit instead.
Bottle your own whisky
One of the unique experiences on offer at the Tomatin Distillery is the chance to hand-fill your own bottle of whisky. Learn about the Scotch whisky production process, while filling a bottle of cask-strength whisky as a special souvenir. These whiskies are distillery exclusives and are not available for purchase in stores.
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