Cairngorms National Park

Dalwhinnie Distillery

About

Dalwhinnie Distillery

Perched 327 metres above sea level on the windswept plateau of the Drumochter Pass, Dalwhinnie Distillery claims the title of Scotland’s highest. Tucked within the wild beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, it stands in one of the country’s most remote and chilly corners. Here, the crisp mountain air and ever-changing weather shape the whisky just as much as the pure Highland water and golden barley.Dalwhinnie has been crafting whisky since 1897, and its single malt is a true reflection of its Highland home. Light, honeyed and delicately balanced, with gentle notes of heather and vanilla, each sip seems to capture the freshness of the mountain air and the clarity of the spring water that flows nearby. The cool climate here means the whisky matures slowly, developing a remarkable smoothness and subtlety. The 15 Year Old is a favourite among visitors and locals alike, known for being both approachable and elegant - a classic Highland malt in every sense.Dalwhinnie sits right beside the A9, the main route linking Edinburgh and Inverness, making it an inviting stop whether you’re travelling north or south. For many of our guests, it’s a memorable finale to our 3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail, and a highlight on several of our longer Highland journeys. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or simply curious, Dalwhinnie offers a warm welcome and a taste of Highland tradition.

Things to see & do

Take a guided tour of the highest distillery in Scotland
Visit the visitor centre and whisky shop
Taste Dalwhinnie's light, honeyed Highland single malt
Combine with a drive through the Cairngorms National Park
Photograph the distillery against the backdrop of the Monadhliath Mountains
Stop en route between Edinburgh and Inverness on the A9

FAQs

Why is Dalwhinnie the highest distillery in Scotland?

Dalwhinnie sits at 327 metres above sea level on the high plateau of the Drumochter Pass, one of the highest road passes in Scotland and one of the coldest inhabited places in the country. That cold climate and the pure mountain water are central to its light, honeyed character.

Where is Dalwhinnie Distillery?

Dalwhinnie Distillery is in the village of Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorms National Park, right beside the A9 between Edinburgh and Inverness at the top of the Drumochter Pass. It's one of the most accessible Highland distilleries to reach en route between the Central Belt and Inverness.

What is Dalwhinnie whisky known for?

Dalwhinnie is known for a light, honeyed, gently heathery character, a classic Highlands style that suits anyone new to single malt. The 15-year-old is the flagship and one of the Classic Malts of Scotland. The high altitude and cold climate slow maturation and give the whisky its delicacy.

Can you visit Dalwhinnie Distillery?

Dalwhinnie is open to visitors year-round with guided tours and tastings. The visitor centre gives a good introduction to distilling and to the conditions at altitude that shape the whisky. Being right on the A9 makes it one of the easiest distillery stops on a Highland journey.

Visit
Dalwhinnie Distillery

Book a private tour and explore

Dalwhinnie Distillery

with a local expert guide.

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Key Facts
Region
Cairngorms National Park
From Inverness
37 miles (49 mins)
From Edinburgh
79 miles (1hr 45mins)
Best time to visit
Year-round; tours daily (check website for seasonal hours)
Location
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Dalwhinnie Distillery
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Cairngorms National Park

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