Exploring the Hidden Gems of the Highland Whisky Trail

Scotland’s Highland whisky region is vast and diverse, home to some of the most well-known distilleries. However, beyond the famous names like Glenmorangie and Dalmore, there are lesser-known distilleries producing exceptional whisky, just waiting to be discovered. This guide explores the hidden gems of the Highland Whisky Trail that every whisky lover should visit.

1. Tomatin Distillery

Why Visit?

• A rising star known for its smooth and fruity single malts.
• Home to well-aged expressions, including 18 and 30-year-old whiskies.
• Offers exclusive distillery-only bottlings.

Must-Try Whiskies:

• Tomatin 12-Year-Old – A well-balanced whisky with honey and oak.
• Tomatin 18-Year-Old – Rich and sherried with notes of dried fruit and spice.
• Tomatin Cask Strength – A bold, intense dram with depth and complexity.

2. Balblair Distillery

Why Visit?

• One of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland, dating back to 1790.
• Releases whisky by vintage rather than age statement, offering unique character.
• A picturesque distillery with a warm, welcoming experience.

Must-Try Whiskies:

• Balblair 15-Year-Old – A mix of sherry and bourbon cask influence.
• Balblair 18-Year-Old – Rich, oily texture with dried fruit and toffee notes.
• Balblair Vintage Releases – Limited editions showcasing different aging profiles.

3. Ardnamurchan Distillery

Why Visit?

• A newer distillery (established 2014) focusing on sustainable whisky production.
• Produces both peated and unpeated styles, offering something for every palate.
• Uses renewable energy sources for a greener approach to whisky-making.

Must-Try Whiskies:

• Ardnamurchan AD/07.21:05 – A mix of sherry and bourbon cask maturation.
• Ardnamurchan Peated – A well-balanced smoke with coastal influence.
• Distillery Exclusive Bottlings – Small-batch releases not found elsewhere.

4. GlenDronach Distillery

Why Visit?

• Famous for rich, sherried Highland single malts.
• Traditional production methods, including floor malting and long fermentation.
• A must-visit for sherry cask whisky lovers.

Must-Try Whiskies:

• GlenDronach 12-Year-Old – A sherry bomb full of dark fruit and spice.
• GlenDronach 18-Year-Old (Allardice) – Deeply complex with chocolate and dried fruit notes.
• GlenDronach Cask Strength – A powerful whisky showcasing the house style.

5. Wolfburn Distillery

Why Visit?

• The northernmost mainland distillery in Scotland.
• Produces handcrafted whisky in small batches.
• Known for its lightly peated and unpeated Highland whiskies.

Must-Try Whiskies:

• Wolfburn Northland – A lightly peated whisky with a soft, malty profile.
• Wolfburn Aurora – A sherry-influenced dram with rich fruit and spice.
• Wolfburn Morven – A more heavily peated Highland whisky.

Planning Your Highland Whisky Trail Adventure

✔ Book tours in advance – Some smaller distilleries have limited visitor slots.
✔ Self-drive or join a whisky tour – Some remote locations are best accessed by car.
✔ Try limited edition and distillery-exclusive bottlings – Many of these hidden gems produce special releases only available on-site.
✔ Enjoy the Highland scenery – Take in the stunning landscapes, from rugged coastlines to dramatic mountain backdrops.