Aberfeldy Distillery Tour: Dewar's whisky tasting included

Walk through a working distillery and taste the whisky at the source

The Aberfeldy Distillery tour in Highland Perthshire includes a self-guided heritage centre, a professional-led distillery and warehouse tour, and a comparative tasting of Dewar's Blended Scotch and Aberfeldy Single Malt in the whisky lounge. The distillery sits on the banks of the River Tay, 90 minutes from Edinburgh, with free parking; allow 1.5 hours for the full visit. Over 18s receive a dram in the lounge; drivers can request a take-away pack to make a cocktail at home. Tours run throughout the day, and the visitor centre is fully accessible, though the historical distillery building has stairs and uneven surfaces.

Step-by-step itinerary

Aberfeldy Distillery tour and tasting

• Watch short film in auditorium
• Explore heritage centre with audio guide
• Join guided distillery and warehouse tour
• Enjoy whisky tasting in lounge

The Experience

The tour starts with a short film in the auditorium, then you move through the heritage centre at your own pace with audio guides or iPads available in multiple languages — this is where you learn the story of John Dewar and his sons, who founded the only distillery the Dewar family ever built. A live guide then takes you into the working distillery and warehouse itself, where you see how the whisky is made and learn what the angels' share actually means: the portion that evaporates during the double aging process that gives Aberfeldy its smoother, richer character.

The tour ends in one of the tasting rooms with a comparative tasting — you taste Dewar's Blended Scotch and Aberfeldy Single Malt side by side so you can feel the difference between them. Adults and seniors then move to the whisky lounge, a room with comfortable sofas and a warming fire, where you get a dram and free wifi. Drivers who don't drink can request a take-away pack instead, with ingredients to make a Maime Taylor cocktail at home. The shop stays open if you want to browse the full Dewar's range or fill your own bottle with a cask-selected Aberfeldy Single Malt.

The distillery is on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, nestled on the River Tay, 20 minutes from the A9 in Highland Perthshire. Free parking is available on-site. You'll need sensible footwear — no high heels or open-toed shoes — because the distillery tour includes some walking over uneven surfaces and stairs. A cafe operates on-site if you want food, though it's not included with your ticket and booking isn't required. Tours run throughout the day; the last tour departs one hour before closing.

What’s included

• Professional distillery tour guide.
• self-guided heritage centre access with audio guides and iPads in multiple languages.
• comparative whisky tasting of Dewar's Blended Scotch and Aberfeldy Single Malt.
• a dram in the whisky lounge for adults and seniors (or a take-away cocktail pack for drivers).
• free parking.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by John Dewar and Sons Ltd/Dewars Aberfeldy Distillery

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to understand how whisky is made and taste it in the place where it's aged — the professional guide and working distillery setting make the difference between reading about the process and seeing it happen. The 1.5-hour visit fits between other Highland activities without eating a full day.

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Top questions

What exactly happens on the distillery tour part of the visit?

Your professional guide takes you through the working distillery and warehouse to show you how the whisky is made, including the aging process and what the angels' share means — the portion that evaporates during the double aging that creates Aberfeldy's smoother flavour.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Aberfeldy Distillery?

Yes, transport to and from the distillery is not included with your ticket. The distillery is located 90 minutes from Edinburgh and 20 minutes from the A9; free parking is available on-site.

What's included in the whisky tasting at the end?

You taste Dewar's Blended Scotch and Aberfeldy Single Malt side by side in the tasting room, then adults and seniors receive a dram in the whisky lounge with sofas and a fire. Drivers can request a take-away pack to make a cocktail at home instead.

Can I buy whisky or other items at the distillery?

Yes, the shop showcases the full Dewar's portfolio including exclusive limited edition single cask bottlings, and you can fill your own bottle with a specially selected cask of Aberfeldy Single Malt. Additional tastings and whisky cocktails are also available at the bar.

How long should I allow for the whole visit?

Allow 1.5 hours for the complete experience, which includes the film, self-guided heritage centre, professional distillery tour, warehouse, and tasting room. Tours run throughout the day, with the last tour departing one hour before closing.

What footwear do I need to wear?

Wear sensible footwear on the distillery tour — no high heels or open-toed shoes are permitted, as the tour includes walking over uneven surfaces and stairs in the historical building.