Speyside: Private Whisky Day Trip & 3 Distilleries Tour

Summary

Speyside whisky day trip with tastings at iconic distilleries and stories from local guides

You’ll join a private Speyside whisky day trip from your accommodation, visiting three unique distilleries with expert-led tours and tastings at each stop. Expect stories from locals, a few laughs on winding country roads, and plenty of time to savor each dram. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about feeling what makes Speyside special.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you wake up somewhere new and the air smells different? That was me in Speyside—kind of sweet, like malt and damp grass. Our guide, Jamie, pulled up right outside my B&B (I’d barely finished my coffee) and off we went. There’s something about driving those winding roads with someone who actually grew up nearby—he pointed out a field of “hairy coos” before I even saw the first distillery sign. First stop: Benromach. The place is smaller than I expected, almost cozy. Inside, it smelled like toasted bread and something faintly smoky. We wandered past copper stills while our host explained why their lightly peated spirit is a bit unusual for Speyside. I tried to take it all in but mostly just wanted to taste everything.

Next was Glenlivet—honestly, I’d heard the name a hundred times but never thought much about where it came from. Turns out it’s got this wild history (smuggling! secret glens!) and the water they use is so clear you can see stones at the bottom. Our tasting here was more formal—tiny glasses lined up on polished wood—and I probably nodded too much pretending to pick out “orchard fruit” flavors. The drive between stops was half the fun; Jamie had stories about every bend in the road and even stopped so we could take a photo of some sheep blocking traffic. I’m not sure if that’s part of every Speyside whisky tour or just our luck.

Last one for us: Glen Moray in Elgin. It’s got this laid-back vibe—no fuss, just people who really care about their whisky (and don’t mind if you ask dumb questions). The tasting room had sunlight pouring in through big windows and there was this moment when everything felt quiet except for a couple laughing softly by the bar. I still think about that view sometimes—the way the light hit all those bottles lined up like stained glass.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit three Speyside distilleries

• Pickup from accommodation
• Tour and tasting at Aberlour distillery
• Tour and tasting at Macallan distillery
• Tour and tasting at a third Speyside distillery
• Drop-off at accommodation

Top questions

How many distilleries are included on this Speyside whisky tour?

The private day trip includes guided tours and tastings at three different Speyside distilleries.

Is hotel pickup included for the Speyside whisky day trip?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are included in the tour.

Which distilleries might we visit during this tour?

The itinerary can include Benromach, Glenlivet, Glen Moray, Cardhu or others depending on availability and preferences.

Are the distillery tours led by local experts?

Yes, each distillery visit features an expert-led tour or tutored tasting session by knowledgeable staff.

How long does the full Speyside whisky day trip take?

The experience covers a full day with visits to three distilleries plus travel time between locations.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included; however bottled water is provided throughout the day.

Can we customize which distilleries we visit?

Yes, since it’s a private tour you can request specific distilleries or let your guide choose based on availability.

Are there any health restrictions for joining this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup and drop-off at your hotel or B&B in Speyside or nearby areas, bottled water for the road, plus guided tours and tutored tastings at three different distilleries led by local experts before returning home in time for dinner—or maybe another dram if you’re not done yet.