In Speyside, in the northeast of Scotland, the picturesque Speyburn Distillery has quietly produced single malt whisky for more than a century. For the first time in its 126-year history, the distillery will open permanently to visitors beginning Aug. 1, offering whisky fans an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience of distilling life in Speyside.
© Speyburn
The decision to welcome visitors followed the success of special one-off events held during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in early 2023. Tickets for those events sold out within 12 hours, demonstrating strong public interest in the distillery and its whiskies.
The exploratory tour leads guests around the distillery, which sits tucked into a leafy glen on the edge of Forres near Aberlour. Built by founder John Hopkins in 1897, the distillery retains many original features and stonework. Visitors will walk along the banks of the Granty Burn, the source of the distillery’s clear waters, and witness the filling of casks destined for maturation in traditional dunnage warehouses.
© Speyburn
A highlight for whisky enthusiasts is a visit to Speyburn’s Old Drum Maltings, a traditional three-floor maltings building housing rarely seen vintage equipment. Previously kept locked and preserved, this space will now be part of the visitor route, offering a rare glimpse into historic malting practices. The tour also covers the distillery’s environmental initiatives and how the team works to protect the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can book tours Tuesday through Saturday, with three daily departures. Each tour lasts approximately one hour and 45 minutes and includes a tasting of Speyburn’s core expressions: Bradan Orach 10-year-old, 15-year-old and 18-year-old whiskies. Advance booking is advised due to limited capacity and strong demand.
Opening the distillery to the public marks a significant chapter for Speyburn, allowing enthusiasts and newcomers alike to explore its history, production methods and natural setting while sampling its signature single malts.