Strathisla Distillery is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands and arguably one of the most attractive. We especially like Strathisla as the building has lots of old world charm and there is a strong sense of tradition.
The Distillery tour had been revamped for 2020 and started with a "Highball Cocktail" that you could enjoy whilst the history and production process at Strathisla are explained. You then go into the production areas which are housed within some very old buildings with low wooden beams. As you go round the distillery you are invited to taste the "wash" and have a sniff of the new spirit coming off the still. At the end of the tour, you can test your taste buds with a blind tasting in the distillery's "Blending Room".
Production takes place 7 days a week so you should get the sights and sounds of the distillery in operation.
Visitors are also shown the warehouses and the secure area where the Royal Family's casks are held. A bottle of the Queen's 60-year-old "Coronation" Cask is valued at over £6,000+ per bottle!!!
In keeping with the age of the distillery, the visitor centre has retained a strong sense of tradition and has not opted for the modern look that you will find in some other Speyside distilleries. If you can only visit one distillery in Speyside then this is the one that we would recommend.
Strathisla distillery is located centrally in the town of Keith and can be found by following the A96 through the town. The distillery is on a side road which is clearly signposted.
Please Note: Persons under 18 yrs old are not permitted into the production areas for safety reasons.
Before COVID restrictions, the following tour options were offered:
£20 Distillery Tours at 10:30,13:30, 16:00 and last ~75 minutes . Spaces are limited so please pre-book via the Strathisla website.
£40 Chivas Cellar Tastings take place at 12:15, 15:15 and last ~45 mins.
£60 Chivas Blending Experience takes place at 11:00, 14:00 and last ~2 hours 15 mins.
No Photography allowed in the production areas.
Address: |
Strathisla Distillery, Keith, Banffshire AB55 3BS Tel: 01542 783044 |
Operated by: |
Chivas Bros. |
Opening Hours: |
3 January - 23 March, Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm |
Admission: |
The basic 80 minute Distillery Tour: Adults £22, Free for under 18’s - Tours run at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 |
Parking: |
Yes |
Languages: |
Leaflets available in German, French & Spanish. |
Accessibility: |
Distillery tours are not feasible as this is an old building with many stairs. |
Toilets: |
Yes |
Shop: |
Yes |
Cafe/Restaurant: |
No, but there is a nice cafe nearby called Boogie Woogie. It is at the junction of the B9014 and A96. |