Discovering Scotland’s national drink
During your stay with us at Eagle Brae log cabins, we would certainly recommend a visit to one of our local whisky distilleries. Whisky is an important part of Scottish heritage. It’s our national drink, and its story spans hundreds of years. The first mention of whisky in history comes from the Scottish Exchequer Rolls for 1494, but its origins are likely to stretch back much further than that.
Today, whisky is one of Scotland’s biggest exports. There are over 130 malt and grain distilleries across the country, and there are five recognised whisky regions; Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay. Our location places us in the Highland region, known for a diverse mix of soft, rich, smooth and smoky whiskies. We are also not far from the Speyside region, which produces fruity, nutty and spicy malts.
Highland and Speyside Distillery Tours
Many distilleries in Scotland are open to visitors, making for a fun and fascinating day out. They will take you on a tour of their facilities, showing you how they make their whiskies and allowing you to sample them for yourself. (Designated drivers can often take whisky samples away, to try later). Most also have a shop, where you can purchase special bottlings and souvenirs. Our closest distillery is Glen Ord in Muir of Ord. Other popular Highland and Speyside distillery tours within 2 hours drive include Glenmorangie in Tain, Glenlivet in Ballindalloch and Glenfiddich in Dufftown.
Glen Ord Distillery
Distance from Eagle Brae: 15 miles
Glen Ord Distillery, producer of The Singleton of Glen Ord was built by Thomas Mackenzie in 1838, on a stretch of land owned by Clan Mackenzie. The distillery follows the motto “Luceo non uro” (I shine not burn), using long fermentation and slow batch distillation methods to produce its distinctive whiskies. Book a Glen Ord distillery tour.
Tomatin Distillery
Distance from Eagle Brae: 40 miles
This distillery near Inverness was established as the new Highland Railway was built in the late 19th century. Tomatin’s house style of whisky is unpeated, light, soft and fruity. The visitor centre offers tours through the history of whisky production and tastings of Tomatin whisky and its sister brand Cù Bòcan. Book a Tomatin distillery tour.
Glenmorangie Distillery
Distance from Eagle Brae: 45 miles
Located in Tain, Glenmorangie Distillery dates from 1843 and uses the tallest copper stills for distillation in Scotland. This helps to give Glenmorangie whisky its delicate taste and aroma. The visitor centre takes guests on a journey through the whisky-making process, where you’ll learn more about this smooth and complex single malt. Book a Glenmorangie distillery tour.
Glenlivet Distillery
Distance from Eagle Brae: 76 miles
Glenlivet was the first legal distillery in the Livet Valley, a remote glen in the Speyside region. In 1824 the glen was full of illicit distillers, therefore this was a dangerous move. So founder, George Smith, carried a pair of flintlock pistols with him at all times, for protection. Glenlivet whisky is a classic Speyside malt, light, grassy and well-balanced. Book a Glenlivet distillery tour.
Glenfiddich Distillery
Distance from Eagle Brae: 85 miles
In the burgh of Dufftown in Moray, Glenfiddich is a Speyside distillery, founded in 1886 and taking pride in traditional processes and specialist crafts. Glenfiddich is the world’s best-selling single malt whisky, and so this is one of the most popular distilleries to visit in the area. Offering a range of tours and experiences. Book a Glenfiddich distillery tour.
After a busy day of exploring, there’s no better way to enjoy a wee whisky dram than curled up in front of the fire in your cosy Eagle Brae log cabin. Find out more about things to do during your stay at Eagle Brae with our blog and activities guide.
