Inverness: Ultimate Whisky Experience
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
This 1-day tour from Inverness is a must for whisky-lovers. We will travel to two award-winning Speyside distilleries: Cardhu and Benromach, with a stop at the Speyside Cooperage as well. Taking in some of the fantastic scenery that the north of Scotland has to offer on the way.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: under 18s will not be able to take part in whisky tastings at the distilleries.
Please note: the distillery tours are an optional extra and are not included in the cost of the tour.
The remaining hours of the tour not laid out in the itinerary is allotted to the travel time between the stops.
All optional extras - attraction entrance fees, loch cruises, food and drinks, etc - are not included in the price of your tour. This is to allow our guests the freedom to choose which optional extras they would like to take part in on the day.
Check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time and closes 5 minutes prior to the stated departure time. We recommend that all passengers arrive in this window as tours must depart on schedule.
Since we cannot allow hot food on our buses you could also bring a cold packed lunch with you to make the most of your time at each stop, this would be particularly time-saving in the busier months!
Please note, that people under 18 may not be able to take part in certain tours at distilleries or access certain areas.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Cardhu Distillery
Departing in the morning from Inverness, we will travel east, dipping into the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, on our way to the first stop of our one-day whisky tour; Cardhu Distillery. Founded in 1824 by a whisky smuggler and his wife, this Speyside Distillery now plays a key part in Johnnie Walker blended whiskies, with the name Cardhu deriving from the words for “Black Rock” in Gaelic. Here, we will enjoy their “Nip Round” experience (optional extra) in which you will learn the history of the distillery, and get to select 2 whiskies to sample in a tutored tasting.
Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre
From Cardhu, we will continue to the fascinating Speyside Cooperage. This visitor centre gives you a glimpse into how traditional barrel makers work, with live demonstrations and a coopering exhibition. This allows you to learn more about such a key part of the whisky-making and storing process, which will surely make you enjoy your next dram even more!
What‘s Included
In-person Guide: English
Air-conditioned vehicle
Live commentary on board
Knowledgeable Driver-Guide
Restroom on board
WiFi on board
Gratuities
Distillery entry price
Food and drink
Options
Inverness: Ultimate Whisky Experience
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
One of the best trips to learn more about whisky
cristinaf393,,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really loved this tour. Alan was our guide - friendly, kind and well-informed. I wanted to learn more about whisky and visit a few distilleries without having to worry about driving, so this was the perfect opportunity. We visited the Cardhu distillery, Benromach distillery and Speyside Cooperage - each place was different in its own way, so it did not feel repetitive. It was a really relaxing day - we travelled with a few other people in a small van and the times at which we visited the distilleries it was calm with few people.
Unprofessional and...
Marc S,,Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Unprofessional and inappropriate..4 paid clients with a driver and 3 trainee guides who bantered amongst themselves..driver was disorganised. Had 3 places to be at 3 times and the rest was a bumble. Little local information given. Not recommended
A taste of Speyside's Scotch whisky industry...
M360CLkevinm,,Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed this tour with Alan our guide taking in two distilleries and the Speyside Cooperage at Craigellachie. My wife and I were two of four passengers so it had the feel of being a private tour. We started out from Inverness heading south on the A9 towards Carrbridge and then onto Grantown on Spey where we had a break for food and toilets. Alan opted for the route via Cromdale and Ballindalloch re-crossing across the Spey at Marypark and onto Cardhu Distillery. Despite my knowledge of this area, the route was still interesting and relaxing from Grantown with lovely views and Alan’s friendly and informative commentary on the surrounding scenery. Cardhu was quiet - we arrived just as the visitor centre staff were opening up - so it was a very relaxed tour and the whisky tasting most enjoyable. From Cardhu we headed for Craigellachie and the Speyside Cooperage. What a fascinating place to visit. Then it was on to Johnstons of Elgin’s mill for a quick bite of lunch - an excellent venue. Finally, to Forres for a visit to the Benromach distillery. A great tour with a very different feel to the somewhat polished and corporate Cardhu. Overall we liked the Ultimate Whisky Tour as it was a circular route through areas we are familiar with but don’t visit often. We passed many other distilleries en-route and Alan’s knowledge of the industry, the distilleries and notable sites to visit was very informative. A great day out on Speyside and in Moray with ideas for future forays into its whisky country.
Related Experiences
Operated by Timberbush Tours