Central Belt Whisky Evolution

Start time 07:00

Your journey through the evolution of whisky in Scotland’s Central Belt begins with a visit to Glenkinchie Distillery, a classic Lowland distillery steeped in tradition and known for its light, floral single malts. Nestled in the picturesque countryside just outside Edinburgh, Glenkinchie provides an insight into centuries of craftsmanship. The tour concludes with a tasting of their iconic expressions, including a distillery-exclusive release.

After a lunch break in Edinburgh, we transition to the modern era with a visit to Holyrood Distillery, located in the heart of Scotland’s capital. This innovative distillery blends whisky and gin production, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to spirits. Your tour includes stops at their whisky and gin production areas, with samples of their experimental whiskies and handcrafted gins offered along the way.

The day concludes with an optional whisky tasting at Artisan Restaurant in Wishaw, home to over 1,300 whiskies. This is the perfect setting to reflect on the evolution of whisky while sampling rare and exceptional drams.

After breakfast, we continue the exploration of Scotland’s whisky evolution with a visit to Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow. Situated along the historic waterfront, this contemporary distillery pairs state-of-the-art production techniques with Glasgow’s storied whisky heritage. The tour offers a fascinating blend of modernity and history, ending with a tasting of their refined Lowland single malts.

Next, we’ll head towards The Kelpies, the iconic 30-metre-high steel horse head sculptures symbolising Scotland’s industrial heritage and its deep connection to waterways. You’ll have an opportunity to explore the area and take some memorable photos of these awe-inspiring structures.

After visiting The Kelpies, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can relax and savour a delicious meal before we continue our whisky journey.

Our final stop is the beautifully restored Rosebank Distillery, often referred to as the “King of the Lowlands.” This renowned distillery exemplifies traditional whisky-making, with its triple-distilled, light, and elegant single malts. A guided tour of the production areas and a visit to a warehouse provide a fascinating insight into whisky’s rich heritage, while the tasting session offers a preview of exciting future Rosebank expressions alongside some current releases from their sister distilleries.

Returning to Aberdeen by early evening, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the dynamic blend of heritage and innovation that defines whisky in Scotland’s Central Belt.