Burning with a singular passion to create the finest single malt golden scotch whisky, John Hopkins founded the iconic Speyburn Distillery in 1897
One of the many challenges John Hopkins had to overcome in establishing the distillery close to it’s pure water source was in the physical placement of the building. Rather than force the distillery onto the natural landscape Hopkins invited world-renowned architect Charles C. Doig to integrate the distillery more sympathetically into the surroundings. This meant designing an entirely new style of distillery and building over 3 levels to fit into the steep valley’s topography. Doig’s ingenious solution includes the now iconic pagoda ventilator which allowed a constant current of air to flow over the grains.
Embark on a journey of discovery and experience the heart of Speyburn
Book a TourEmbark on a journey of discovery and experience the heart of Speyburn with our exclusive behind-the-scenes distillery tour and tasting. Our tour guides will take you on an immersive adventure through the ages of dedication, expertise, and tradition that culminate in the creation of our award-winning single malt whisky. Immerse yourself in the rich history of our distillery and marvel at the Old Drum Maltings, a testament to our proud heritage since the early 1900s. Witness first hand the meticulous process of whisky-making, using the pristine waters of the Granty Burn to craft our exceptional whisky.
Conclude your tour with a visit to our warehouse to learn about the maturation process and experience a tantalizing tasting of our Speyburn range. As a keepsake, you’ll receive a complimentary Glencairn glass to cherish. All tours are conducted in English.
Opening Times
All Year
Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 4:30pm
125 years in the Making
An immersive adventure through the ages of dedication, expertise, and tradition that culminate in the creation of our award-winning single malt whisky
Facilities
Parking
WiFi
Sign Language
English and German
Toilets
Guide Dogs Allowed
Gift Shop
Card and Mobile Payments
Accessibility
Wheelchair access to the shop but not currently the tours.
How to Find Us
Situated in the picturesque town of Rothes at the heart of the Speyside Whisky Trail.
By Car
Both Google and Apple maps will take you straight to us. Those using more traditional methods; from the South, drive through Rothes high street until you come from Rothes roundabout. Take the 3rd exit (B9105 North St) for 300m before taking a left at signpost marked Speyburn Distillery. From the North before you reach Rothes take the first exit at the Rothes roundabout.
By Bus
From Inverness: Take the M96 Coach run by Stagecoach to Elgin. Then the 36 bus bound for Dufftown until you reach Rothes, then walk back on yourself, keeping right until you reach a sign marked Speyburn Distillery.
From Aviemore: Take the X37 bus from Aviemore Train Station bound for Carrbridge until you reach The Square in Granton-on-Spey. Cross the road to the Garth Hotel and take the 36A bus bound for Dufftown. Get off at St Margaret's Church in Charlestown and await the 36 bus to Elgin. Get off at Glennies Lane in Rothes, head north onto North St until you reach a sign marked Speyburn Distillery.
By Train
From Aberdeen: Take the Scotrail train from Aberdeen to Elgin. Then the 36 bus bound for Dufftown until you reach Rothes, then walk back on yourself, keeping right until you reach a sign marked Speyburn Distillery.
From Edinburgh: Get the train to Aberdeen and follow the above instructions.
From Glasgow: Get the train to Aviemore or Inverness and follow the Bus instructions.
Speyburn Distillery, Rothes, Aberlour, Banffshire, Scotland, AB38 7AG
FAQs
What should I wear on the experience?
The experiences take place in Speyburn Distillery, and as you will enter the production area, we suggest wearing comfortable, layered clothing due to the warmth of our stills. Sensible footwear is also advised; no open-toed shoes or high heels as there are mesh and grated areas.
Can I bring my dog to Speyburn Distillery?
Only assistance dogs are permitted at Speyburn Distillery and we ask that you bring relevant documentation with you for example Assistance Dogs UK branded ID book. Where possible, we ask that you inform us in advance if you are bringing an assistance dog onto Speyburn Distillery. You can contact us on +44(0)7977 706676 or email distillery@speyburn.com to inform us. Speyburn Hosts will be available to assist guests should assistance dogs find the grating unpleasant and be unable to walk across it.
What is your cancellation & refunds policy?
A full refund will be issued for cancellations made up to 72 hours before tour date. You are entitled to a full refund if you give us notification, via email, of your wish to cancel your tickets up to 72 hours before your tour begins.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility?
One of the unique aspects of Speyburn is the clever use of a compact site, meaning most of the distillery and the maltings are two or three storeys high. Being an old building, there are no lifts, and the tour does take visitors up and down several flights of stairs. Much of the tour route is also on open-grid flooring, which is perfectly safe but can be disconcerting for those who are uncomfortable with heights. The tasting room and shop are accessible by wheelchair.
How can I book for large groups?
Space within the distillery is very limited, so we cannot accommodate groups larger than 10 people on a tour.
Should I book in advance?
Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Are children allowed on the tour?
Due to a number of potential hazards within the maltings and the production area of the distillery, we can only allow children aged 12 and over to join the distillery tour.
Experience Speyburn