Whisky in Aberdeen dates back to 1494 when the king ordered malt to be sent to make ‘aqua vite’, the water of life. Since then, Scotland’s ‘amber nectar’ has become a Scottish staple. Home to four main whisky regions: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, and Island, whisky is produced across Scotland. The closest whisky region to Aberdeen is the Speyside region which has the highest concentration of distilleries in the country. Due to the city’s close proximity to successful whisky distilleries, there is a plentiful supply of whisky in Aberdeen. When visiting the city, sampling the local tipple is a must.
Read on to be whisked away by the 8 best Whisky experiences in Aberdeen.
Glen Gairoch
Just 18 miles from Aberdeen city centre, Glen Gairoch provides an authentic taste of Aberdeen Whisky. The distillery offers a wide range of Glen Garioch Highland Single Malt Whisky, as well as a number of fascinating visitor experiences. From Distillery Cask Bottling to whisky and cheese tasting, Glen Gairoch is one of the best whisky experiences in Aberdeen. Founded in 1797, it is the closest distillery to Aberdeen making it easily accessible by car or bus.
Casc
If bars are more your scene, Casc has an extensive menu of Scotch, American, Swedish, and New Zealand whiskies. Just a 4-minute walk from Aberdeen train station, Casc is easily accessible. This bar hosts an annual Whisky Mash Festival for ‘amber nectar’ lovers looking for Whisky experiences in Aberdeen. A ticket to this festival comes with a free glass, discounts on whisky and food on the day, and ballot entry to win a bottle of whisky!
With Casc being in the centre of the city, there are lots of restaurants nearby to grab some food before you sample the local tipple. Read our blog on The 8 Best Restaurants in Aberdeen to find the best places to grab a bite.
The Grill
The Grill lies in the heart of Aberdeen. Established in 1870, it is one of the city’s oldest bars. With an extensive range of over 600 single malts and blends from Scotland and across the globe, there are a plethora of whiskies to sample. As whisky experiences in Aberdeen go, this bar provides one of the most extensive and varied tastes of whisky in Aberdeen.
Tippling House
Another short walk from Aberdeen train station, Tippling House hosts whiskies from all over the world. If you are searching for places to sample whisky in Aberdeen, Tippling House is the place to visit. Whisky admirers can book tastings to sample the wide range of whisky, as well as gin, rum, and wine. With a short walk to the Aberdeen Art Gallery and His Majesty’s Theatre, Tippling House is an ideal pit stop to make before visiting these must-see attractions.
Ninety-Nine Aberdeen
You can’t get far without being seduced by the aura surrounding the whisky industry in Aberdeen. Ninety-Nine Aberdeen hosts 15 different whisky types, as well as a wide range of other spirits. This neighbourhood cocktail bar is ideally located in the centre of the city, just a heartbeat away from SilverDoor serviced apartments. From the expensive tipple to the more casual drink, Ninety-Nine Aberdeen has a whisky for everyone. We recommend the Dewars 8yo Illegal Smooth or the Glenlivet 12yo.
St. Machar Bar
Boasting more than 100 different whiskies, St. Machar Bar provides the ultimate whisky experience in Aberdeen. With a tipple for everyone, this pub is popular among students and locals alike. If a traditional pub is more your scene, then St. Machar Bar is the ideal spot to unwind with a glass of whisky.
Freedom an' Whisky
Situated in the Sandman Hotel, Freedom an’ Whisky is Aberdeen’s first premium whisky lounge and hosts a range of whiskies from new distillers to old favourites. With a selection of whiskies from the four different main Whisky regions, guests are spoilt for choice, with over 150 premium single malts on offer. Providing masterclasses from leading brands such as Glendfiddich, guests can enjoy their whisky alongside grazing boards of fresh food.
The Malt Whisky Trail
For the full Aberdeen whisky experience, The Malt Whisky Trail provides a glimpse into the traditional distilleries that spread over the Speyside region. Made up of 9 distilleries, the trail starts in the easterly Benromach Distillery and ends with the Strathisla Distillery. The trail is an introduction into the world of Aberdeen whisky that dates back centuries. This experience introduces guests to the men and woman who come from a long line of whisky distillers. Over the years these families have mastered the art of whisky distilling. Read on for a glimpse into the whisky distilleries near Aberdeen.
SilverDoor have a range of Aberdeen serviced apartments that include free-onsite parking, making them ideal for planning your journey along The Malt Whisky Trail. The closest Apartment to the trail is our Birchlee Blackhall Road Apartments which is only a 32 miles from the first distillery.
Strathisla
Established in 1786, Strathisla is the oldest continually operating distillery on The Malt Whisky Trail, producing a full-bodied single malt Scotch whisky. Visiting this distillery makes for an enchanting day out for everyone, from bona fide whisky enthusiasts to complete whisky novices, the expert staff will show how prestigious whiskies are created from simple ingredients. One can also get a flavour of Strathisla’s own home-made whisky in one of the distilleries range tastings.
Glenfiddich
Glenfiddich distillery was founded in 1886 by William Grant and is currently run by the fifth generation of his family. The iconic stag image resonates with the distilleries name. ‘Glenfiddich’ is Scots Gaelic for ‘Valley of the Deer’. Visit this historic distillery and experience the range of tours offered throughout the year.
Cardhu
Cardhu is the only distillery started by a woman on the trail highlighting its important and unique history. Taking its name from the Gaelic for black rock, the Exercise Act of 1824 situated John and Helen Cumming’s small business into a local distillery. Elizabeth Cummings, their son’s wife, took over the distillery in 1872 and registered Cardhu as a trademark. She moved the distillery to a new area and laid the foundations for the distillery it is today.
With many tours on offer, Cardhu provides some of the best whisky experiences in Aberdeen.
With a wide range of bars and distilleries, there are lots of experiences to sample whisky in Aberdeen. Whether you want an educational tour, or a chance to sit down and enjoy a cold glass of whisky, there are a multitude of whisky experiences in Aberdeen.
Planning a business trip to Aberdeen? Plan your stay with SilverDoor today. See what serviced accommodation in Aberdeen we have to offer and start planning your trip to the ‘Granite City’.
