Where are the major Scotch and whisky distilleries located?

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The big difference between single malt and blended whiskys lies in their ingredients and their methods of production. The word whisky itself takes its origins from the Gaelic phrase “Uisge Beatha” which translates to “water of life”. Malt whiskys are made exclusively from using malted barley which has been distilled inside a pot still, whereas blended whiskys may contain any of several grains (including 15 to 60% single malt barley) and are distilled inside what is called a continuous still. The principle difference between an Irish whisky and its cousin across the pond is that it is triple distilled as opposed to the standard double distillation process used for Scotch whisky. For locations of most whisky distilleries in Scotland see www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

If visiting the Scottish Highlands, don’t miss the Scotch Whisky Heritage Center in Edinburgh. It’s a great interactive tour complete with tastings, videos, and even a ride. Located at 354 Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Phone: 0131 220 0441. Open everyday May to Sept from 9:30am to 6:30pm; Oct to April from 10am to 5pm. Price 6.5 Pounds Adult or 4.5 Pounds Student. Email: [email protected] or see Website: www.whisky-heritage.co.uk

Noteworthy Single Malt Scotch Distilleries:

  • Glenmorangie-visit the distillery located in the Glen of Tranquility about ½ mile north of Tain, Scotland on the A9 (1 hour north of Inverness).  Tours given every 30 minutes. Admission: 2 pounds (redeemable in gift shop for purchases over 15 pounds. Tel:01862 892 477 Website: www.glenmorangie.com
  • Glenfiddich- located ½ mile north of Dufftown in Banffshire, Scotland AB55 4DH. Open all year weekdays 9:30am to 4:30pm and from Easter to mid-Oct open Sat 9:30am to 4:30pm and Sun 12 to 4:30pm. Telephone: (+44) 0 1340 820 373. Website: www.glenfiddich.com
  • GlenLivet- located in the Livet valley in the Speyside regionWebsite: www.glenlivet.com

Noteworthy Blended Scotch Distilleries:

  • Chivas- visit their historic distillery established in 1786 in Strathisla. Located on Seafield Avenue, Keith, Banffshire, AB555BS. Telephone: 01542 783044. Open Feb to mid-March Mon to Fri 9:30am to 4pm; mid-March to late Nov from Mon to Sat 9:30am to 4pm; Sun 12:30 to 4pm. Price 4 Pound includes tasting. See www.chivas.com
  • Dewar’s-Distillery open 10am to 5pm Mon to Sat, Sun 12:00 to 4pm. Price: 3.95 Pound Adult. Telephone: (+44) 0 1887 822 010. Email: [email protected] or Website: ww.dewars.com
  • Jameson’s Irish Whiskey-museum illustrates production methods set in 18th century distillery warehouse and includes tasting dram of Uisce Beatha (Water of Life). Located on Bow St. Smithfield Village, Dublin 7. Telephone: 01/807 2355. Open 9:30am to 6pm everyday. Price: 5.53Euros Adult, 4.90 Student. Website: www.idl.ie