Glenfiddich Distillery, Speyside, Scotland: An Unforgettable Whisky Experience

Did you know that Glenfiddich is the last remaining family-owned distillery in Speyside, a region famous for hosting some of the world’s best whisky distilleries? On top of that, Glenfiddich produces the most awarded single malt Scotch whisky in the world. As a big whisky enthusiast, I couldn’t miss including this visit in my itinerary and taking the tour to see the whole process up close.

I’m going to share my experience and why I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this tour! It’s the perfect activity for anyone wanting to discover the true art of whisky-making.

I woke up early, enjoyed my breakfast with a delicious almond croissant, and set off for the Speyside region, about an hour’s drive from Aberdeen.

For those not used to driving on the left side of the road, be extra careful! Along the way, you’ll also find some farms selling local products like milk, eggs, cheeses, sweets, and more. It’s definitely worth stopping—I, for example, stocked up the car with free-range eggs! Love it!

The drive from Aberdeen to Dufftown, where Glenfiddich is located, took about 90 minutes through the scenic Speyside countryside. We arrived at 10:30 AM, giving us just enough time to soak in the charming surroundings before our tour began. The tour itself lasts around 90 minutes and costs £30 per person—a small price for an unforgettable dive into the world of Scotland’s most awarded single malt whisky.

The best time to visit the Speyside region and Glenfiddich Distillery is between May and September. The weather, as you might expect, is cool and often rainy, which adds a certain charm to the lush Scottish landscape. Since the tour takes you through several outdoor areas of the property, having an umbrella in your bag is a smart move.

We began our visit by watching a short film about the Grant family, William Grant, the visionary founder, and his nine children (seven sons and two daughters). The film brings to life how the dream of starting their own distillery took shape, and the sheer determination it took to build it brick by brick. By 1887, just a year later, the distillery was ready, and William named it Glenfiddich, which means “Valley of the Deer” in Gaelic. I absolutely love stories of people who, driven by a dream, believed in it and turned it into reality; it’s inspiring every time!

Then we moved on to the main production hall, where the magic of whisky-making happens. The process is meticulous, starting with the careful selection of the finest barley. The air is filled with the sweet, earthy aroma of malt, and you can feel the history in every corner of the hall. I won’t give away all the secrets here, because the best way to experience it is to come and see it yourself. Trust me, it’s worth every moment!

One of the main reasons Glenfiddich whisky is so special is the water, which comes directly from the Speyside Valley, from the Robbie Dhu Spring. William Grant chose the distillery’s location precisely because of this water, pure, fresh, and perfect for whisky production. Every single drop used in every bottle comes from this spring!

Glenfiddich was a pioneer in exporting its single malt to the international market in the 1960s. Today, the Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old is the world’s best-selling single malt.

Photography isn’t allowed in the area where the whisky matures in oak barrels, but this is where it develops its rich flavors and complexity. Just thinking about it now, I can almost smell the distinctive aroma wafting from the barrels.

At the end of the tour, if you’re not driving, it finishes with a tasting of four whiskies: Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old, and an experimental whisky called Orchard, with around 43% ABV, crafted using exclusive production techniques. My favorite was the Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old, with its hints of apple, spices, and oak. The Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, known worldwide, is smoother but equally excellent.

If you are driving, the guide provides a box of mini bottles of each whisky so you can enjoy them at home. I absolutely LOVED the tour. Our guide, a very friendly Scot, had deep knowledge about this incredible drink, my personal favorite.

On the way out, it’s worth stopping by the shop for a souvenir. They offer travel-friendly miniatures, and the Glenfiddich-branded glass is an absolute must-have.

See you in the next post! Cheers! 🥃