Blair Athol Distillery is a working Scotch whisky distillery on Perth Road in Pitlochry, established in 1798. Guided tours cover the distillery and whisky-making process, with a tasting at the end. The Allt Dour burn, which flows from Ben Vrackie through the grounds, supplies water for production. You can learn how the whisky is made, hear about the distillery’s history and explore its traditional buildings. Book ahead if you want a place on a tour, and ask about the available tasting options.
A distillery founded in 1798
Blair Athol Distillery is in Pitlochry, on Perth Road, at the southern end of town. It was established in 1798 and is among Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. Its earlier name was Aldour, after the Alt Dour burn, the watercourse that runs through the grounds. Today the burn is known as the Allt Dour.
The water comes from the slopes of Ben Vrackie and is used in whisky production. The burn’s route through the site connects the distillery’s setting to one of its essential ingredients. The distillery is also associated with the wider Scotch whisky tradition through its role in blending, as well as its single malt.
What a guided tour covers
Tours take visitors through the distillery and explain how whisky is made. The process includes mashing, and the mash tun is one of the stages visitors can learn about. The mash’s duration affects flavour, a detail that can help make the production process easier to follow during the visit.
Copper stills and the distillery’s buildings are among the sights associated with the production tour. The guided format also covers Blair Athol’s history. Tour types and events can vary with the season, so check what is running when you plan to go. Booking ahead is advised.
Tasting the whisky
A tasting is part of the tour experience. It gives you a chance to explore the whisky’s aroma and flavour, with guidance on taking time to smell it and notice its character. Adding water can open up aromas and notes that are less apparent at first, so the tasting is also a way to learn how dilution changes what you notice.
Blair Athol produces a 12-year-old single malt. Some tour experiences include whiskies from the distillery and its sister distilleries, though the selection depends on the experience booked. A whisky-and-chocolate pairing has also been offered. Ask about the current tasting before booking if a particular format matters to you.
Scotland has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Designated drivers have been able to take tasting samples away in small bottles, so ask the distillery about this arrangement before the tasting.
Häufige Fragen
When was Blair Athol Distillery established?
The distillery was established in 1798.
What happens on a Blair Athol Distillery tour?
Guided tours cover the distillery, its history and the whisky-making process. A whisky tasting follows.
Can a designated driver take part in the tasting?
Designated drivers have been able to take their samples away in small bottles. Ask the distillery about the arrangement during your visit.
Is parking available at Blair Athol Distillery?
Free parking is listed at the distillery, along with free street parking.
