Speyside Whisky Trails Overview
Originally celebrated for its apparent medicinal qualities, whisky grew to become an integral part of daily Scottish life, drank for its reviving properties and to warm the body during the long, cold Scottish winters. As its popularity grew, extortionate taxes were imposed on whisky production in the latter stages of the 16th century which drove many distilleries underground, with several establishing themselves in the hills of the Grampian Highlands away from the eyes of the excise men. Smuggling became common practice and distilleries would signal from one hilltop to the next when excise men entered the area. In 1823, a new tax system was introduced that made it possible for distilleries to make a profit and pay taxes, and the illegal production of whisky gradually phased out. But many of the old distilleries remain in their dramatic locations in the hills and today form a popular whisky trail where visitors can tour distilleries and sample a wee dram or two of their favorite malt or scotch whisky. The distilleries on the Speyside Trail include Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant, Glenlivet, Glen Moray and Strathisla. The award-winning Speyside Cooperage and visitor center is also on the trail where visitors can see how the traditional oak casks used for maturing the whiskies are made. Other popular trails in the Grampian Highlands include the Castle Trail, the Coastal Trail and the Victorian Heritage Trail and the whole area is renowned for its stunning scenery.
Contact Addresses
For more information on the Speyside Whisky Trails, contact Visit Scotland (see Tourist Information above) or visit the Speyside Whisky Trails website: www.maltwhiskeytrail.com.
Transportation
Air: Aberdeen International Airport. Rail: Aberdeen Station. Road: Bus: Public Services to Aberdeen. Coach: Many coach tours include the Whisky Trails as part of the their trips. Car: A9 then A95 through Speyside.
Location
Aberdeen
Scotland
,
United Kingdom
,
Aberdeen
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