In Speyside, in the northeast region of Scotland, stands picturesque Speyburn Distillery, a whisky distillery making single malt whiskies behind closed doors for more than a century. Now, for the first time in 126 years, the distillery opens permanently to visitors beginning Aug. 1. The new visitor experience gives whisky fans a behind-the-scenes look and immersive experience into the distilling life of Speyside.

© Speyburn

The decision to open the distillery to the public came after the success of several special one-off events during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in early 2023. Upon seeing tickets sell out within 12 hours, there was no denying the popularity of the brand and distillery.

On the exploratory tour, guests venture around the distillery, located tucked away in a leafy glen on the edge of Forres near Aberlour. The distillery, built by founder John Hopkins in 1897, sits in a charming but quiet area of Speyside, and guests on the tour can still see the original buildings’ features and stonework. The tour also brings visitors to the banks of Granty Burn, which provides the distillery’s crystal-clear waters, and to the filling of casks for maturation in traditional dunnage warehouses.

© Speyburn

Whisky enthusiasts receive a special treat on the tour, too. Tours offer a fascinating glimpse into Speyburn’s Old Drum Maltings, a traditional maltings building with three floors of rarely seen vintage equipment. Until now, the building has sat locked and perfectly preserved. Guests of the tour also learn about Speyburn’s environmental credentials and how the distillery team work to protect the surrounding environment.

Bookable here, the distillery offers three daily tours running every week, Tuesday–Saturday, each lasting one hour and 45 minutes. Tours include a tasting of Speyburn’s core range: Bradan Orach 10-years-old, 15-years-old and 18-years-old.