Tomatin Distillery
Discover the heart of Highland whisky at Tomatin Distillery, offering guided tours and tastings of its celebrated single malts since 1897.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Tomatin Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the heart of Highland whisky at Tomatin Distillery, offering guided tours and tastings of its celebrated single malts since 1897.
"A truly worthwhile guided tour offering great insight into their process and fantastic older whiskies."
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours are popular; book your slot in advance to guarantee your spot.
🥃 Taste the Range
Don't miss the guided tasting to experience Tomatin's diverse whiskies.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Distillery Tour
Explore the heart of whisky making, from mash tun to maturation. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the process.
Whisky Tastings
Savor a selection of Tomatin's finest single malts, experiencing their unique character and complexity.
The Tomatin Legacy
Discover the story and heritage behind this Highland distillery, established in 1897.
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Cu Bocan Whisky
Sample the lightly peated, non-chill filtered Cu Bocan range for a different whisky experience.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Understand the Whisky Tax
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours are popular; book your slot in advance to guarantee your spot.
🥃 Taste the Range
Don't miss the guided tasting to experience Tomatin's diverse whiskies.
🚗 Easy Access from Inverness
Located a short drive from Inverness, making it a convenient day trip.
🗣️ Ask Your Guide
Guides are knowledgeable and happy to answer all your whisky questions. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours are popular; book your slot in advance to guarantee your spot.
🥃 Taste the Range
Don't miss the guided tasting to experience Tomatin's diverse whiskies.
🚗 Easy Access from Inverness
Located a short drive from Inverness, making it a convenient day trip.
🗣️ Ask Your Guide
Guides are knowledgeable and happy to answer all your whisky questions. +1
🛍️ Distillery Shop
Find exclusive bottlings and merchandise, though prices reflect whisky tax.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tomatin Distillery for its informative and engaging tours, led by knowledgeable and friendly guides. The tastings are a highlight, showcasing the quality and diversity of their single malts. While some note higher prices in the shop, the overall experience is considered excellent value and a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts.
"With nothing to really guide me to select one distillery over another for a tour, Tomatin gave me a great introduction to what whisky making is about. James the guide was patient and very knowledgeable and answered all the questions. Despite the fact that it was August and a non-distilling time of year (so there was little ‘action’ occurring in the distillery), it was cool to see the gear up close and personal. In all a very satisfactory experience and maybe better for the fact it wasn’t one of the big name distillers. Of course the tasting part was great and the guide took us through a step by step tutored tasting of the whiskies."
Peter Westley
"A rather large distillery offering a comprehensive tour and tasting room & bar experience. Staff were pretty knowledgeable and transparent on bottles, industry information, and prices. Thoroughly enjoyed my time there on the Single Cask experience, and bought a couple of exclusive bottles.
Saw some complaints on how bottles are more expensive than in third party shops, and that's because of Scotland's whisky tax, pretty common knowledge, so hold your horses before slamming the distilleries!"
Robin Tan
"This was a very exciting tour for us, full of insights and valuable information. The tour felt like a very special occasion designed for us attendants, where we can have a firsthand look at the distillation process, with all the tools and machinery that a distillery actually uses. Also this tour would not be this fun without our guide, James: Shout out to James for his splendid guidance and his sense of humour!"
Şerife U.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tomatin Distillery is located south of Inverness. You can reach it by car via the A9, which is a straightforward drive of about 20-30 minutes. Public transport options are limited, so driving or taking a taxi is generally recommended.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the distillery.
Absolutely! Tomatin Distillery is a great stop for those traveling the North Coast 500, offering a taste of Highland whisky culture.
The nearest major airport is Inverness Airport (INV), which is about a 30-minute drive from the distillery.
While direct public transport is limited, you can take a bus from Inverness towards Aviemore and potentially arrange a taxi for the final leg. It's best to check local bus schedules in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the experience. The standard guided tour typically includes a tasting and can range from £15-£30 per person. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and tour options.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, as tours can sell out. You can usually book online through the Tomatin Distillery website.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, tours are available most days of the week, often starting from mid-morning. It's essential to check their official website for current operating hours and tour availability.
A standard tour typically includes a guided walk through the distillery, explaining the whisky-making process, followed by a tutored tasting of several Tomatin whiskies.
Yes, the distillery has a shop where you can purchase a range of Tomatin whiskies, including some exclusive bottlings not readily available elsewhere.
🎫 🥃 Whisky & Tastings
Tomatin produces a range of single malt Scotch whiskies, including their core range like the Legacy, 12 Year Old, and 18 Year Old, as well as special editions and the lightly peated Cu Bocan range.
Tomatin is their core range of single malts, generally unpeated. Cu Bocan is a separate brand from Tomatin, known for its lightly peated whiskies, offering a distinct smoky character.
While tastings are often part of the tours, some special tasting experiences might be available. It's best to check the distillery's offerings or inquire directly about dedicated tasting sessions.
Yes, Tomatin offers various tasting experiences, from the standard tasting included in tours to more in-depth single cask or premium tastings for enthusiasts.
The common pronunciation is 'Tuh-MAH-tin', with a soft emphasis on the second syllable and minimal sound on the final 't'.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as welcoming and informative. The guides are praised for their knowledge and sense of humor, making the experience engaging. +1
While the focus is on whisky, the tour provides a fascinating insight into a traditional Highland industry and the distilling process itself, which can be interesting even if you don't drink whisky.
Some distilleries offer the unique experience of bottling your own whisky. It's worth inquiring with Tomatin if this is a service they currently provide.
While Tomatin is primarily a distillery, they often have a visitor center with a shop and tasting bar. For full meals, nearby Inverness offers numerous cafes and restaurants. +1
The guided tour followed by a tasting is highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of their whiskies. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the tasting portions of the tour are strictly for adults. However, the visitor center and shop area are generally accessible. If you're traveling with children, consider focusing on the historical and industrial aspects of the tour, and perhaps enjoying the scenic Highland surroundings while the adults partake in the tasting.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider visiting as a group to potentially get better rates or look for any special offers. Bringing your own snacks and water is also a good idea, as food options on-site might be limited or pricier. Remember that purchasing whisky at the distillery shop, while offering exclusives, might be more expensive than in some retail stores due to local taxes.
🥃 Whisky Enthusiasts
Consider booking a more premium tasting experience if available, or inquire about any single cask bottlings. The chance to sample whiskies like the 18 Year Old or the lightly peated Cu Bocan range provides a comprehensive understanding of Tomatin's diverse portfolio. Engaging with the guides about cask management and maturation techniques can also be highly rewarding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tomatin Whisky-Making Process
Tomatin utilizes a variety of casks for maturation, including traditional Scotch whisky casks, ex-bourbon casks, and ex-sherry casks, each contributing unique notes to the final spirit. Their location in the Highlands also influences the whisky, with the pure water source and the climate playing a role in the maturation process. The distillery is known for producing both unpeated and lightly peated whiskies, offering a diverse range for enthusiasts.
+1Visitors on the distillery tours get an up-close look at these stages, from the massive mash tun and fermentation vessels to the stills and the warehousing where the casks slumber. The guides often share detailed explanations about the science and art involved, making the process accessible and fascinating for everyone, regardless of their prior whisky knowledge.
Exploring Tomatin's Whisky Range
+1Beyond the core range, Tomatin also produces Cu Bocan, a lightly peated single malt that offers a different dimension. This range includes expressions like the Cu Bocan Signature, which balances subtle smoke with sweet and spicy notes. The distillery also releases special editions and limited bottlings, such as the Portuguese Collection or older vintages, which are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
+2When visiting, the tasting sessions are an excellent opportunity to sample these different expressions. Guides often provide insights into the specific cask types, maturation periods, and flavor profiles of each whisky, helping visitors discover their personal preferences. The distillery shop also offers exclusive bottlings that might not be available elsewhere.
Tomatin Distillery: A Highland Gem
+1Visitors often highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff, particularly the guides, who make the tours engaging and informative. The experience is frequently described as a great introduction to Scotch whisky, even for those new to the spirit. The combination of the scenic Highland setting, the fascinating distillation process, and the enjoyable tastings makes Tomatin a memorable stop for travelers.
While it might not be one of the 'big name' distilleries, many visitors appreciate Tomatin for its authenticity and the personal touch of its tours. It's a place where you can truly connect with the heritage and craft of Scotch whisky production in a beautiful part of Scotland.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit