Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by Leah Hall
Come on a tour of Glen Scotia Distillery with us! This informative tour is a fun and tasty way to enjoy a small whisky region of Scotland!
Glen Scotia Distillery is one of the few remaining Campbeltown distilleries. There are only 3 left, from a heyday of over 30. Glen Scotia Distillery was founded in 1832.
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Come explore with us the old warehouses (that smell amazing!) and learn about the uniqueness of Campbeltown whisky. Campbeltown whisky has a unique “funk” as I called it. It seems to be an interesting combination with briny, smoky, and oily notes, with a hint of sweetness. This is called the “classic Campbeltown style,” with is definitely different than the other Scottish regions like Speyside, the Highlands, and Islay. Read more about Scottish Whisky Regions!
Check out our tours of Holyrood Distillery, Glenmorangie Distillery and Blair Athol, too!
The coastal location of the Campbeltown region contributes to the maritime flavors, and traditional production methods like peat add to the complexity. Also check out our tour of Springbank (with a tasting of Glengyle!)
Campbeltown, Scotland
Campbeltown as a whisky region was once nicknamed the “whisky capital of the world,” and still is one of Scotland’s five official whisky regions. But, very much smaller than it was at its’ height.
The locale of Campbeltown is on the eastern shore of the Kintyre Peninsula. It isn’t super easy to get to. You can arrive by ferry from Androssan, or by driving overland and south from most of the rest of Scotland. You have to want to go there, but go there you must!
Glen Scotia Distillery
Glen Scotia Distillery is a classic white painted building with dark trim and blue doors. It was a simple 1/3 mile walk from our hotel, and we arrived with a little extra time before the tour.
We walked along the harbor and enjoyed the salty sea air and sounds of the gulls whetted our appetites for the great flavors of whisky to come.
Because of arriving early we were given a little dram to taste before hand! (ok, don’t mind if we do!) We waited in their tasting room with also has bottles for sale as well as merchandise. We did the basic distillery tour, and waited for the rest of the group show up, and then we were on our way.
We took a spiral staircase down into the bones of the distillery, among and in the distilleries’ historic buildings. Unfortunately, we were there while they were getting new equipment, so weren’t allowed in the area with the mash tuns and fermentation take place.
But, went over the run down of using their new rack and pinion mash tun with only 6 weeks of peated production that they do a year. They have 9 washbacks, including 3 located outside. These always have a great yeasty aroma, so missed smelling that! Glen Scotia uses a 72 hour mash, with a max of 100 hours before starting distillation. We got to try the whisky right off the still.
The swan-neck stills they use play a role in their whisky. They have 1 wash still and 1 spirit still. This gives the flavor of “fat and dumpy” fruit (haha, loved that one!) oil, and salt.
We then went into their racked warehouse that was built in the 1970s. They have 9000 casks in storage and upright space has been used since 2015.
In the warehouse they use side bung casks that are filled by hand. They also rack the casks by hand. It was amazing to see how much was done without modern machinery, using traditional methods. We also got to see the donnage warehouse. The lovely smells in there – I could have stayed all day!
Tasting Experience
After the tour we went back to the tasting room for our final tasting. They usually do a tasting of 3. Their core whisky, peated, cask‑strength or limited edition. We ended up with their Victoriana whisky which is sherry cask finished and we brought home a bottle! They will help you with the tasting, but remember the best tips: nose first (smell it), and then sip. Sip again, then use water to open up flavors. You can then compare the drams side by side with all the tastings in front of you.
Tips & Tricks
- Booking: reservations are advised in advance on the Glen Scotia website. You also have your option of kinds of tours (below).
- Other Things to do: walk around Campbeltown Harbor, An Ceardach Garden, visit the other distilleries. Or, a gin distillery – Beinn An Tuirc north of Campbeltown.
- Location: Glen Scotia Distillery is a 5-minute walk from the town center
- Where to Stay: Argyll Arms, Dellwood Hotel, Royal Hotel, Ugadale Hotel.
Your Own Glen Scotia Distillery Visit
A visit to Glen Scotia distillery has history, coastal vibes, and flavorful whiskies. Meaning it’s an immersive Campbeltown experience. If you want to see more traditional production, Glen Scotia is a rare gem, a definite slice of Scotland’s whisky legacy. Also, feel free to pop in to the distillery shop to buy a dram, too!
- Standard Distillery Tour (1 hr, £12)
- Dunnage Warehouse Experience (2 hrs, £55)
- Manager’s Tour (2.5 hrs, £100): led by Iain McAlister; includes five whiskies straight from cask
- Heritage Walking Tour (1.5–2 hrs, £25): guided exploration of Campbeltown’s whisky past
Cheers!
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