Blair Athol Distillery
Blair Athol Distillery
Blair Athol Distillery
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Blair Athol Distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Perthshire. Set in open moorland south of the town, in the foothills of the Grampian mountains, Blair Athol’s ancient source of water – the Allt Dour – flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, contributing to the whisky’s, mellow quality and smooth finish. Explore the range of tours and tastings available on our website and book your visit today. Advance booking is recommended. Please note the distillery will be closed on Mondays in June.
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See what travelers are saying
- KitemysterYorkshire, United Kingdom7 contributionsWelcoming staff, beautiful place, very informative 👍🏻What a beautiful place! Very welcoming staff. We were very early but it was no problem for them to bump us up to an earlier tour. All the staff were very pleasant, attentive and chatty. Our guide Jane was very engaging and informative. If she didn’t know the answer to any questions, she went out of her way to find the answers from other members of the team. Great tour, nice tasting session, great product 👍🏻Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 3, 2023
- roadgoatSan Francisco, California1 contributionA must visit if you are into whisky.This wasn't on our radar. We had come in from the St. Andrews/Ferres areas and was in Piclochry for a dine/stay (Killiecrankie House) . Made an online booking for a tour the same day. The tour was short sweet and informative. The guide (Ian) was great. Got to learn fun facts like - why haven't I heard of Blair Athol? (they sell almost of their production to Johnny Walker).Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 6, 2023
- wendy cBarrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom25 contributionsAmazing tour.A superb tour. Bargain price for the signature tour too. The tour was informative and fun. And the whisky at the end was a bonus. Can’t wait to tell all my family they need to make the journey here. Mark our guide was fab.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 12, 2023
- Susan BeveridgeElgin, United Kingdom20 contributionsFabulous tour of Blair Athol Distillery!I had an excellent distillery tour of Blair Athol distillery on Saturday 14th October. I was very warmly greeted at reception by two lovely employees. I was advised where & when my tour would be leaving and that David would be my Tour Guide. David introduced himself and then took us on tour around the wonderful distillery. David was very engaging, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He made the whole experience very memorable with his cheerful and charismatic manner. Following the tour we were then taken for a nosing & tasting of three very fine drams! Anyone who was driving got a drivers pack so they could taste & enjoy once home. A discount of 10% could (& was) used in the very well stocked shop as part of your ticket. 🤩 All in all an excellent tour & highly recommended!Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 16, 2023
- Jenni RPaphos, Cyprus3 contributionsMust do in Pitlochry!This is a must do if you're in Pitlochry! We went off-season and had a tour guide all to ourselves, but he was so knowledgeable and took the time to answer all our questions. The samples at the end were delicious and getting to keep a glass each was a really nice touch. Thoroughly recommend!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 25, 2023
- C GColchester, United Kingdom2 contributionsDefinitely worth a visit!A beautiful setting and lovely distillery with a bar set up in a ‘mash tub’. Alex our tour guide was knowledgeable, interesting, polite and friendly and made the tour memorable. All the staff there were also very friendly and helpful and there is a well stocked shop on site which is definitely worth a visit. The whisky tasting at the end was set up beautifully ( and our 12 year old also had a setting with juice). Everyone should stop off there for the experience when passing through Pitlochry.( if you are driving you get to take the whisky samples away in small little bottles in a box -such a great idea!).Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 26, 2023
- Florence EGlasgow, United Kingdom12 contributionsFirst class tour on a quiet dayFirst class tour by Ardal on a very quiet Sunday morning! He was very clear and friendly. He said he was training to be a teacher, a fabulous guide, he will be a first class teacher. Neither my daughter or I drink whisky but we could take away the wee samples for my husband to enjoy later. Very nice visitor centre and welcome from other staff too. I would highly recommend!Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 12, 2023
- Tommy WEdinburgh, United Kingdom110 contributionsA 5 Star tour for Single Malt Whisky lovers!I booked a signature tour at Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery with my son, after a family trip to Pitlochry. This didn’t disappoint, from a very warm welcome to an extremely informative tour led and delivered by Miki, it was brilliant and well worth the tour fee! Learning not only about the Distilleries history, it was great to see and learn about the whole Single Malt distillation process. The tour ended with a tasting of 3 malts, in particular the 12 year old Blair Atholl Signature Single Malt and a gift of the Caithness Whiskey glass it was served in, a really nice touch and end to what was a really enjoyable visit! Thank you Miki and all at Blair Atholl Distillery!Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 14, 2023
- Johnny_McNLeek, United Kingdom11 contributionsAmazing Whisky TourAmazing experience, the tour was very passionately delivered in a humorous manner by David, our tour guide. Whilst it is a comparatively ‘simple’ production process, the skill of the master distillers is unique and the different woods used in the cask process was fascinating. Being able to walk close to the copper stills which were fully operational, and smell the process as you pass through each area of the process, was inspiring. The finish with the whisky flight and tasting of the various whiskies topped the tour off nicely. If you so wished, there is a bar in the reception area, where you can continue to sample the various drinks (you have to pay for these 😁) Overall, an amazing and educational way to spend 2+ hours.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 15, 2023
- Anne WEdinburgh, United Kingdom126 contributionsYou don’t HAVE to like whisky to enjoy this experience - but you might change your mindEven if you don’t like or don’t think you like whisky, this experience is well worth visiting. Interesting facts on the history and process of whisky production are shared throughout the experience by friendly and knowledgeable guides (Owen was our guide and he shared his knowledge in a humorous and fascinating manner). So not only an insight into whisky making but you get to try a few drams too. Or take home if you want. A really enjoyable experience. 10/10Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 19, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,546 reviews
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Scottish traveler
Scotland, UK57 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We took the £16 signature tour , on offer of buy one get one free
First off the distillers edition blend is on of the nicest whiskeys I’ve tried !
The building is beautiful and smells strong of the process as it should . The tour guide , an older gentleman was very informative , so much more than others we have been to , the fact Blair at holl single malts are hot air dried really gives the flavours a chance as they are not smoked out by the pear burning process , despite being on land rich with peat , it isn’t used in the process here! We visited the alt dour ( otter river ) which runs down off the mouintains and into the distillery . We learned lots of great facts about whiskey and also revived a glass to take home with Blair atholl branding, we took the £16 signature tour which worked out £8 each because it’s buy one get one free, or at least was on the day. We tried 3 malts and even got drivers cups to take them home in. So that’s £16 for two glasses and 6 drams !!! And £5 off a 70CL , I will definitely be back again !
First off the distillers edition blend is on of the nicest whiskeys I’ve tried !
The building is beautiful and smells strong of the process as it should . The tour guide , an older gentleman was very informative , so much more than others we have been to , the fact Blair at holl single malts are hot air dried really gives the flavours a chance as they are not smoked out by the pear burning process , despite being on land rich with peat , it isn’t used in the process here! We visited the alt dour ( otter river ) which runs down off the mouintains and into the distillery . We learned lots of great facts about whiskey and also revived a glass to take home with Blair atholl branding, we took the £16 signature tour which worked out £8 each because it’s buy one get one free, or at least was on the day. We tried 3 malts and even got drivers cups to take them home in. So that’s £16 for two glasses and 6 drams !!! And £5 off a 70CL , I will definitely be back again !
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigDave
South Shields, UK392 contributions
Sep 2020
During our stay to Pitlochry, we had to do a whisky tasting, it seemed like the right thing to do, had a wander down to this establishment and were met by a very rude woman in the gift shop, she was very short with us and almost snappy, I’m guessing she was having a bad day because in no way did we deserve to be spoken to like that.
But we booked a tasting because the tours were fully booked due to covid (sick of hearing about it) and the reduced number of groups allowed in.
Turns out I hate whisky, and the lady talking us through the history of the whisky was very broad accented (Eastern European) and was hard to understand at times.
Every drink smelled like Bells, which... well is vile anyway.
But we booked a tasting because the tours were fully booked due to covid (sick of hearing about it) and the reduced number of groups allowed in.
Turns out I hate whisky, and the lady talking us through the history of the whisky was very broad accented (Eastern European) and was hard to understand at times.
Every drink smelled like Bells, which... well is vile anyway.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear that your experience wasn't as positive as it should have been. Our staff are very passionate about whisky and welcoming our visitors so we're disappointed that your visit wasn't up to our usual standards. We'll take your comments on board. Thank you, Laura
Written September 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deena B
Edinburgh, UK9 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
My partner and I have done quite a few distillery tours in Scotland. This was one of the best! Would highly recommend going in mid October when the leaves of the Virginia Creeper on the outside of the buildings turn bright red.
We did the Allt Dour tour, which is one up from the cheapest, and would highly recommend splashing out because you get to have a taste straight from a cask at the end, along with 5 other whiskies.
David, our guide, was very very knowledgeable and friendly, and provided an excellent introduction to the distillery, as well as wide ranging knowledge of the whiskies we tasted. David is clearly a man who really loves his job!
We also enjoyed a few drams in the stunning Mash Tun bar after, which is literally made out of an old copper mash tun from Clynelish distillery!
We did the Allt Dour tour, which is one up from the cheapest, and would highly recommend splashing out because you get to have a taste straight from a cask at the end, along with 5 other whiskies.
David, our guide, was very very knowledgeable and friendly, and provided an excellent introduction to the distillery, as well as wide ranging knowledge of the whiskies we tasted. David is clearly a man who really loves his job!
We also enjoyed a few drams in the stunning Mash Tun bar after, which is literally made out of an old copper mash tun from Clynelish distillery!
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew
Bristol, UK5 contributions
Mar 2020
Staying a few nights near this distillery, my wife and i decided to do the tour. We both like whisky and were not disappointed. The tour guide (Jamie) was very knowledgable and spent time carefully explaining the history of the distillery and the process for making whisky. The tour itself was a great example of a more traditional distillery, and the tasting was very informative - some great suggestions from Jamie on how to make the most out of the tasting (not something i've seen at many distilleries), some tips i will certainly take away. The distillery itself is set alongside the burn and was very picturesque. As it was the silent season, the tour and tasting were offered free which was very generous. We both then sat at the bar (a very impressive converted mash tun) to try a few more. The price of any singles tried where taken off the price of the particular bottle, which along with the £5 discount resulting from the tour (which was free!) resulted in a good discount to one of the bottles i particularly liked. Well worth the trip and made for a very enjoyable day.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MauriceSGlasgow
Pitlochry, UK40 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We arrived with it Snowing outside, closed season and a drop in on the chance of a tour, yes they said but we're not in production at the moment. To make up for that the tours free and you still get the tour, information and a wee dram and glass to take home, and a voucher for a discount should you buy more drams or a bottle from the shop.
Our tour guide was Georgia, a lovely lass all the way from Italy, well-travelled and has visited distilleries as far away as New Zealand. Her knowledge on the distillery, the distillation process was excellent and delivered with enthusiasm, to what was on this day a small group. No question went unanswered. And the tasting was explained well and made a real difference when trying the whisky. Tour groups do stop here so it might be worth while phoning ahead and planning a tour. Most of the tour is on the one level so stairs are not too much of a problem.
Our tour guide was Georgia, a lovely lass all the way from Italy, well-travelled and has visited distilleries as far away as New Zealand. Her knowledge on the distillery, the distillation process was excellent and delivered with enthusiasm, to what was on this day a small group. No question went unanswered. And the tasting was explained well and made a real difference when trying the whisky. Tour groups do stop here so it might be worth while phoning ahead and planning a tour. Most of the tour is on the one level so stairs are not too much of a problem.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James C
Glasgow, UK10 contributions
Jun 2021
Had a brilliant time on the Blair Athol whiskey Distillery tour. The tour is very well priced, includes some excellent Whiskey and is curated by very insightful and friendly guides. Our tour guide was a very knowledgeable and delightful Spanish lady whose enthusiasm about Whiskey made our tour even more fun! She was able to recommend other whiskey's for us and talked us through everything, really great asset to the distillery. It's great to see a distillery with so much character and is a great place to have a drink once the tour is finished.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
287silverfox
Glasgow, UK34 contributions
May 2021
A fascinating and extremely informative visit to this distillery, hosted by Blair Athol and consummately conducted by our guide, David.
At the time of our visit (my wife and I) Covid restrictions were still in force so masks had to be worn at all times until...........the end of the tour when we were asked to sample three whiskeys produced at this incredible establishment. Production processes of each of these were given in some detail by David, which made it all the more 'personal' (there was only one other couple on this tour , so just 4 of us in total) .
Because we'd 'done the tour' an offer of 1O% discount was made for any purchases made in the on site shop afterwards as well as being given engraved dram glasses we had used for the tasting as complimentary .
The tour/tasting took about an hour and should the opportunity arise of a further visit at some time in the future, we would willingly take first place in any queue !
At the time of our visit (my wife and I) Covid restrictions were still in force so masks had to be worn at all times until...........the end of the tour when we were asked to sample three whiskeys produced at this incredible establishment. Production processes of each of these were given in some detail by David, which made it all the more 'personal' (there was only one other couple on this tour , so just 4 of us in total) .
Because we'd 'done the tour' an offer of 1O% discount was made for any purchases made in the on site shop afterwards as well as being given engraved dram glasses we had used for the tasting as complimentary .
The tour/tasting took about an hour and should the opportunity arise of a further visit at some time in the future, we would willingly take first place in any queue !
Written May 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rd1925
Edinburgh, UK4 contributions
Aug 2020
We attended the signature tour at the weekend and had a fantastic experience. The tour was well run and it was very clear that safety of staff and visitors was a top priority. Our guide was very interesting and knowledgeable and made the tour excellent. The whisky tasting afterwards was great and given the measures of whisky given made the whole tour incredible value for money!
This is a must do on a trip to Pitlochry - due to the limited numbers in groups due to Covid I would suggest booking in early as we struggled to get a space during our stay.
This is a must do on a trip to Pitlochry - due to the limited numbers in groups due to Covid I would suggest booking in early as we struggled to get a space during our stay.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MCB123
17 contributions
Aug 2020
Rocked up as I was in the area, and they managed to squeeze me on a tour thanks to a cancellation (strongly recommend booking in advance - they only have 4 people per tour) and was very greatful for the opportunity.
It's a beautiful old distillery - exceptionally picturesque, with a small informative tour (got to see where the barrels are stored which is rare!) - and can assure you they take Covid safety measures exceptionally carefully. Really did feel very safe throughout the tour, and left informed and with a smile on my face :)
It's a beautiful old distillery - exceptionally picturesque, with a small informative tour (got to see where the barrels are stored which is rare!) - and can assure you they take Covid safety measures exceptionally carefully. Really did feel very safe throughout the tour, and left informed and with a smile on my face :)
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian B
7 contributions
Oct 2021
very welcoming. jean was a great host and explained the various whisky processes during the route through the buildings ended with a tasting session and free whiskey glass. Also purchased a single malt whisky at reduced price in their whiskey shop well recommend this tour
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonjour quel est le cout d'une visite? merci
Written January 1, 2020
Bonjour, j'aimerai savoir si il faut réserver a l'avance pour la visite de la distillerie. Merci d'avance.
Written October 18, 2019
Passenger544834
Northern Portugal, Portugal
Gostarria de saber como posso comprar os copos on line da distilaria blair athol ?
Written August 26, 2019
Will it be open 4th january 2020
Written August 15, 2019
I was there in August. The website said it only closes for Christmas and New Year's Day. It should be open on January 4th. You can email them to be sure. Go to their website for the email address. Good luck!
Written August 21, 2019
Hi,
I plan to visit the Blair Athol Distillery with my family during the summer vacation.
Should I book a visit to ensure availability? And regarding the most basic tour, what is the schedule\frequency of this tour (e.g. every round hour...?), How much time does it last?
Thanks in advance!
Written March 7, 2018
Not sure if you need to book. It was very quiet in early Feb when we went. Tour lasts bout 45 mins and they do them every hour.
Written March 11, 2018
Will the Distillery be open on Saturday the 29th December 2018
Written February 12, 2018
Based on the last 2 years its been open on the 29th of December, so I would be pretty confident it would be the same this year.
Written February 20, 2018
are you open easter 2016 is it easy get to from pitlochry by bus or taxi
Written March 16, 2016
i visited last easter walked from pitlochry took taxi back as raining
Written February 26, 2017
is deze distileerderij jun 2015 te bezoeken wat zijn de tarieven
Written February 9, 2015
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