Cardhu Distillery, Aberlour: Hours, Address, Cardhu Distillery Reviews: 4.5/5
Cardhu Distillery
Cardhu 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
Share with us the story of the only malt distillery pioneered by a woman. The malt whisky produced here has a warmth and cleanliness of taste which experts describe as "silky" and is used in some of the award winning Johnnie Walker blends.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 3 miles
Attractions
17 within 6 miles

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Bridges

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40
Bridges

Speyside Way Long Distance Route
35
Scenic Walking Areas
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
628 reviews
Excellent
474
Very good
110
Average
30
Poor
8
Terrible
6
rubymckc
Glasgow, United Kingdom8 contributions
Couples
We stopped by the distillery on a Sunday whilst on the Malt Whisky Trail for my partners 30th on the off chance of it being open and we were so pleased that it was. The distillery has been recently renovated and the inside is stunning - the staff were also very friendly and welcoming, and very knowledgeable. Was lovely to hear the origins of the distillery and the story behind the innovative women, we did not take part in the tour but have decided we will visit again when we have more time to stay & book on the tour - had a lovely platter and a few drinks in the dining area (which was also gorgeous), special mention to Clare who assisted us, Clare is a great asset to the Cardhu distillery! Will definitely be back.
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
irmentrautE
Dortmund, Germany8 contributions
Couples
Thank you very much for the interesting and adorable look into the history of Cardhu . We have had a very friendly and beautiful tour through the halls . Our competent guide Ailsa knew everything about the process and the amazing development of this distillery. The tasting afterwards was both thrilling and relaxing . We enjoyed this tour very much. We really appreciated the way Ailsa introduced the different tastes of whisky . Thank you 🤗🤗🤗
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
4interestigo
Davis, CA2 contributions
Couples
We were greeted by Ailsa, a friendly and informative guide. She conducted an interesting and expertly presented walk through the different stages of making whisky. Ailsa stimulated our group with fun questions and lots of enlightening details of the distillation processes. We had a delicious tasting and lovely memories of Cardhu Distillery
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gurpreat Singh
Bolton, UK1 contribution
Friends
After over 7 hours travel and plenty of expenditure from Manchester to Cardhu we (3 adults) where expecting a fantastic tour of Cardhu after purchasing the £22 tour experience, unfortunately for us we was not advised that 2 areas of the distillery where inaccessible (please note we booked our tour over the phone on the day of arrival 27/02/2020) and the tour was lacking a lot of information in comparison to other distilleries visited during our stay in Dufftown (stated duration 1hr actual tour duration 20mins). This experience was quite frustrating and of putting.
The Cardhu whisky has no fault but again during the tasting experience of 6 whiskies the dram provided was a disgrace in comparison to other distilleries who are less commercialised and who produce less whisky with lower profit margins, hence adding to our frustration during our tour.
Tour conducted by Isla (stated first tour guide) the assistant didn't support or encourage any further information to be given.
I don't believe this is common for Cardhu but our experience was very frustrating and I personally would not recommend a visit to Cardhu, this was also one of the more expensive tours we did during our visit and resulted in wasting our money.
Date of Visit: 27/02/2020
Time: Approx 15:00
Regards
Gurpreat Singh
The Cardhu whisky has no fault but again during the tasting experience of 6 whiskies the dram provided was a disgrace in comparison to other distilleries who are less commercialised and who produce less whisky with lower profit margins, hence adding to our frustration during our tour.
Tour conducted by Isla (stated first tour guide) the assistant didn't support or encourage any further information to be given.
I don't believe this is common for Cardhu but our experience was very frustrating and I personally would not recommend a visit to Cardhu, this was also one of the more expensive tours we did during our visit and resulted in wasting our money.
Date of Visit: 27/02/2020
Time: Approx 15:00
Regards
Gurpreat Singh
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mathieu R
4 contributions
Family
The visit of the Cardhu distillery has been very carefully planned to give the visitor the best all-round experience possible. A superb film gives an excellent historical introduction, followed by a leisurely visit that leaves you with a very good understanding of the complexities of the distilling process - and your nose is treated to the amazing smells of malting, distilling, casking and maturing... the visit culminates with an outstanding tasting session. Make sure that your tour guide is Daniel, he was both very knowledgeable and intent on making the visit a thoroughly memorable occasion - can't recommend it enough.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gianr1201
Edinburgh, UK33 contributions
We booked the Cardhu Collection Tour. Despite the inclusion of the distillery in the Johnnie Walker Four Corners of Scotland, the tour was very focused on the distillery and accessible to both whisky geeks and novices.
The tour guide was Hamish, who was entertaining, and demonstrated a deep knowledge while answering most of our questions. The tour started with a 15 mins video about the Cardhu history, which was well done and extremely interesting. Then we moved to the production area, including the warehouse where we could nose some different single malts from their casks.
Finally, the tasting included 6 drams, 3 from the core range and 3 special expressions available at the distillery. We could also taste a bit of the 2020 Special Release cask strength.
The tour guide was Hamish, who was entertaining, and demonstrated a deep knowledge while answering most of our questions. The tour started with a 15 mins video about the Cardhu history, which was well done and extremely interesting. Then we moved to the production area, including the warehouse where we could nose some different single malts from their casks.
Finally, the tasting included 6 drams, 3 from the core range and 3 special expressions available at the distillery. We could also taste a bit of the 2020 Special Release cask strength.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lmclight
Salisbury, UK80 contributions
This is an excellent tour at the recently renovated Cardhu Distillery. The visitor experience has been carefully thought out to provide an informative and interactive experience for guests. We saw the actual whiskey in production and discussed the whole process from start to finish. The tasting room is a gorgeous kitchen and we treated to four samples plus a cocktail. Drivers are provided with bottles to take their samples home. Whole tour plus tasting takes about 2 hours. We stayed a little longer though, to chat to the other family in our group and staff were happy for us to stay as long as we liked. Wonderful experience!
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wing-Commander S
5 contributions
Couples
A visit as part of a series of tours for our honeymoon....seriously classy and well created visitors centre, description of the whiskey process and good interactive explanation for the smell and tasting relationship before trying the whiskey. Our guide was clear, knowledgable and dedicated to giving a bespoke experience. Superb artistic history video as part of the tour.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gurleygirl00
Nairn, UK10 contributions
We enjoyed a fantastic tasting tour, all our questions were answered and the story of the distillery was fascinating. The beautiful building was spotlessly clean and well presented and the art work was mesmerising, as well as the easy to understand descriptions on the wall of the history.
Our tour guide Claire was fantastic! She really helped to make this a most memorable occasion. We would recommend a visit to this distillery without hesitation. Well done everyone!
Our tour guide Claire was fantastic! She really helped to make this a most memorable occasion. We would recommend a visit to this distillery without hesitation. Well done everyone!
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christina O
14 contributions
We visited for a tour of the distillery and a whisky tasting and had a great afternoon! Holly was a fantastic guide and we learned a lot while having fun. The tasting includes 3 drams of whisky and a super tasty whisky drink which we thought was great value for the price. A must visit in the Speyside area!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
StuartGirl4life
Stuart, FL156 contributions
Is there a tasting room at the visitor center to try if we don’t have time for a tour?
Alan P
Glasgow, UK296 contributions
Yes..... you could taste if can't manage tour.
Vic D
Toronto, Canada379 contributions
Hi,can u please give me more details about this tour. I am travelling from Toronto Canada-London-Edinburgh. where to book the tour from and how far from Edinburgh. Thank you.
Steve-JL.a.
Los Angeles, CA540 contributions
I would contact them online and book whatever taste you wish. They also allowed unlimited tastes at a small price per taste. Their distillery only bottling of the Cardhu limited edition is a fantastic bottle of Scotch to pick up if there is still some available, only 1800 bottles produced. Take a train from Edinburgh to either Inverness or Elgin and contact Guvnor's tours. Garey Stewart knows all of the distilleries and will treat you excellent.
AndBeaAli
Bologna, Italy2 contributions
Salve chi mi può aiutare? Volevo sapere se la mia bimba di 5anni me la fanno entrare. Grazie
cardhu1959_11
Elgin, UK29 contributions
Hello Very sorry no children for health and safety :( But you can come into the shop for a tasting with you child ?
All the best William
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardhu Distillery
- Cardhu Distillery is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Cardhu Distillery tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Cardhu Distillery tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Cardhu Distillery:
- Meet Johnnie Walker - Private Whisky Tour - Cardhu, Cragganmore, Royal Lochnagar (From $485.87)
- 3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh (From $437.51)
- Speyside Whisky Private Tour from Inverness or Aviemore and surrounding areas (From $553.52)
- Craigs 3 Day Highland Whisky Tour From Inverness area includes up to 6 persons (From $2,091.09)
- Speyside Delight - Scottish Whisky Tour - Private Full Day (From $799.53)
- Hotels near Cardhu Distillery:
- (0.33 mi) Cardhu Country House
- (0.25 mi) Speyside Cottage - Ideal for distilleries, fishing, walking and cycling holidays
- (6.06 mi) Craigellachie Lodge
- (8.55 mi) Highland Spirit Bed and Breakfast
- (7.86 mi) The Gables Whisky B&B
- Restaurants near Cardhu Distillery:
- (8.48 mi) Seven Stills
- (4.34 mi) The Dowans Hotel
- (4.51 mi) The Mash Tun
- (8.13 mi) Sidings Café
- (6.08 mi) Restaurant Highlander Inn