The Best Perthshire Whisky Distilleries
Written by: Lesley Stewart
Perthshire isn’t just charming villages, cafés, and forest trails. It’s also one of Scotland’s most rewarding whisky regions, quietly holding its own against the big-name areas of Speyside and Skye. And while the whiskies here may be less talked about, Pethshire’s best whisky distilleries are some of the most characterful, historic, and craft-driven in the country.
From Scotland’s oldest working distillery to ambitious micro-distilleries experimenting at the edges of tradition, Perthshire offers a vivid snapshot of both heritage and innovation.
Over the last few years, we’ve made a point of visiting Scotland’s best distilleries, and we think what makes whisky tourism in Perthshire so compelling is how immersive it feels.
Many distilleries here go well beyond the standard tasting, offering barrel-filling sessions, blending masterclasses, and even Michelin dining experiences.
Whether you’re a long-time malt lover or a curious first-timer, visiting these Perthshire distilleries offers a whisky journey that’s both delicious and deeply rooted in the region’s spirit.
So, here’s our favourite Perthshire whisky distilleries, how to visit, and which tours we think are worth your time.
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Quick Guide: Perthshire Whisky Distilleries
A quick guide to the best whisky distilleries in Perthshire, but you’ll find more details and tours to book below:
Glenturret: the oldest working distillery, with historic tours and a stylish whisky bar.
Dewar’s: heritage, tours, and warehouse experiences, and a cosy whisky café/bar.
Blair Athol: classic Highland single malt, beautiful visitor centre, and unique tasting bar.
Deanston: former cotton mill, eco-conscious operations, large visitor space.
Tullibardine: full production on site, warehouse tours, and whisky tasting.
Strathearn: micro-distillery, very small casks, craft spirit (no tours yet).
Edradour: tiny traditional farm distillery; very atmospheric (currently closed for tours).
The Best Perthshire Whisky Distilleries
Perthshire is a region deeply rooted in whisky. Not just as a footnote on the whisky map, but as a place where heritage and tradition meet innovation and modern ambition; these distillers offer a distinct whisky experience that reflects both the county’s tradition and its modern ambition.
Also, all distilleries listed below offer a “driver’s drams,” so you don’t miss out even if you’re not tasting on the spot.
Glenturret Distillery, Crieff
Glenturret has long been one of my favourite distilleries in Perthshire, and every time I return, I’m reminded why. Tucked into a quiet glen just north of the charming town of Crieff, it blends deep history with an elegance I didn’t expect from such a rural destination.
The sense of heritage is everywhere - from the old stone buildings to the gentle sound of the Turret River - but it’s the way the distillery pairs that tradition with a surprisingly refined visitor experience that really sets it apart.
The whisky bar at Glenturret.
There is a variety of tours on offer, depending on how deeply you wish to dive into the Glenturret experience; we think the classic Glenturret Distillery Tour (£20pp) is ideal if you’re short on time, finishing with a tasting of two core-range whiskies.
Afterwards, the Dram Bar is well worth lingering in - a calm, light-filled space overlooking the grounds that feels closer to a boutique hotel lounge than a distillery bar, and an easy place to slow down and savour the moment.
Paired with the on-site two-Michelin-star restaurant, boutique accommodation, and a well-stocked shop offering limited editions, Glenturret delivers an experience that feels both luxurious and grounded in genuine craftsmanship.
This is also the closest whisky distillery to Perth and an easy journey via the foodie town of Crieff.
Blair Athol Distillery, Pitlochry
Blair Athol Distillery has been a favourite stop of mine in Pitlochry for years, and it still feels like one of the Highlands’ most quietly atmospheric distilleries. Set on the edge of town, framed by leafy hillsides and the Allt Dour Burn, it has a welcoming, lived-in quality that comes from more than two centuries of whisky-making.
What strikes me every time is just how beautiful the place is: the old stone buildings draped in ivy, the cobbled courtyard, and the soft glow from the windows give it a storybook charm that feels instantly inviting.
Founded in 1798, it’s best known for contributing to Bell’s, but its own 12-year single malt has a rich, nutty depth that surprises a lot of first-time visitors.
The experience here is refreshingly down-to-earth.
Tours here move at a relaxed, engaging pace, taking you through the heart of production — from the warm, yeasty washbacks and gleaming copper stills to the cool hush of the warehouses where casks rest.
There’s a good range of tour and tasting options, from approachable introductions for first-time whisky drinkers to more in-depth experiences for seasoned single malt fans, and it’s worth pre-booking as places regularly sell out.
Away from the stills, the Mash Tun Bar at Blair Athol Distillery is a relaxed, traditional spot for a dram, cocktail, or mocktail, overlooking the courtyard. The distillery shop is also well worth a browse, with exclusive bottlings and whiskies from across the wider family, making it a rewarding stop for collectors.
Dewar’s Distillery, Aberfeldy
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is a natural stop on any Perthshire whisky trail, sitting just outside the town in a sheltered Highland valley. As the historic home of John Dewar & Sons, it blends a strong sense of story with a polished, modern visitor experience.
Founded in the late 19th century, the distillery remains the heart of the Dewar’s brand, making it an ideal place to understand how the whisky is made and how the family legacy took shape.
The tour offering here is varied and thoughtfully designed.
The classic Dewar’s Aberfeldy Experience (£19pp) is the most popular introduction, taking you through the interactive heritage exhibition, the still house, and the warehouses, culminating in a guided tasting of two drams.
There’s a wide range of experiences on offer at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, from accessible introductions to more in-depth, hands-on options for those keen to explore whisky in greater detail.
Tours are popular year-round and best booked in advance, particularly during the busier summer months. If you’re short on time, the bar is a lovely alternative — a comfortable, welcoming space to enjoy a whisky flight or seasonal serve — while the café and well-stocked shop make it an easy place to linger, with light lunches, good coffee, and plenty of tempting distillery exclusives and gifts.
Aberfeldy Distillery slots easily into a wider Perthshire itinerary, sitting just a short detour from both Pitlochry and Dunkeld.
Deanston Distillery, Doune
Deanston Distillery is an easy, worthwhile stop if you’re driving into the Highlands, set just off the A84 between Stirling, Callander, and the Trossachs.
Housed in a former 18th-century cotton mill on the River Teith, it retains much of its original industrial character, giving the distillery a distinctive sense of history from the moment you arrive. Today, it’s also known for its environmental credentials, generating its own hydroelectric power directly from the river.
There’s a good mix of tour options at Deanston Distillery, ranging from approachable introductions to more immersive warehouse tastings for those keen to dig deeper into how the spirit evolves. Alongside the core experiences, the distillery also runs occasional seasonal or limited-edition tours, so it’s worth checking what’s available and booking ahead, particularly at busy times.
The visitor centre includes a well-stocked shop with distillery exclusives, special releases, and “driver’s drams,” which are ideal if you’re behind the wheel. A small café area offers teas, coffees, and light snacks, and there’s plenty of on-site parking for cars and coaches.
Tullibardine Distillery, Gleneagles
Found in the peaceful village of Blackford, just a stone’s throw from Gleneagles and the A9 Highlands corridor, Tullibardine Distillery is an easy stop that combines both tradition and scale.
We were initially surprised by the sheer size of the distillery and its sprawling complex; sadly, there are few signs of its history, which is lost in the industrial haze of warehouses.
Tullibardine Distillery offers a variety of tours to suit different interests, from straightforward introductions to more immersive warehouse-focused experiences, with tastings typically included at the end.
The strongest parts of the visit sit firmly behind the scenes (we thought the public areas were lacklustre to say the least), so it’s best visited if you’re planning to take a tour rather than just drop in — facilities outside the guided experiences are limited, and there’s no dedicated public tasting area.
Edradour Distillery, near Pitlochry
Just outside Pitlochry lies Edradour, a distillery that embodies the charm of a farmhouse operation. Founded in 1825, it has long held a reputation as Scotland’s smallest traditional distillery, and that sense of intimacy comes through in its character.
While it produces a modest volume, it makes up for it with a surprisingly wide range of whiskies, including peated and unpeated expressions.
Historically, guided tours have showcased their handcrafted production, but this year they didn’t run; we’re hopeful they will reopen to the public soon. Even though the distillery isn’t fully open, its online shop offers classic and special bottles, and local whisky guides often recommend it as a must-see for its rustic authenticity.
Strathearn Distillery, Methven
Strathearn Distillery is one of the newer faces on the Perthshire whisky scene, and its story feels very much like a craft revival. Located near Methven in Highland Perthshire, it operates out of a restored farm steading, blending historic charm with small-scale experimentation.
The stills here are modest, and production often takes place in tiny 50-litre casks - a far cry from the industrial giants — but its artisan approach is exactly what makes the whisky so distinctive. Now owned by Douglas Laing & Co., the distillery has slowly expanded its capacity while retaining the hands-on, small-batch character that first put it on the map.
There isn’t a standard public tour like you’ll find at larger distilleries. However, Strathearn is still worth knowing about if you’re interested in micro-distilling, unusual casks, and experimental techniques.
Its inaugural single malt was met with real enthusiasm for its balance and complexity. Bottles can be purchased online, and we’ll update this guide as soon as visitor experiences or tours become available.
A Note on Perthshire Whisky
Whiskies from Perthshire generally fall stylistically into the Highland region. Though we fully realise that’s a rather diverse and broad category, we’d say most distilleries in this area produce mellow, fruit-forward single malts.
But because the distilleries range so much in size (from large and historic to very small and modern), you’ll also find a wide variety of flavour profiles: from traditional, lightly peated or sweeter, sherry cask whiskies to experimental expressions matured in unusual casks.
In many cases, the water sources (burns and rivers from the hills) and the temperate Perthshire climate enrich the whisky with a subtle sweetness and a clean, delicate texture.
Practical Tips for Visiting
If you’re planning a distillery road trip through Perthshire, it’s smart to map out your route. You can find all of these whisky distilleries pinned in our Ultimate Scotland Itinerary.
Several distilleries - Glenturret, Aberfeldy, Blair Athol and Edradour - are relatively close together, making them ideal to visit in a single day. Booking tours in advance is strongly advised, especially for more in-depth or premium experiences like warehouse tastings or blending classes.
For transport, many of the distilleries are accessible by car (remember, drivers, you can take a tasting pack/sample away), and visitor centres generally provide parking. If you’re relying on public transport, it may be a little trickier to get around, but Pitlochry is a good base for Blair Athol, while Aberfeldy has bus links from Perth.
When you visit, allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours per distillery for a full experience - tour, tasting, and time in the shop or bar. Wear comfy shoes (distillery tours are always on foot), and bring ID if you plan to sample.
And finally, don’t rush: part of the magic of Perthshire whisky is slowing down, listening to distillery stories, and savouring each dram in context.
