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Glen Ord Distillery

Muir of Ord, Ross-shire

Founded in 1838, Glen Ord is the only remaining single malt whisky distillery on the Scottish Highlands’ Black Isle peninsula. Visitors can go on a behind-the-scenes tour to see and understand the process of making a single malt from start to finish; you’ll check out the barley maltings as well as fermentation and distillation methods.

Glen Ord Distillery produces a 12-year-old, 15-year-old, and 18-year-old single malt whisky called The Singleton of Glen Ord. Each is slowly batch distilled and matured in fine European and American oak casks. The Singleton of Glen Ord Signature Sherry Cask is firstly matured in European and American oak casks before a secondary maturation in European oak ex-sherry casks. As is tradition, at the end of the tour you’ll get to enjoy a single malt tasting or two. As you sip, you’ll learn how to compare and identify the flavors in whisky.

Visits to the distillery are often included in tours of the Highlands, making a great way to combine sightseeing with whisky tasting. To get a taste of the diversity of Scotland’s whiskies, it’s a good idea to book a guided tour that includes visits to several different distilleries in one day. This also lets you avoid the worry of assigning a designated driver.

  • Due to its history and quality of product, Glen Ord is one of Scotland’s must-visit distilleries.
  • Tours of varying depths are offered, catering to those with a passing interest to whisky connoisseurs.
  • The distillery is wheelchair-accessible.
  • If you don’t have time for a tour, you can get a taste by viewing the distillery’s exhibition instead.

Glen Ord Distillery is located 15 miles (24 kilometers)—or roughly a 25-minute drive—west of Inverness in the village of Muir of Ord. It can be reached by Stagecoach bus #28, and trains from Inverness Station. The Muir of Ord train station is a 10-minute walk away.

The distillery and visitors center is open to visitors all year round from morning until early evening, and opening hours are slightly extended during the summer months. Guided tours typically last one hour. Summer is typically the busiest period for the distillery—and the Highland region in general.

If you want to have a bite to eat after your visit, you’ll find several casual dining options around the village of Muir of Ord. A little farther away—roughly a 25-minute drive—you can visit Oakwood Restaurant, which serves Scottish dishes including locally-sourced venison, Orkney Island beef, and hand-dived scallops. In the village of Strathpeffer, 15 minutes away; Red Poppy Restaurant serves Highland fare with an ever-changing menu.

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