Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Leah Hall
Come with us on our tour of Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, Scotland. A great Scotch whisky tour for any whisky lover.
Dating from 1798, Blair Athol Distillery is located in one of the most scenic regions in Scotland. At the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, the distillery is in the town of Pitlochry, Perthshire. The peaty land is all around with rugged peaks and heather covered ground. Stay (and have dinner) at Killiecrankie House, like we did!
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Their water comes from the Allt Dour (“the burn of the otter” in Gaelic), and helps develop a mellow, deep smelling whisky with a strong fruit flavor. Check out all the Scotch Regions in Scotland, too!
Blair Athol Distillery Tour
Blair Athol Distillery is old. It was founded in 1798 by John Stewart and Robert Robertson under the name of “Aldour distillery”. However, it was not successful and had to close. In 1825 the distillery was enlarged and reopened by John Robertson under the name Blair Athol. Right before WWII the distillery was taken over by Arthur Bell & Sons. Shortly after the distillery closed again. In 1949 the distillery was renovated and reopened. It was then bought by Diageo, who are still owners today.
We honestly couldn’t see much of the outside buildings at the distillery. We stopped in for our tasting at around 4:30 pm, and the sun had set almost an hour earlier. So, it was in the dark. But, this distillery is one of the easiest for passing tourists to find as it’s right on the road. As a result it is very geared to visitors. The distillery has a traditional and picturesque courtyard which is clad with ivy and is very photogenic. (If you are there during the day).
The warehouses are made of old large stones and are a perfect place for the whisky to mature in a moist and chilled environment.
Blair Athol has a visitor center and shop where you can buy all the bottles of Blair Athol and Bell’s blended Scotch. Some tours include a visit of the production and the warehouses, as well as a tasting directly from the cask. We got to see some of the warehouse and production floor. Check out Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh, too!
Blair Athol Tours
- BLAIR ATHOL SIGNATURE TOUR £19
An introduction to Blair Athol Distillery. Experience the unique history in the distillery’s historic charm. Take a journey through the single malt whisky from grain to glass. Your tour has a tutored whisky tasting of three drams and a memento to take home. Duration: 1 hour
- BLAIR ATHOL ALLT DOUR EXPERIENCE £55
A great option for a whisky connoisseur. Designed for guests who want something unique, enjoy an in-depth tour a knowledgeable guide who will take you through the inner workings and stories of the historic distillery.
Following the tour, six exceptional whiskies await you in the private tasting space including one cask strength whisky drawn straight from the cask as well as a memento to remember your experience. Duration: 1hr 15mins
- CASK & COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE £100
Designed for a whisky aficionado, immerse yourself in Blair Athol Distillery. From old to new, sample the range of single malts with an special release; some drawn straight from the cask, in an tutored tasting experience.
To top off the visit, have a handcrafted cocktail in the Mash Tun Bar. Duration: 2hrs
Pitlochry, Scotland Area Tips
Restaurants
Hotels
Things to Do
Blair Athol Distillery
Perth Road
Pitlochry
Perthshire
PH16 5LY
Other Distilleries
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