Best ‘Hidden Gem’ Whisky Distilleries To Visit In The UK

Best ‘Hidden Gem’ Whisky Distilleries To Visit In The UK

This year, we celebrate World Whisky Day on Saturday 20th May!

With this in mind, luxury holiday experts, European Waterways, have carried out research to reveal the top 10 best whisky distilleries to visit across the UK, according to factors such as customer reviews and popularity on social media.

After analysing over 60,000 customer reviews and putting together an index that ranks all of the UK’s whisky distilleries, the study has been broken down into 2 categories. 

  • The top 10 ‘hidden gem’ whisky distilleries to visit in the UK
  • The top 10 whisky distilleries to visit in the UK

The main results show that Bimber Distillery in London is the UK’s best ‘hidden gem’ whisky distillery to visit, scoring 85 out of 100.

Whilst, the top whisky distillery to visit in the UK is Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, scoring 112 out 130.

Please find the remaining top 10 results below:


The top 10 ‘hidden gem’ whisky distilleries to visit in the UK

Rank

Name

Total Points (out of 100)

1

Bimber Distillery

85

2

Killowen Distillery

80

3

Ardnamurchan Distillery

79

4

Nc’nean Distillery

74

5

The Echlinville Distillery

67

6

The Borders Distillery

66

7

Benriach Distillery

64

8

Titanic Distillery - Belfast

63

9

Dartmoor Whisky Distillery

61

10

Glen Scotia Distillery

59

 

The top 10 whisky distilleries to visit in the UK

Rank

Name

Total Points (out of 130)

1

Bruichladdich Distillery

112

2

Glengoyne Distillery

109

3

Laphroaig Distillery

104

4

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery

93

Dalwhinnie Distillery

93

6

Auchentoshan Distillery

92

7

Glenkinchie Distillery

90

8

Cragganmore Distillery

89

9

Deanston Distillery

87

10

Aberlour Distillery

86

 

To achieve the results, the study included the Tripadvisor rating, the percentage of positive Tripadvisor reviews (excellent & very good) compared to the total number of reviews, the percentage of positive Tripadvisor reviews including the keywords ‘whisky’ & ‘whisky tour’ and alternative spellings compared to the total number of reviews, and Instagram hashtags of each whisky distillery.

Scotland's whisky industry is world-famous, and attracts tourists from around the globe. This is further highlighted in the study which reveals that 90% of the top 10 whisky distilleries to visit in the UK are located in Scotland.

However, more surprisingly, the study also reveals that English & Northern Irish whisky distilleries make up 40% of the UK’s top 10 best hidden gem whisky distilleries!

Below, Marketing Manager Paul Newman of European Waterways, discusses what to look for in a whisky holiday and how holiday-goers and whisky lovers can enjoy a whisky holiday:

“If you're planning a whisky holiday, there are a few key things to look for to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience.”

  • Distillery tours and tastings: “Look for regions that have a variety of distilleries to visit, and check that they offer tours and tastings that fit your interests and preferences. Some distilleries also offer unique experiences, such as blending your own whisky or visiting a working cooperage, which can make your holiday more interactive.”
  • Exclusive tastings: “Look for opportunities to taste rare or limited-edition whiskies, such as cask-strength or single cask bottlings. These exclusive tastings can give you a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of whisky.” 
  • Knowledgeable guides: “Whether you're taking a distillery tour or attending a whisky tasting, having knowledgeable guides can enhance your experience by providing in-depth information and insights about the whisky and the distillery. Check out Tripadvisor for reviews on tour experiences to help you make decisions on where you think you should go visit for the best experience.”
  • Whisky-related events and festivals: “Before booking your trip, check if there are any whisky-related events or festivals happening during your trip, such as the Islay Festival of Malt and Music or the Whisky Live events. These can offer the chance to taste a wide variety of whiskies and meet other whisky enthusiasts.”
  • Accommodation: “Accommodation is important for any type of trip but look for accommodations that have a whisky theme or are located close to distilleries or whisky bars. Some accommodations even offer whisky tasting rooms or whisky-themed bars on-site for a fully immersive experience.” 
  • Local cuisine: “Consider the local cuisine and how it pairs with whisky. Some destinations are known for their food and drink pairings, such as Scotland's seafood and whisky, or Japan's sushi and whisky. Some distilleries also offer food and whisky pairing experiences that can be a great way to enhance your enjoyment of both.“
  • Transportation: “Consider how you will get around during your trip. Many whisky destinations are rural and require a car or guided tour to get around. Make sure to factor in transportation costs and logistics when planning your trip. If you are the designated driver for your party, some distilleries actually give you samples to take home and enjoy safely, so that you don’t  miss out on the experience.”

By looking for these key factors, you can ensure that your whisky holiday will be a relaxing and pleasurable one, allowing you to indulge in your passion for this delicious spirit. If you require any additional information on whisky tours, then check out  https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/category/themed-cruises/whisky-trail-cruises/ for more information on whisky themed holidays.