Among the country’s best-known contributions to the world is whisky, a multi-billion pound industry that features in drinks cabinets and glasses across the globe.
In recent years gin has also come to prominence, with some of the finest examples created and distilled in Scotland, and now drinks makers are turning their attention to the latest trend of boutique rums.
One of the best way to learn how Scotland has become a centre of excellence in the art of making the perfect tipple is to take one of the distillery tours on offer.
These tend to involve a tour of the premises with an expert guide divulging all the appropriate facts and figures, followed by the all-important tastings then a trip to the shop to stock up on your new favourite dram.
You’ll also be supporting an industry that, like much of the tourist sector, has been hit hard by the pandemic.
With this in mind, here are 15 of the highest-rated distillery tours on travel site Tripadvisor – and what the reviewers had to say about them.
9. Glen Moray Distillery
Glen Moray Distillery, in Elgin, sits on the banks of the River Lossie and has been making single malt whisky since 1897. Leper1 wrote: "Small, but great. As a 'whisky virgin', I visited this distillery and I must say it was a great experience. Great tour, good explanations by our friendly guide. After the tour we could try some single malts. We even got a bracelet as a souvenir." Photo: Google Maps
10. Glenturret Distillery
Dating back to 1775, Glenturret is Scotland's oldest working distillery and is based in Crieff at the heart of Perthshire. Ian Hutchison wrote: "Excellent visit. It was my wife's first visit to a distillery and we had a very knowledgeable and articulate tour guide in JJ. The tour lasts about one hour and all the Glenturret staff are very helpful." Photo: Google Maps
11. Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery
The Dewar family have been making their whiskies, which are best-sellers in the US, since 1898 in Aberfeldy. The tour includes the chance to fill your own bottle from a cask. Stephan M wrote: "If you ever consider spending money on an Immersive Tour, you should. Five hours of fun, a guide with infinite knowledge (thanks Gary), delicious food and a remarkable range of rare whisky to explore. Perfect." Photo: Google Maps
12. Highland Park Distillery
The 18th century Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall was founded by Magnus Eunson, a direct descendant of the Vikings who first made their home on Orkney over 1,000 years ago. OnAir18314523989 wrote: What a place! It blew me away. The scenery, the history and the people. The highlight of my visit was the Highland Park Distillery and meeting the people who make it work." Photo: Google Maps