Are you thinking of visiting whisky distilleries in 2024? There are several out there in the UK and Ireland, around 298 distilleries according to our recent calculations! Each one offers a unique whisky experience, allowing the person to become fully immersed in the whisky making process. Each whisky area has its own distinct flavour profiles and traditions that are best observed from the distillery in person.
So the only question is, which is the best whisky distillery to visit in 2024?
There are two answers to this:
- The easiest thing you can do is go to your favourite distillery based on your own personal taste buds. If you’ve not been to a whisky distillery before, then this can be your first point of call.
- If you’ve already visited your favourite and want to broaden your whisky horizons, then now might be the time to make the most of our Annual Whisky Distillery Index.
If you’re willing to try a new whisky distillery or just want a helpful nudge, then we’ve conducted the research to reveal which are the most popular whisky distilleries in the UK and Ireland based on their online reputation.
Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a getaway with friends, or even a whisky themed holiday, these are the top 20 whisky distilleries that everyone is loving!
20. Dingle Distillery, Kerry, Republic of Ireland
Taking the 20th spot is Dingle Distillery, which has had a huge increase of 18 places since last year (originally coming in 38th place in 2023). This Irish distillery took the plunge on a cold winter’s day in 2012, and three years and a day later on the 19th December 2015, one cask, Cask No. 2 was released and the rest as they say is history!
- Website URL: https://dingledistillery.ie
- Address: Dingle Distillery, Milltown, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 E7YD
- Starting Tour Price: €19.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2642 out of 3576
19. Clonakilty Distillery, Cork, Republic of Ireland
In 19th place is Clonakilty Distillery, which has dropped seven places since last year. This distillery in Ireland is situated along the Atlantic coast and you can enjoy a multi-sensory experience on their guided distillery tour and tasting, meaning that you can get up close to the production process of their Irish Whiskey.
- Website URL: https://clonakiltydistillery.ie
- Address: The Waterfront, Youghals, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 N403
- Starting Tour Price: €20.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2661.5 out of 3576
18. Powerscourt Distillery, Wicklow, Republic of Ireland
Jumping up two places in the rankings, Powerscourt Distillery has gone from 20th place to 18th in the last year. They offer a first-class fully immersive whiskey experience and are one of the few distilleries in Ireland with a maturation warehouse on-site, meaning that you can breathe in the extraordinary spirits maturing within.
- Website URL: https://powerscourtdistillery.com
- Address: Powerscourt Demesne, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, A98 A9T7
- Starting Tour Price: €25.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2679 out of 3576
17. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, North Yorkshire, England
Dropping ten places since 2023, Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery comes in 17th place this year. Whisky officially became a part of this distillery’s plan in 2011, when best friends Tom and Dave were chatting over a pint: “we’ve got barley on the farm, we’ve got our own water, and we already make great beer.” Whisky was the next logical step. It was clearly meant to be!
- Website URL: https://www.spiritofyorkshire.com
- Address: Hunmanby Industrial Estate, The Distillery, Unit 1, Hunmanby, Filey YO14 0PH
- Starting Tour Price: £15.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2703.5 out of 3576
16. Micil Distillery, Galway, Republic of Ireland
With over 170 years crafting Irish spirits, this distillery comes in 16th place (dropping ten places since 2023). For six generations, the family who run the distillery have preserved the craft, distilling extraordinary spirits made using family recipes, craft knowledge and time-honoured techniques. Perhaps this is what makes this distillery so special?
- Website URL: https://micildistillery.com
- Address: Oslo Bar, 226 Upper Salthill Rd, Galway, H91 N9WK
- Starting Tour Price: €25.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2712 out of 3576
15. Bruichladdich Distillery, Islay, Scotland
Dropping 11 places since 2023, Bruichladdich is now the 15th most popular distillery online (previously it was fourth place in 2023). This distillery was resurrected in 2001 and their ambitions have gone beyond the simple idea of making and selling single malt scotch whisky. Let’s see where they land in the new year?
- Website URL: https://www.bruichladdich.com
- Address: Bruichladdich, Distillery, Isle of Islay PA49 7UN
- Starting Tour Price: £20.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2716 out of 3576
14. Lindores Abbey Distillery, Fife, Scotland
Dropping down a spot since last year, Lindores Abbey Distillery comes in 14th place for the most popular distillery according to their online reputation. They famously say that “after a break of 523 years, spirit is once again flowing from the copper stills at Lindores Abbey Distillery”, what’s not to love about that?
- Website URL: https://lindoresabbeydistillery.com
- Address: Abbey Rd, Newburgh, Cupar KY14 6HH
- Starting Tour Price: £15.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2723.5 out of 3576
13. The Glenlivet Distillery, Banffshire, Scotland
One of the oldest legal distilleries in the Highlands of Scotland, comes in 13th place. Founded in 1824, this has been operating almost continuously since. With 200 years behind them, they’re offering a series of exciting and new experiences at the distillery, so it’s no wonder that people are intrigued to find out more about this place!
- Website URL: https://www.theglenlivet.com
- Address: Glenlivet, Ballindalloch AB37 9DB
- Starting Tour Price: £25.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2747 out of 3576
12. The Macallan Distillery, Moray, Scotland
Coming in 12th place is The Macallan Distillery, which is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery in Craigellachie in Moray in the north-east of Scotland. With a licence to distil since 1842, their award winning distillery was built in 2018 and offers a range of experiences for whisky fans to enjoy when they come to explore. Just make sure you book well in advance for this one!
- Website URL: https://www.themacallan.com
- Address: Easter Elchies, Aberlour AB38 9RX
- Starting Tour Price: Available on Request
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2759.5 out of 3576
11. Penderyn Distillery, Mid Glamorgan, Wales
Missing out on being in the top ten is this Welsh distillery. Coming in 11th place for the whole of the UK and Ireland, Penderyn Distillery has unfortunately dropped six places since 2023. However, it still holds the honour of being the most popular Distillery in Wales.
- Website URL: https://www.penderyn.wales
- Address: Pontpren, Pontbren Llwyd, Aberdare CF44 0SX
- Starting Tour Price: £13.50
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2763.5 out of 3576
10. Tomatin Distillery, Inverness-shire, Scotland
Coming in at 10th place is Tomatin Distillery, despite only managing to make it in 93rd place in 2023. This huge leap could indicate the work that Tomatin Distillery has been putting into their marketing this year. This distillery dates back to 1897, but closed in 1906. Fortunately, it was able to reopen again between 1909 until 1984, but had to close for a second time. It reopened for its third chapter in 1986 and seems to be thriving.
- Website URL: https://tomatin.com
- Address: Tomatin Distillery, Inverness IV13 7YT
- Starting Tour Price: £15.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2772.5 out of 3576
9. Stirling Distillery, Stirlingshire, Scotland
This is a new entry to our whisky distilleries index, and comes in ninth place. They started producing whisky in 2023, following a successful eight years of gin making. Whilst the whisky won’t be ready until 2027, this distillery is certainly one to watch out for. It’s also the first whisky distillery in Stirling since 1852, so let’s see if it lives up to our high hopes.
- Website URL: https://stirlingdistillery.com
- Address: 9 Lower Castlehill, Stirling FK8 1EN
- Starting Tour Price: £15.00 (Whisky Driver’s Experience) / £25.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2791 out of 3576
8. Glenmorangie Distillery, Ross, Scotland
This distillery certainly is one that impresses its visitors with its unusual ‘giraffe high’ stills, and it has jumped an impressive 49 places since 2023. Plus, the brand operates its own hotel, Glenmorangie House, making a trip up to visit very easy for a fan of their whisky.
- Website URL: https://www.glenmorangie.com
- Address: A9, Tain IV19 1PZ
- Starting Tour Price: N/A – Distillery closed until 2nd September 2024
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2832.5 out of 3576
7. Laphroaig Distillery, Islay, Scotland
One of the oldest distilleries, and a favourite of King Charles’, this is another historic scotch distillery. Established in 1815, this is one distillery that isn’t behind with the times, attracting around 29,000 visitors every year. As they proudly state on their page, “Friends are always welcome,” so be sure to book your visit!
- Website URL: https://www.laphroaig.com
- Address: Laphroaig, Isle of Islay PA42 7DU
- Starting Tour Price: £18.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2890.5 out of 3576
6. Glenfiddich Distillery, Moray, Scotland
Coming in sixth place is Glenfiddich Distillery, which was originally built in 1887. Its visitor centre opened in 1969, and it has since become a popular destination for whisky enthusiasts offering tours that highlight its rich history and traditional production methods. The name Glenfiddich, derived from the Scottish Gaelic “Gleann Fhiodhaich,” means “valley of the deer,” a reference beautifully captured in the distillery’s iconic stag logo.
- Website URL: https://www.glenfiddich.com
- Address: Dufftown, Keith AB55 4DH
- Starting Tour Price: £30.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2925.5 out of 3576
5. Isle of Harris Distillery, Harris, Scotland
In fifth place is Harris Distillery in Scotland, jumping up the list by a whopping 27 places since 2023. Another relatively new distillery, opening in 2015, it was the island’s first (legal) distillery and they have one of the youngest teams of distillers in Scotland with an average age of 25 years.
- Website URL: https://harrisdistillery.com
- Address: Tarbert, Isle of Harris HS3 3DJ
- Starting Tour Price: £25.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 2976.5 out of 3576
4. Isle of Raasay Distillery, Raasay, Scotland
Another Scottish Distillery, this time taking fourth place (having dropped down one spot since 2023). Being a relatively new brand as it only began producing in 2017 and releasing its first single malt in 2020, this distillery has gone from strength to strength. The island this distillery resides on might only be home to 161 people, but it certainly attracts a high number of visitors. But don’t worry, whilst it might be small, it does have its own accommodation!
- Website URL: https://www.raasaydistillery.com
- Address: Borodale House Isle of Raasay, Kyle IV40 8PB
- Starting Tour Price: £20.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 3016.5 out of 3576
3. Kilchoman Distillery, Islay, Scotland
Dropping down a spot from last year’s index, Kilchoman Distillery takes third place for the best distillery to visit in 2024. This also takes the top spot for the best Scottish Distillery. The Islay distillery is one of the few Scotch producers that grows its own barley and floor-malts it. Its unusually small stills add another unique element, offering plenty for visitors to experience and enjoy.
- Website URL: https://kilchomandistillery.com
- Address: Rockside Farm, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49 7UT
- Starting Tour Price: £10.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 3090 out of 3576
2. Teeling Distillery, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Teeling Distillery takes the second spot for the most popular distillery according to online data and is the only Irish Distillery to make it to the top ten! Compared to last year, this distillery has gone up eight places since 2023 (originally coming in 10th place in 2023). This distillery produces some brilliant whiskey and is located in the heart of Dublin, making it the perfect place to visit while enjoying a weekend in the city, or a day out exploring with friends and family.
- Website URL: https://www.teelingwhiskey.com/
- Address: 13-17 Newmarket, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 KD91
- Starting Tour Price: €20.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 3213.5 out of 3576
1. The Cotswolds Distillery, Warwickshire, England
Taking the crown for the most popular online distillery (for the second time running) is The Cotswolds Distillery. With an impressive score of 3217 out of 3576, it edged out its competitors by just 3.5 points, indicating its strong fan base and popularity across digital platforms. Perhaps this comes down to its highly sought-after destination in a picturesque location, immersive tours and the opportunity to witness the meticulous craft of distilling first-hand. Will you be visiting this distillery this summer?
- Website URL: https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com/
- Address: Whichford Road, Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 5EX
- Starting Tour Price: £25.00
- Total Whisky Index Score: 3217 out of 3576
So whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the UK and Ireland offer a wealth of distilleries that promise memorable experiences. With nearly 300 distilleries to explore, each with its own unique character, history, and flavour profile, there’s truly something for everyone. From the picturesque Cotswolds Distillery in England to the historic Teeling Distillery in Dublin, the choices are as diverse as they are enticing.
If you’re drawn to familiar favourites, visiting your go-to distillery could deepen your appreciation for the craft. Alternatively, if you’re looking to broaden your whisky horizons, this list of the top 20 most popular distilleries, based on their online reputation, is an excellent guide to discovering new and noteworthy destinations. So, why not embark on a whisky journey this summer and see for yourself what makes these distilleries stand out? Each visit is not just a chance to taste exceptional whisky, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and innovative practices that define the world of whisky today. Cheers to your next adventure!
