Each year, whisky lovers across the globe turn their eyes to the best distilleries. Whether it’s the warmth of a Highland single malt or the innovation of a modern Irish blend, the industry is constantly evolving – and so too is the popularity of its most beloved producers.
For 2025, we’ve ranked 297 of the most popular whisky distilleries in the UK and Ireland using a variety of data points, including:
- Google and Tripadvisor reviews and ratings
- Social media following (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn)
- Hashtag volume and engagement
The results reveal some surprising changes from last year, with new entries shaking things up and some former favourites falling slightly down the ranks. Notably, The Cotswolds Distillery, which took the top spot in 2023 and 2024, has dropped to second place – not due to a loss in quality or reputation, but rather the meteoric rise of another fan-favourite distillery that has been gaining momentum year after year.
Let’s dive into the rankings, starting from 20 through to number 1.
20. Copeland Distillery
Rank in 2024: 31
Location: Donaghadee, Down, Northern Ireland
Website: copelanddistillery.com
A Northern Irish gem climbing up 11 spots this year, Copeland Distillery is known for its maritime influence and stunning coastal setting. With high ratings and growing social media traction, it’s one to watch.
19. Holyrood Distillery
Rank in 2024: 32
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Website: holyrooddistillery.co.uk
Another big mover, Holyrood Distillery blends tradition and innovation in the heart of Edinburgh. Its urban location and experimental casks have helped it gain attention on Instagram and Tripadvisor alike.
18. Kingsbarns Distillery
Rank in 2024: 53
Location: Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland
Website: kingsbarnsdistillery.com
With a massive jump of 35 places, Kingsbarns has become one of the most talked-about distilleries in Fife. Its visitor centre and growing product line have made it a firm favourite on social platforms.
17. Bladnoch Distillery
Rank in 2024: 22
Location: Bladnoch, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Website: bladnoch.com
Bladnoch continues to impress with its Lowland elegance and high visitor satisfaction. A consistent performer in both reviews and engagement.
16. The Glenlivet Distillery
Rank in 2024: 13
Location: Ballindalloch, Banffshire, Scotland
Website: theglenlivet.com
The Glenlivet remains a powerhouse in global whisky, though social engagement hasn’t kept pace with some trendier, smaller distilleries.
15. GlenAllachie Distillery
Rank in 2024: 23
Location: Aberlour, Moray, Scotland
Website: theglenallachie.com
A strong climb from last year, GlenAllachie is becoming increasingly popular for its bold, sherry-forward expressions and transparency in production.
14. The Macallan Distillery
Rank in 2024: 12
Location: Aberlour, Moray, Scotland
Website: themacallan.com
Despite being one of the most-followed whisky brands online, Macallan drops slightly due to lower Tripadvisor reviews and ratings. Still a luxury icon.
13. Springbank Distillery
Rank in 2024: 30
Location: Campbeltown, Argyll & Bute, Scotland
Website: springbank.scot
Cult favourite Springbank continues to impress whisky connoisseurs, with strong digital engagement pushing it into the top 15.
12. Annandale Distillery
Rank in 2024: 48
Location: Annan, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Website: annandaledistillery.com
A major riser, Annandale is rapidly gaining attention for its bold branding and impressive product launches. A future top 10 contender?
11. Tomatin Distillery
Rank in 2024: 10
Location: Tomatin, Inverness-shire, Scotland
Website: tomatin.com
Steady and consistent, Tomatin remains a well-loved Highland distillery that continues to draw visitors and online interest.
10. Isle of Raasay Distillery
Rank in 2024: 4
Location: Isle of Raasay, Scotland
Website: raasaydistillery.com
A surprising drop, possibly due to newer distilleries climbing fast, but Raasay remains one of the most beautiful and innovative destinations in whisky.
9. Dingle Distillery
Rank in 2024: 20
Location: Dingle, Kerry, Republic of Ireland
Website: dingledistillery.ie
An 11-place leap for Dingle, which is captivating whisky lovers with its small-batch ethos and coastal charm.
8. The Lakes Distillery
Rank in 2024: 37
Location: Cockermouth, Cumbria, England
Website: lakesdistillery.com
One of England’s fastest-growing distilleries, The Lakes has surged in popularity thanks to bold releases and strong brand storytelling.
7. Glengoyne Distillery
Rank in 2024: 24
Location: Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Website: glengoyne.com
With an idyllic setting and no peated malt in sight, Glengoyne has won fans for its smooth style and social media presence.
6. Glenfiddich Distillery
Rank in 2024: 6
Location: Dufftown, Moray, Scotland
Website: glenfiddich.com
A global heavyweight that holds steady. Glenfiddich’s consistent marketing, recognisability, and vast social following secure its top 10 status.
5. Lindores Abbey Distillery
Rank in 2024: 14
Location: Newburgh, Fife, Scotland
Website: lindoresabbeydistillery.com
Home of the first recorded mention of Scotch whisky, Lindores Abbey pairs history with modern craft and earns its place in the top 5.
4. Bruichladdich Distillery
Rank in 2024: 15
Location: Islay, Scotland
Website: bruichladdich.com
Islay’s progressive distillery is known for transparency, bold branding, and cult-favourite drams. A social media and review powerhouse.
3. Kilchoman Distillery
Rank in 2024: 3
Location: Islay, Scotland
Website: kilchomandistillery.com
Another Islay favourite that holds its ground. Kilchoman’s farm-to-bottle story and consistent ratings keep it comfortably in third.
2. Cotswolds Distillery
Rank in 2024: 1
Location: Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, England
Website: cotswoldsdistillery.com
After two years at the top, Cotswolds drops to second. Still incredibly popular, with exceptional Google reviews and a strong brand, but just edged out by a surging Irish contender.
1. Teeling Distillery
Rank in 2024: 2
Location: Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Website: teelingdistillery.com
2025’s most popular distillery is Teeling – the first new distillery to open in Dublin in over 125 years. With an unbeatable combination of ratings, engagement, and innovation, Teeling takes the crown this year.
The 2025 rankings demonstrate that popularity isn’t just about age or legacy. Distilleries that engage their audiences, maintain visitor satisfaction, and invest in storytelling across digital platforms are rising to the top. While Scotland still dominates the list, Ireland and England are quickly making their mark.
Teeling’s win this year is a testament to what modern whisky fans crave: a mix of tradition, accessibility, and buzz. Whether you’re visiting virtually or planning your next distillery tour, these 20 producers represent the very best in whisky experience today.
Which of these distilleries have you visited? Share your favourite in the comments below!
