Whisky, craft beer and local spirits

Explore Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s rich whisky heritage and vibrant craft beer scene.

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Distilleries, spirits and breweries

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are home to a growing collection of distilleries and breweries that celebrate Scotland’s iconic whisky, gin, and craft beer traditions. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur, a craft beer enthusiast, or just looking for a unique taste of the region, the North-east offers experiences to suit a wide range of tastes.

Visit historic distilleries nestled in Royal Deeside, discover new microbreweries producing innovative ales, or tour modern craft gin producers bringing local flavours to life. Many venues welcome visitors for tastings, tours, and workshops, giving you the chance to see the production process and enjoy the authentic local spirit.

Whisky distilleries 

Home to eight unique whisky distilleries, producing rich Highland-style malts and exceptional single malts. Many welcome visitors for tours, tastings, and immersive experiences in stunning surroundings.

Highlights include:

  • Glen Garioch – Scotland’s most easterly distillery, just 30 minutes from Aberdeen, produces a hearty Highland malt with a creamy texture. Open year-round, it offers guided tours and private tastings.
  • Fettercairn Distillery– One of Scotland’s oldest licensed Highland distilleries, set in the picturesque town of Fettercairn. Discover 200 years of craft with tours and tastings that showcase its unique heritage.
  • Royal Lochnagar – Established in 1845, this historic distillery in Balmoral Estate has royal connections and produces classic Highland single malts, with tours through its traditional copper stills and mashtuns.

With panoramic settings and centuries of heritage, whisky lovers can discover the region’s craft and enjoy tastings for all levels.

Image credit: Fettercairn Distillery

Fettercairn ABDN 1

Spirit distilleries 

Craft spirits are booming, with gin, vodka, and small-batch creations blending traditional techniques and modern innovation.  Visitors can enjoy tastings, workshops, and tours that highlight local botanicals and craftsmanship.

Highlights include:

  • House of Botanicals – Established in 2009, this boutique producer crafts world-class gins, cocktail bitters, and aperitifs with a planet-positive approach. Their flagship Classic Old Tom Gin, made with globally sourced botanicals, has won top international awards.
  • Lost Loch Spirits – Located in Royal Deeside, producing imaginative small-batch spirits using natural ingredients and local produce. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, or even create their own bottle at the spirit school.
  • City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School – Restored in 2019 after almost 80 years, this city-centre distillery offers tours, tastings, and an immersive Gin School where guests can create a full-sized spirit bottle using their own recipe from over 100 botanicals

Craft beer 

The thriving craft beer and cider scene, with microbreweries and local cider producers bringing bold, inventive flavours to the North-east of Scotland. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, tasting sessions, and seasonal releases while discovering the stories behind each pint.

Highlights include:

  • Fierce Beer – Founded in 2015, this multi-award-winning brewery offers a huge range of brews across 20 taps. Their Aberdeen bar helps customers discover new favourites, from pilsners and pale ales to imperial stouts and barrel-aged classics. Brewery tours provide insight into the production process.
  • Burnside Brewery – Based between the Cairngorms and the North Sea, Burnside is an award-winning independent brewery. Using premium Scottish malt, mountain water, and natural brewing methods, they produce both full-strength and alcohol-free beers. Tours and tastings showcase their innovative range, including vegan-friendly beers and collaborations with local businesses and charities.
  • Brew Toon – Based in Peterhead, Brew toon creates adventurous craft beers packed with waves of flavour. Their tasting room and bottle shop offer four draught beers on rotation, a fully stocked fridge with their entire collection, and a selection of red and white wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings or simply explore the brewery experience.

Image credit: Brew Toon

Brewtoon

Plan your visit

Plan your visit to explore distilleries, tasting rooms, and breweries, book guided tours or immersive workshops, and savour the rich flavours, stories, and craftsmanship of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.   Start planning your adventure today and discover the region’s vibrant drinks scene for yourself.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I visit all distilleries and breweries without a booking?

Some venues welcome walk-ins for tours and tastings, but many experiences, especially Gin Schools and whisky tours, require advance booking to secure your spot. Check each venue’s website before visiting.

Are there age restrictions for tours and tastings?

Visitors must be 18+ to participate in alcohol tastings. Family-friendly areas, such as distillery shops or brewery taprooms, often allow under-18s when accompanied by an adult.

Are tours and tastings accessible?

Most venues are wheelchair-accessible, but some historic distilleries and brewery production areas may have limited access. It’s best to check in advance for specific accessibility information.

Can I buy products to take home?

Yes! Most distilleries and breweries offer gift shops or bottle shops where visitors can purchase whisky, gin, craft beer, and cider to take home. Some also offer online ordering.

Do the venues offer group bookings or special experiences?

Many distilleries and breweries provide private tours, tasting sessions, workshops, and team-building experiences. Advanced booking is recommended for groups.

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