If you are a lover of whisky or a beer aficionado, visit Loch Ness and the surrounding areas to get a distinct taste of tradition and innovation.
There is certainly no shortage of local spirits and beers to try in the Highlands of Scotland, and these are the best distilleries and breweries near Loch Ness. If you can’t make it to all of these places for a tour, worry not — the Loch Ness Inn allows you to taste them all.
Spirits: Whiskies and Gins near Loch Ness
The Tomatin distillery is located approximately halfway between Inverness and Aviemore, and is easily accessible by car. The distillery itself was established in 1897, and since then the company has been crafting a delicious and award-winning variety of whiskies. The Tomatin 36 Year Old single malt was recently awarded ‘Best in Show’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, so book a tour to try this exceptional whisky, or enjoy a tipple at the Loch Ness Inn’s Brewery Bar.
Renowned for producing exceptional single malt Scotch whisky, the Glen Ord distillery has been in operation since 1838 and it is celebrated for its commitment to traditional methods. The distillery can be found on the Black Isle in Muir of Ord, and there are a range of tours which take visitors on a captivating journey through the whisky-making process. Each sip of Glen Ord whisky reflects the expertise and passion that goes into its creation, and visiting the distillery itself is a great way to spend the day.
Great Glen Distillery is referred to as Scotland’s Smallest Craft Distillery, and it can be found in the heart of Drumnadrochit on the western shore of Loch Ness. Taking its name from the fault line that divides the Highlands, this distillery produces a variety of high-quality, delicious gins using locally sourced botanicals and water from Loch Ness. The distillery was established by Daniel Campbell and Adam Dwyer, and its gin has an earthy taste that encapsulates the spirit of the Highlands.
Beer: Breweries near Loch Ness
The Black Isle Brewery is an iconic staple of the Highlands, and most bars you walk into in Inverness will be stocked with its organic beers. The brewery was established in 1998 by owner David Gladwin, who’s ethos is to produce exceptional beers that support the wellbeing of nature without compromising on quality or taste. Visit the brewery and organic farm on the Black Isle, or head to one of the Black Isle Brewery bars in Inverness or Fort William to enjoy great beer and food.
Situated in Aviemore, Cairngorm Brewery is the perfect spot to visit with your family or a group of friends after a day spent enjoying the fresh air of the countryside. This brewery provides a great selection of craft beers, ranging from light, citrussy options to a traditional Scottish Milk stout, and you can embark on a guided tasting session at the brewery or simply pick out your favourites to have at home.
Also based on the Black Isle, the Cromarty Brewing Company is a family-run business that is renowned for its exceptional craft beers. The company has been winning awards since it launched in 2011, and it produces beers that are rich in both flavour and character. Head to the shop in Cromarty to pick up some of their core brews, or keep an eye out for their occasional featured beers to try something different.
Although the Orkney Brewery isn’t near Loch Ness, its beer is featured at the Loch Ness Inn and enjoyed by many across Scotland. From the iconic Dark Island ale, with its robust flavours of roasted malt and chocolate, to the zesty and refreshing Northern Light pale ale, Orkney Brewery offers a diverse selection of beers to suit everyone. If you are planning to visit Orkney, head to the visitor centre and try a selection of local specialties at the tasting hall.
Additional Tipples
There are countless other distilleries and breweries to be found near Loch Ness, so if you are planning to explore the local area be sure to check these places out as well.
Kinrara Distillery produces gin in Aviemore, and it is a company inspired by the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The team blends traditional production methods with creativity to provide a delicious spirit stored in a beautiful bottle, and you can book yourself a tasting session on their website.
Dingwall, a thirty minute journey north of Drumnadrochit, is home to Glenwyvis Whisky and Gin Distillery, where you can get the best of both worlds. The award-winning GoodWill gin is crafted using nine botanicals, establishing a smooth and full-bodied taste, and its whiskies are entirely unique.
Along the North Coast 500 route in Ullapool you can find the Highland Liquor Company, which produces the Seven Crofts Gin. This gin is inspired by history and nature, and is an ode to the tradition of generating growth within the community.
The Highlands of Scotland is home to a wealth of expertise and creativity, so even if you’re impartial to beer or have never liked the taste of whisky, you may just find your new favourite drink in an unexpected place.