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Invergordon Distillery Tour – What’s The Best Option?

Coming to visit and want to do an Invergordon Distillery tour?

Well, despite having one of the largest distilleries in Europe in Invergordon there are no distilleries in Invergordon that you can visit. (You can visit a lovely and massive whisky mural though!)

However, there are some great ones nearby so read on for the details.

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Invergordon Distillery Tour

Can You Visit Invergordon Distillery?

The Whyte and Mackay Distillery in Invergordon is production only. It is not open or accessible to visitors. You can visit the large mural they have on the side of their building.

There is a huge distillery in Invergordon, owned by Whyte & Mackay. It’s a production distillery so it’s not open for visitors.

However, they do have a lovely mural which you can easily view. It stretches over several warehouse buildings and it is of course related to whisky.

To reach it from Invergordon Cruise Port follow the signs for private tours (that’s basically turning right when you leave the ship). Exit through the security gates and cross at the pedestrian crossing.

Then walk straight ahead which is King Street. When you come to the High Street cross straight over and continue along Castle Road.

When you have crossed over the railway line turn right along Academy Road. Keep walking past the large tanks on the right hand side. These were used for oil storage during the Second World War.

When you get to the end of the road follow it round to the left. You will see the mural across the road on the Whyte and Mackay buildings.

Be very careful if you are crossing this road as the traffic goes quite fast. You can’t go into the Whyte and Mackay plant but you can admire the mural and get some photos.

Total walking time from the cruise terminal is probably 15-20 minutes.

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Invergordon Distillery Tour

Dalmore Distillery

The nearest distillery to Invergordon that is open to visitors is Dalmore Distillery. However, this is currently undergoing a big rebuild. The distillery is not due to reopen until late 2025.

The distillery has been enlarged and the main distillery buildings moved further along the shore.

Keep your eye on the Dalmore Distillery website if you are planning to visit later in the year.

Dalmore Distillery has a lot of history relating to WW1 – it was where the American troops were based while they were building a line of mines out in the North Sea called the Northern Barrage.

You can walk to Dalmore Distillery from Invergordon cruise terminal.

Just turn right off the ship, head out through the security gate. Then cross the pedestrian crossing and take a left along the pavement/footpath. Keep following this and it will bring you to Dalmore Distillery.

If you are wanting to enjoy Dalmore whisky in a lovely romantic castle setting then take a taxi and head to Kincraig Castle. It’s just under 3 miles from Invergordon. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy the views. There are taxis available at the port security gate.

Invergordon Distillery Tour

Distillery Tours

If you want to take a distillery tour then the nearest option to Invergordon is Glenmorangie.

This distillery has the tallest stills in Scotland – they are the same height as a giraffe so you will see lots of giraffes when you visit.

The distillery is set beside the beautiful Dornoch firth. There is sometimes a small catering van at the distillery too.

As with all distilleries there are steps to deal with although there are step free routes available that miss out the upper levels.

Some of the cruise ships offer Glenmorangie tours as options for passengers. If you attend on a cruise ship tour bear in mind that the group size around the distillery is limited. For a full coach of 45 people it is likely to mean splitting into 4 groups.

If you plan to visit on your own then you will need to book in advance. The distillery tours are very popular so they do sell out, especially on days when cruise ships are visiting.

It is 13 miles from Invergordon to Glenmorangie Distillery.

Invergordon Distillery Tour

Balblair Distillery

If you want something a little different then you might want to consider Balblair Distillery. This has been producing whisky since 1790.

It’s 18 miles from Invergordon to Edderton where the distillery is located.

They do distillery tours too of course.

Invergordon Distillery Tour

The Singleton

Some cruise ships offer tours to the Singleton distillery, either in it’s own right or when Glenmorangie isn’t available.

Personally, this is my favourite distillery to visit in the area.

It has a beautiful visitor centre featuring a lovely central bar area.

There are a variety of whisky tasting options including a very interesting sensory experience (this must be booked in advance).

The distillery tours are great and there is a nice shop too.

I particularly like the cafe – it’s a wonderful setting and they have nice cakes and coffee too.

It is 22 miles from Invergordon to Muir of Ord where the distillery is located.

Invergordon Distillery Tour

Drinking Whisky in Invergordon

My top place to drink whisky in Invergordon would be Kincraig Castle. It’s 3 miles from the town centre but worth the effort because it’s such a lovely place. They also specialise in serving Dalmore whiskies.

Tuckers Inn is located along the shore from the cruise port. It has a nice bar with a view across the Cromarty Firth and tables outside for warmer weather too.

Invergordon Distillery Tour

Buying Whisky in Invergordon

The best option for buying whisky in Invergordon is The Co-operative store. This is a short walk from the ship. They have whisky for sale.

If you are on a cruise ship you may have to surrender your whisky when you board your ship and have it returned to you at the end of the cruise.

Invergordon Distillery Tour – Summary

  • Glenmorangie is popular for distillery tours, but Balblair is another option.
  • The Singleton Distillery is a great option to consider with a beautiful visitor centre.
  • Kincraig Castle is a great place to taste Dalmore whisky in lovely surroundings.
  • The Ship Inn is the nearest place to try whisky in a local pub.
  • The Co-operative store is the best option to buy whisky in Invergordon.

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If you have found my Invergordon Distillery Tour post useful you might also like my Invergordon Cruise Port page. It’s got lots more information on it.

Here are my other Invergordon Cruise Port Posts

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