Discover the Speyside Cooperage
The Speyside Cooperage is at the epicentre of the whisky industry’s cask manufacturing and management. The centre received casks from all around the world, which in turn make their way to distilleries across Scotland. Each year they make and repair over 100,000 casks – barrels, hogsheads, butts and puncheons.
Oak is the only wood that can be used to produce casks for wines and spirits as it prevents seepage and allows the contents to breathe without spoiling the flavour.
The art of the cooper takes years to master. The coopers of Speyside build and repair casks from all over the world using only natural materials. Not a drop of glue or a single nail is used. Casks will often be ‘fired’ when they arrive to char the interior, and many will be ex-bourbon, port, sherry, or peated casks which give the whisky the bulk of its unique flavour.
The Five Star award winning Acorn to Cask exhibition will take you on a journey through the lifecycle of the cask, where you will see our coopers at work, still using the traditional methods and tools. The site also hosts a large gift shop, full of great whisky gifts. Learn what the casks are used for today and see the truly unique and ancient craft of barrel making.
Add the Speyside Cooperage to your itinerary, and discover more here.
Where is the Speyside Cooperage?
You can discover the ancient art of cooperage on Dufftown Road, Craigellachie, Banffshire, Scotland AB38 9RS
Postcode for directions and Sat Nav devices is AB38 9RS
We are serviced by the no 36 bus route which runs between Elgin and Dufftown and Elgin Train Station is 12 miles away on the A941.
Click here for Google Maps
What are the opening times?
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Tours every half an hour starting 9am
Last tour 3.30pm
Coffee Shop closes 4pm
Gift Shop closes 4.45pm
Closed over Christmas and New Year for two weeks
Is there disability access?
Speyside Cooperage is committed to providing an environment which values and includes all visitors and staff regardless of any educational, physical, sensory, social, spiritual, emotional and cultural needs. We are committed to a positive attitude towards disability and accessibility and to offering a culture of awareness, tolerance and inclusion.
Cooperage tours
Enjoy a journey through the lifecycle of the cask, see the highly skilled coopers at work, try it for yourself with the mini casks or simply relax and enjoy the gift and coffee shop.
Two types of tour are available: Classic Tour | VIP Tour
Classic Tour - Duration: 45 minutes (approx) - Cost: £3.50 per person
Our knowledgeable guides will accompany you through the exhibition which includes an informative 4-D cinematic presentation audio visual presentation followed by a visit to our viewing gallery where you can watch first hand our Coopers at work accompanied by one of our knowledgeable guides.
Booking is advisable particularly in Summer months.
Please email or call us on 01340 871108 to arrange.
VIP Tour - Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
An experienced former Cooper will guide you through the visitor centre giving a tour which includes an informative 4-D cinematic presentation followed by a visit to our viewing gallery where you can watch first hand our Coopers at work and even try your hand at building a miniature barrel!
Then take a look behind the scenes up close at the Coopers and their apprentices as they make and repair casks against the clock. You will then be escorted to a reserved area in our coffee shop to enjoy a dram of our own label 10 year old single malt whisky served in a Speyside Cooperage tasting glass which is yours to keep along with detailed tasting notes and a Cooperage Golf/Bar Towel.
This is followed by your choice from our range of speciality teas and coffees to enjoy with locally made petit four shortbreads.
The VIP tour is available to over 18's only and must be booked in advance.
For price information on the VIP tour please email or call us on 01340 871108 to arrange.
Facility Information
Reading Boards (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese Translations)
Read about the history of the Cask, Uses throughout the ages, Coopering Processes
Audio Visual (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian Wi-Fi Headset Translations)
A 4 dimensional look at our working Cooperage with a cinematic experience
Viewing Gallery accompanied by Guide
A chance to watch the Coopers while they work
Barrel themed Coffee Shop
Offering Sandwiches, Soups, Cakes, Bakes, Speciality Teas and Coffees
Lunches should be booked to avoid dissappointment
Cooperage Gift Shop
A selection of cask related giftware and other Scottish products, some unique to us
