What’s happening to the Malt Whisky Trail Distilleries during Covid-19?
Update as of 12th October 2020:
A two-week circuit breaker has been announced in Scotland between 9th and 25th October. One of the new restrictions is the banning of the serving of alcohol in indoor premises. As a result, some of the visitor experiences available at our partner sites have been affected. Please contact the individual distillery visitor centres for more information about what is and is not available at present, and we will update the below with information as we get it.
The Glenlivet – Whisky tasting experiences have been suspended until 26th October. The distillery’s shop is still open 7 days a week, and bookings are being taken online for tastings after 26th October.
Strathisla – Whisky tasting experiences have been suspended until 26th October, although visitors are welcome to come by to visit the shop and have a chat about whisky. The shop will be open 10am – 4pm Thursday – Monday
Cardhu – The distillery is currently closed to visitors, due to ongoing refurbishment works at the visitor centre, with plans to re-open in 2021.
Distilleries that will reopened on the 15th of July:
Glenfiddich – reopened on the 15th of July with restricted access and social distancing measures in place in accordance with Scottish Government Guidelines. The distillery gift shop, whisky lounge and cafe will be open Wednesday – Sunday (10:30 am – 04:00 pm). At present no distillery tours will take place. Advanced booking is essential when visiting the distillery.
Glen Moray – reopened on the 15th of July with restricted access and social distancing in place in accordance with Scottish Government Guidelines. The distillery gift shop and cafe will be open. At present no distillery tours will take place. Advanced booking is strongly advised.
The Glenlivet – reopened on 29th July with restricted access and social distancing in place in accordance with Scottish Government Guidelines. Visitors will be able to enjoy tutored tasting sessions of The Glenlivet Exclusive and Rare editions in an outdoor socially distanced setting, whilst enjoying breath-taking views of The Livet Valley. Pre-booking online is essential for the guided tastings. Tastings of The Glenlivet Collection (30 mins), The Glenlivet Distillery Exclusives (1 hour) and The Glenlivet Rare (1.5 hours) will be available for up to 6 visitors per session. Tickets range from £15 – £45.
Strathisla – reopened on 7th August with restricted access and social distancing in place in accordance with Scottish Government Guidelines. Visitors will be able to discover the history behind the world-famous blended Scotch through two one-hour tasting experiences; Chivas: The Blend and Discover the Distillery Reserve Collection. Pre-booking online is essential. Each tasting experience is limited to 6 visitors and takes place once a day between Friday – Sunday during the hours of 12:00 – 16:00. Prices range from £30 – £50.
Cardhu opened its gift shop on 3rd August, and full tours will recommence from 10th August. The distillery will be operating with restricted access and social distancing in place in accordance with Scottish Government Guidelines. Tours will be limited in size, so advance booking is advised.
Speyside Cooperage is reopening for visitors on 19th August. Pre-booking is essential, and at present only the classic tour is available.
Distilleries that will remain shut:
Benromach – the distillery is currently off limits to the public.
Dallas Dhu – the distillery is currently off limits to the public.
GlenGrant – the distillery is currently off limits to the public.
Although public access has been limited, whisky-making operations remain unaffected. The Malt Whisky Trail hopes that you stay safe and we will keep you updated if any further changes are made.