Here it comes! For whisky fans all over the world, the Cask Connoisseur is back again with its list of the top 10 Distilleries in the UK and Ireland 2024! Who will take top place?
Almost 300 distilleries were considered, and after compiling all the data in May 2024, a new list was born!
Here is the list!
10. Tomatin Distillery, Scotland
Tomatin Distillery has weathered a tumultuous history since its establishment in 1897. After a brief initial run, it shuttered in 1906, only to rise from the ashes three years later. The distillery then enjoyed a prolonged period of success, lasting until 1984. Ironically, at this point, despite being Scotland’s most productive and efficient malt whisky producer, Tomatin faced another closure.
However, the distillery’s story didn’t end there. In 1986, Tomatin embarked on its third incarnation, marking a new era of innovation and growth. Since then, it has not only revitalized its own brand but also breathed new life into other whisky labels!
9. Stirling Distillery, Scotland
A fresh face on the whisky scene, Stirling Distillery made its debut on the list this year, marking a significant milestone in its journey. While the distillery has been crafting gin for nearly a decade, it only ventured into whisky production in 2023. This move is particularly noteworthy as it resurrects a long-dormant tradition; whisky hasn’t been distilled in Stirling since the mid-19th century, with records indicating a 171-year gap since 1852.
The distillery’s foray into whisky production has generated considerable buzz in the spirits community. Whisky enthusiasts and collectors are eagerly anticipating the release of Stirling’s first batch of mature whisky, slated for 2027. This four-year waiting period, necessary for the spirit to age and develop its character, is expected to build anticipation and potentially boost the distillery’s popularity.
8. Glenmorangie Distillery, Scotland
Glenmorangie, the renowned Highland distillery, has made a remarkable ascent in this year’s rankings, soaring from 57th place to claim the coveted 8th spot. This dramatic climb underscores the distillery’s growing appeal and recent innovations.
Nestled in the historic Royal Burgh of Tain, Glenmorangie boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1843. However, it’s not content to rest on its laurels. In 2021, the distillery unveiled its cutting-edge innovation center, aptly named the Lighthouse, following a substantial multi-million-pound investment. This state-of-the-art facility symbolizes Glenmorangie’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship.
7. Laphroaig Distillery, Scotland
Securing the seventh spot on the list is another venerable name in Scotch whisky, this time hailing from the rugged shores of Islay. Laphroaig, a distillery steeped in two centuries of tradition, stands as the most historically significant brand in the top 10.
Founded in 1815, Laphroaig boasts an impressive legacy that spans over 200 years, making it the oldest distillery to grace the upper echelons of this prestigious ranking. However, its age belies a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to whisky production and tourism.
6. Glenfiddich Distillery, Scotland
Glenfiddich Distillery, a cornerstone of Scotch whisky heritage, has been crafting exceptional spirits since 1887. However, it wasn’t until 1969 that the distillery truly revolutionized the whisky tourism landscape by opening its pioneering visitor center. This groundbreaking initiative was hailed as a “first-of-its-kind” in the Scotch whisky industry, setting a new standard for distillery experiences.
Since the visitor center’s inauguration, Glenfiddich has become a mecca for whisky enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The distillery’s enduring popularity is evident in the steady stream of visitors it continues to attract year after year. To cater to diverse interests and levels of whisky knowledge, Glenfiddich offers three distinct tour options, each providing unique insights into the art and science of whisky-making.
5. Isle of Harris Distillery, Scotland
Challenging the notion that age equates to superiority in the whisky world, the Isle of Harris Distillery has claimed an impressive fifth place on the list, despite being a relative newcomer to the scene. Established in 2015, this young distillery has swiftly become a standout attraction on Scotland’s western coast, marking a significant milestone as the island’s first legal whisky producer.
The year 2023 proved particularly momentous for the Isle of Harris Distillery, as it celebrated the bottling of its inaugural single malt whisky. This landmark event likely played a pivotal role in attracting whisky enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, eager to be among the first to experience this new addition to Scotland’s rich whisky landscape.
4. Isle of Raasay Distillery, Scotland
Securing an impressive fourth place on the list is yet another youthful contender from Scotland’s islands, further challenging the notion that age is paramount in the whisky world. The Isle of Raasay Distillery, which commenced operations as recently as 2017, has swiftly ascended the ranks of popular whisky destinations.
Despite its tender age, the distillery has already achieved significant milestones. In 2020, it unveiled its inaugural single malt, a momentous occasion that unfortunately coincided with a global pandemic, hampering initial visitor numbers. However, this setback seems to have been short-lived, given the distillery’s high ranking.
3. Kilchoman Distillery, Scotland
Despite sliding one position from its previous year’s ranking, Kilchoman Distillery maintains a formidable presence as the highest-placed Scotch whisky producer on this year’s list. This Islay-based distillery continues to captivate visitors with its unique approach to whisky production and commitment to traditional methods.
Kilchoman sets itself apart in the crowded Scotch whisky landscape by being one of the few distilleries that embraces a farm-to-bottle philosophy. The distillery not only grows its own barley on-site but also practices the time-honored tradition of floor malting. This hands-on approach to ingredient sourcing and preparation offers visitors a rare glimpse into whisky-making practices that have largely been industrialized elsewhere.
2. Teeling Distillery, Republic of Ireland
Teeling Distillery, the sole Irish representative on this prestigious list, has secured an impressive second place, setting a high bar for whiskey tourism not just in Ireland, but globally. This achievement underscores Teeling’s exceptional approach to visitor experiences and its rapid rise to prominence in the whiskey world.
Established in 2015, Teeling marked a significant milestone in Dublin’s rich distilling history, becoming the first new distillery to open its doors in the Irish capital in over 125 years. This revival of Dublin’s whiskey-making tradition has clearly resonated with visitors, propelling Teeling to the upper echelons of whiskey tourism destinations.
1. Cotswolds Distillery, England
For the second consecutive year, England’s Cotswold Distillery has maintained its crown as the top whisky tourism destination, narrowly edging out Ireland’s Teeling Distillery by a mere three points. This remarkable achievement solidifies Cotswold’s position as a trailblazer in the whisky tourism sector, particularly noteworthy for an English distillery in a field traditionally dominated by Scottish and Irish producers.
Founded in 2014, Cotswold Distillery has experienced a meteoric rise in both production capacity and visitor appeal. The distillery’s commitment to growth and improvement is evident in the significant expansion it has undergone since 2022. This development has likely played a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience and contributing to its continued top ranking.