The Dalmore is a scotch whisky distillery located north of Inverness right by the water of the Cromarty Firth. Whisky enthusiasts have patiently awaited the reopening and launch of the new bespoke tour experience. As previously, the distillery remained closed to visitors for a long time. Finally the day has come and I was one of the first people in the world to discover what this luxurious whisky experience has in store for visitors. The team built something genuinely different: a £250 private tour for two-to-eight guests, a guided single malt whisky tasting, that can include a selection of different expressions such as The Dalmore King Alexander III or other fantastic whiskies and a visit to the famous still room with its bespoke glass window. Even though I have seen many distillery tours and tastings throughout my decade working in whisky, this is one that really stood out to me. So let me tell you a little more about it all.
The Dalmore Distillery Tour: a luxurious experience by the Cromarty Firth
Established in 1839, The Dalmore Distillery uses the silver 12-point Royal Stag to distinguish each bottle of its whisky. This is an homage to the story of Colin of Kintail from Clan Mackenzie who saved the life of King Alexander III of Scotland, who was dramatically attacked by a charging stag. You can see a depiction of this moment in the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh. Where this particular painting by Benjamin West is the largest in the entire collection. Nowadays The Dalmore Distillery is a part of the Whyte and Mackay scotch whisky portfolio, who also own the Fettercairn, Jura and Tamnavulin distilleries. The whiskies are very popular and I often find notes of orange marmalade, oak and soft spices throughout the portfolio of expressions.
Additional information
- The Dalmore Distillery tour price: From £250/per person
- The Dalmore Distillery address: Dalmore, Alness IV17 0UT
- Recommended whiskies: The Dalmore King Alexander III, The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve & The Dalmore 2000 Vintage Calvados Cask Finish
- Parking: visitor parking spaces available for visitors who are booked in for a tour
♥ Looking for somewhere to stay in the area around The Dalmore Distillery? Then check out my guide to the best hotels in and near Inverness here. I particularly like Links House which is located about half an hour away from the distillery. It is perfect for a romantic getaway or for golf enthusiasts as it’s right next door to a beautiful links course. I have also written an accommodation guide to the nearby city of Inverness which you can find here.
A distillery tour bespoke to you by The Dalmore Concierge
The new tour at The Dalmore is a bespoke experience for a minimum of two people and up to seven guests (groups of eight in total). Ahead of the visit The Dalmore Concierge will be in touch to learn more about any requirements of preferences the group might have. This ensures the experience is tailored in the best possible way.
The interiors carefully showcase The Dalmore, creating a natural and elegant feel. They have done an incredibly job at incorporating Scottish elements that represent the heritage and location of the distillery. Whilst also making it feel inviting and exciting to explore. Throughout the experience spaces there will also be various artists on display. So it is well worth to look a little closer at these gorgeous pieces that decorate areas like the entrance and the lounge area at the end of the tour. The team is incredibly knowledgable and not only can they guide you through an excellent whisky tasting, but also provide fascinating details about the surrounding areas and art pieces across the distillery.
The Dalmore Distillery tour experience is around 3 hours and you will be able to try three selected single malt scotch whiskies during the tasting. Guests can enjoy other whiskies for an added cost after the main experience.
An excellent opportunity to try something special. Tasting whisky at its place of origin offers a uniquely memorable experience. This bespoke experience is also perfect for celebratory Scotland trips, such as anniversaries, birthdays or for whisky enthusiasts with a particular fondness for The Dalmore.
What is included in a £250 distillery tour experience at The Dalmore?
The Dalmore Distillery’s bespoke tour features a private visit tailored to you and your guests. As part of the experience you get a tour around the production areas and warehousing. As well as a guided tasting with single malt scotch whiskies from The Dalmore portfolio tailored to you. And as if that was not enough there are a couple of special moments throughout the visit that might surprise and delight the group.
Should you wish to add on elements, such as transport or dining, then this is of course also optional. It can all be arranged with The Dalmore Concierge.
Without spoiling the experience, the moment after the tasting reveals just how thoughtfully every detail has been crafted.
For dedicated drivers
If you are the dedicated driver you of course cannot drink any alcohol on the tour. If you’re not drinking, the team offers driver’s drams for you to take the tasting whiskies home. It would be such a shame to come all this way and not try the delightful whiskies from The Dalmore. That way you can enjoy them at your own leisure whenever you don’t have to drive. There are also non-alcoholic cocktails available for drivers.
Accessibility
The tour offers step-free accessibility throughout the entire experience. If you have any particular accessibility requirements, do reach out to The Dalmore team and they can assist with answering any queries. As a whisky enthusiast who knows who inaccessible old distillery buildings can be, it is great to see one which can work for many people. Many distilleries were of course built for production rather than visitor experiences.
Tour highlights
- Seeing the beautiful still room with the bespoke glass window created by Scottish artist John Kenneth Clark
- Bespoke tasting of single malt whiskies from The Dalmore
- Delightful cocktails to enjoy either inside the lovely lounge or outdoors when the weather allows
- Gorgeous interior designs where there seems to be something to to explore around each corner
Ever since I first started working in the whisky industry, I’ve heard about the still room at The Dalmore Distillery. Therefore I felt genuinely fascinated as I finally explored the still room on this guided tour. Compared to other still rooms I have seen previously this one stands out, not only because of the beautiful glass window but because of the odd flat-topped shape the stills. All the shape elements of a whisky copper pot still is affects the spirit style. Here at The Dalmore they have different shapes of their stills and blend these two styles together for optimal balance.
Other scotch whisky distillery tours in the nearby area
If The Dalmore Distillery isn’t available, you can visit other nearby Scotch single malt whisky distilleries such as Tomatin Distillery, Singleton of Glen Ord, or Dunphail Distillery, all within or just over an hour’s drive away. The whisky region of Speyside is also nearby and a lovely area to visit. Not only are there plenty of distilleries to visit, but the landscape here is also absolutely beautiful, framed by the ever-present river Spey.
FAQ – Distillery Tour at The Dalmore
Any drivers doing the distillery tour at The Dalmore can take their drams away in a drivers pack and also enjoy non-alcoholic cocktails.
The distillery tour at The Dalmore is only for adults, so only allows anyone who is 18+.
You can take photos and videos at The Dalmore Distillery. However there are certain areas where you are not allowed to due to safety. But your host will let you know where this is.
The Dalmore Distillery is located by the Cromarty Firth, along the northeast coast above Inverness in Scotland.
The Dalmore Distillery is owned by Whyte & Mackay. They also own Tamnavulin Distillery, Jura Distillery and Fettercairn Distillery.
There is not a restaurant at The Dalmore Distillery, but if you are booking a tour then you can also add on a bespoke food experience. The team collaborates with local restaurants and chefs who can provide fantastic food with local and seasonal produce.
The best single malt whisky from The Dalmore is always subjective to what each person likes, but I really enjoy The Dalmore King Alexander III or The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve.
The Dalmore Distillery does not have a shop that you can visit, but if you book a distillery tour then you have the opportunity to purchase bottles or products as part of the experience.
Looking for more inspiration for whisky experiences around Scotland?
- The Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland: From Historic Icons to Hidden Gems
- A whisky writers guide to Speyside in Scotland
- Where to go for a whisky tasting in Edinburgh: Scotch whisky tours & distilleries
- Rothes Glen: A Gourmet Weekend at a whisky castle in Speyside
- Johnnie Walker Princes Street Edinburgh: the tours, tastings and rooftop bar
- Inside Ardbeg House: Islay’s Ultimate Whisky Hotel
- Isle of Raasay Guide – the hidden island gem next to the Isle of Skye
- Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery: one of the best whisky tours in Scotland
- The Glenturret Distillery: Whisky Tours & Two Michelin Star Lalique Restaurant
- The Macallan Distillery Restaurant Review: Time Spirit Dining Experience
- Glencadam Distillery: tours and tastings at scotch whisky’s hidden gem
Or just inspiration for your Scotland trip?
- Romantic getaways in Scotland: The Most Luxurious Escapes for Couples in 2026
- Edinburgh: A local’s guide and recommendations to things to do and see
- The best hotels in Edinburgh: 19 luxurious recommendations from a local
- Isle of Skye restaurants, cafés and oyster sheds
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
