Visiting Dufftown Distillery
Travel Distilled on visiting Dufftown Distillery, which is not open to regular tours, plus its history and special whiskies.
Dufftown Distillery, nestled in the heart of Speyside, Scotland, is a cornerstone of Scotch whisky heritage. Established in 1895, it produces the acclaimed Singleton of Dufftown.
History of Dufftown Distillery
Dufftown Distillery was founded in 1895 under the name Dufftown-Glenlivet Distillery, reflecting its Speyside roots and proximity to the River Livet. Located in Dufftown, Moray, the distillery quickly became a vital part of the region’s whisky production. Speyside itself is often referred to as the Malt Whisky Capital of the World, and Dufftown contributes significantly to this reputation.
Originally built on the site of a former mill, the distillery was designed to harness the area’s natural resources, including water from Jock’s Well and the Conval Hills Spring, which continue to supply the distillery today. Over the decades, Dufftown’s whisky became a key component in Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd blended whiskies, helping to establish Bell’s as one of the UK’s most popular whisky brands.
Today, Dufftown Distillery is owned by Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol. It operates six stills—three wash stills and three spirit stills—with a combined annual capacity of 4 million litres of alcohol. Despite its scale, Dufftown maintains a relatively low profile compared to its famous neighbors like Glenfiddich and Balvenie, but its output is no less significant.
Signature Releases
Dufftown’s single malts are marketed under the Singleton of Dufftown label, part of Diageo’s Singleton range which also includes whiskies from Glen Ord and Glendullan. The Singleton of Dufftown is known for its approachable, smooth, and subtly aromatic profile, making it a favourite among both newcomers and seasoned whisky drinkers.
Notable expressions include:
- Singleton of Dufftown 12 Year Old: A classic Speyside malt, this whisky is dry and aromatic with hints of nuts and spice. It’s matured in a mix of American and European oak casks, resulting in a balanced and mellow flavor.
- Singleton of Dufftown 15 Year Old: Offers deeper complexity with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak. It’s a step up in richness and depth, ideal for those seeking a more mature dram.
- Singleton of Dufftown 18 Year Old: A refined and elegant whisky, this expression showcases the distillery’s ability to produce long-aged malts with finesse. Expect layers of fruit, spice, and a lingering finish.
These whiskies are often praised for their consistency and drinkability, making them excellent choices for gifting or casual sipping. While Dufftown doesn’t release many limited editions, its core range is widely available and well-regarded.
Visiting Dufftown Distillery
While Dufftown Distillery itself does not operate a traditional visitor center, whisky enthusiasts can still explore its legacy through Speyside Tours, which offer immersive walking experiences around the distillery and its neighboring sites.
The Dufftown Distilleries Walk
This guided walking tour is a fantastic way to experience the whisky heritage of Dufftown. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour includes visits to the sites of nine distilleries, both active and historic:
- Dufftown
- Pittyvaich
- Mortlach
- Glendullan
- Parkmore
- Glenfiddich
- Balvenie
- Kininvie
- Convalmore
You’ll learn about the history of each distillery, hear insider anecdotes, and enjoy tastings of rare and unique whiskies. The tour is designed to be relaxed and informative, perfect for whisky lovers and curious travelers alike.
Tour Options & Availability
There are three walking tour options available, depending on the season:
- November to February: Tours run on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 2 PM from the Clocktower in Dufftown.
- March to October: Tours are available every evening except Wednesday, starting at 5 PM from the same location.
Each tour lasts approximately 3 hours and covers a distance of 7 km (4.3 miles), so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. There are also walks which pair whisky with chocolate, or pair whisky with food.
Booking
- Booking: Pre-booking is essential, though same-day bookings are accepted if space allows
- How to book: Visit the Speyside Tours website or contact them directly for availability and reservations.
Contact Details
Here’s how to reach Dufftown Distillery and Speyside Tours:
Dufftown Distillery (Owned by Diageo)
Address: Church Street, Dufftown, Keith AB55 4BR, Scotland
Phone: Not available
Website: diageobaracademy.com
Speyside Tours (for walking tours)
Website: speysidetours.co.uk
If you’re planning a whisky pilgrimage to Speyside, Dufftown Distillery offers a rich blend of history, craftsmanship, and scenic exploration. Whether you’re sipping a Singleton or strolling past storied stills, it’s a destination that captures the spirit of Scotch.
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