Speyburn Distillery

DRUMS, DRAMS AND DUNNAGE TOUR

We’ve been at it since 1897 – making whisky the simple way, in a valley that does half the work for us. The rest we do ourselves.

First, we’ll explore the lower floor of our Drum Maltings – a work of engineering art, and a first for Scotch Whisky. Another first: our original 10-tonne ‘Boby’ mill. It’s kept us in ground barley for well over a century.   

Then the wooden wash backs of the mash house. If we’re busy with a fermentation, you’ll know (and smell) all about it. Next, outside to the worm tubs: most distilleries abandoned this craft long ago. Find out why we’ve held on.  

The main event? The still room, with the largest wash still in Moray, alongside our ‘onion’ stills. Together they give Speyburn its character: light, fruity, smooth – and with body to spare.  

In the dunnage warehouse, everything slows down. Stone walls. Earthen floor. Casks stacked in the dark. The angels sipping their share.  

Then the tasting room, where you’ll sit at benches and tables made from our old wooden wash backs. The perfect place to get your nose (and taste buds) into some drams that speak for themselves. 

All tours are conducted in English. 

HOPKINS: BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

Everything on the Drums, Drams and Dunnage tour – and then some. This tour goes further to uncover the details and flavours that matter. Just like its namesake, our founder, John Hopkins. 

 The big difference: you’ll explore all three floors of the drum maltings, not just the lower level. It was here, in 1967, that we turned off the lights and locked the doors. Today, the maltings are almost exactly as we left them, including barley from that last batch. As if time stood still. 

 You’ll also get the full measure of our tun room. In the middle of a fermentation, you’ll know all about it: a hot, brooding storm that’s alive with potential – lid up, wort bubbling, nature hard at work.  

After the worm tubs and still house, we’ll enjoy a dram in the dunnage warehouse. Then on to the snug: wing-back chairs by the fire, more drams from the Speyburn range, including one you won't find outside these walls.  

And a complimentary Speyburn glass to raise to John Hopkins when you get home. 

All tours are conducted in English.

A DRAM OR TWO WITH THE DISTILLERY MANAGER

Spend the afternoon with the person who knows this place best, clocked off from everything else, with nowhere else to be.

Euan Henderson grew up in the craft of whisky. Managing Speyburn was always meant to be.  

He’ll take you through each part of the distillery. Then he’ll share his take and answer your questions as you work through our drams. Speaking of which: when you reach the dunnage warehouse, you’ll sample a dram Euan’s drawn straight from the cask.  

 You’ll even taste our new-make spirit – before time and casks turn it into Speyburn. 

 After that, the tasting room. Your chance to taste even more drams, including a very special distillery exclusive.  

 Sessions run Monday to Friday, around Euan’s schedule. Personal and unhurried, right down to the moment he hands over your gift bag.