Whisky On The NC500
It feels like just yesterday that we had our opening party in glorious sunshine. With memories of lovely weather still fresh in the mind, you can imagine our anguish when a planned hillwalking weekend was curtailed by poor weather. Autumn can have some excellent weather but not that weekend! What then to do on the NC500 when the weather sucks? Is there Whisky on the NC500, I hear you cry!?!
Indeed there is! Whisky on the north coast 500 route is only found on the eastern section, from John o’ Groats down towards Inverness. The most direct way to reach the east coast from NC500Pods, requires a stunning coast-to-coast drive, passing through the town of Lairg. The long road around the top passes though Durness and Tongue, before reaching Thurso, where the first distillery on out list is located.
Most whisky distilleries provide guided tours of their site, as they walk you through the whisky making process. Tours include samples of the various whiskies produced, so its best not to volunteer to be the designated driver that day!
In this blog we list all of the distilleries located on the NC500 route and provide links to more information on them.
Wolfburn
Thurso’s Wolfburn is both old and new. Whisky was produced here many years ago before closing in the 1850s. A 2012 revival means that this Whisky is back in a big way!
Part of the Whisky Making Process
Click here to read more about Wolfburn
Old Pultney
Old Pultney has won several awards in recent years. It is situated in old streets of Wick, not far from the harbour. Worth a visit if you’re visiting nearby John o’ Groats. We can recommend the tour!
Sampling Old Pultney After The Tour
For more info on Old Pultney click here.
Clynelish
This large facility in Brora offers a great tour and many great whiskies. They even make a ‘Game Of Thrones’ Whisky!
Old Clynelish Barrels
Read more about Clynelish here.
Balblair
Balblair is a great place to visit. The buildings have aged, much as the whisky has, to create a charm and character that links back several generations.
Balblair welcome sign
To find out more about Balblair click here.
Glen Morangie
Just north of Tain is a very famous whisky brand. Glenmorangie has been producing whisky in sight of the Dornoch firth, since the 1840s.
Traditional charm hides a modern facility
Click here to lean more about Glen Morangie
Dalmore
Dalmore was founded in Alness in the 1800s. It was later taken over by Mackenzie’s who introduced the royal stag emblem. Accordingly, the stag symbol now decorates every bottle of Dalmore.
Dalmore Barrel Art
Read more about Dalmore here.
Glen Ord
Glen Ord is near to Inverness, just off the NC500 route. This is large scale distillery, producing great volume for blended whisky makers like Johnnie Walker and is also home to the famous Singleton single malt whisky.
Barrels used in the ageing process
Read more about Geln Ord here
You can find out about more things to do on the NC500 by clicking here.
