Exploring The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery: A Whisky Journey for the Whole Family

During our Highland road trip to Inverness, we stumbled upon a truly special destination: The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery. In Scotland, whisky isn’t just a drink; it’s a culture. Naturally, I wanted to experience a distillery tour, and Singleton seemed like the perfect choice.

Although there are several distilleries nearby, we picked Singleton for a few reasons. The reviews were excellent, the facility recently underwent a major renovation giving it a modern, clean look, and, of course, it’s the home of the famous Singleton whisky.

What surprised me most? children aged 8 and above are allowed on the tour. While tasting is reserved for adults, kids can still explore the distillery, making this a rare family-friendly whisky experience. Our daughter, Kimchi, was mesmerised by the machinery and, later, slightly overwhelmed by the aroma-filled ageing warehouse—more on that soon!

The Tour Experience

The guided tour covers the whisky-making process from start to finish. You can see the stills in action and finally, adults enjoy the exclusive tasting session. Our guide was patient, clear, and easy to understand—even for those of us less confident in English.

So, shall we step inside The Singleton of Glen Ord?

Entrance & Gift Shop

The entrance immediately shows the impact of the recent renovation. The gift shop greets visitors, displaying the iconic Singleton logo prominently featuring a fish. Curious, I discovered it’s a salmon, symbolising wisdom and perseverance in Scottish mythology—a clever nod to the patience required to craft fine whisky.

The Bar & Interior

The bar area was buzzing with tastings. You can choose various tour types online; we went for the Classic Tour focused on the whisky-making process. The distillery feels surprisingly modern despite being founded in 1838. Previously, production and tours shared space, which was less convenient, but after a £18.5 million renovation from 2021-2022, the facility now balances history with sleek modernity.

Whisky Production Process

Before seeing the production, the guide explained the steps:

1. Growing: Barley is carefully cultivated to ensure quality.
2. Steeping: Barley is soaked in water to prepare for germination.
3. Germination: Barley sprouts and starch converts to sugar.
4. Malting: Sprouted barley is dried to halt growth, producing malt.
5. Kilning: Malt is dried at low temperatures; peat may be used for smoky notes.
6. Mashing: Malt is mixed with hot water to extract sugars, creating wort.
7. Fermentation: Yeast turns sugars into alcohol, forming the low-strength wash.
8. Distillation: The wash is distilled twice in copper stills, concentrating flavours and purity. The ‘heart cut’ becomes the final whisky.

The tour allowed us to witness each stage firsthand. From massive grain silos to the wooden washbacks where fermentation occurs, Chloe was fully engaged with her activity sheet, while our younger son, Rio, decided to sit it out.

Interesting Tidbits

• The distillery uses water from Loch nam Bonnach and Loch nan Eun, key to Singleton’s flavour.
• The famous blackened rooftops? Caused by Baudoinia compniacensis, a harmless fungus feeding on whisky evaporation, also known as “the angel’s share.”
• Ageing casks include European and American oak, each contributing unique notes: spicy fruits versus vanilla and coconut.

Tasting & Gift Shop

After the tour, adults sampled Singleton 12, 15, and 18-year-old whiskies. Kimchi enjoyed her activity sheet and even received an Easter egg from the shop staff!

The gift shop is a treasure trove: whisky, branded merchandise, and rare collections, including ultra-aged whiskies such as the 54-year-old “Paragon of Time No.2,” a near half-century-old masterpiece priced around £28,850.

Why Scottish Whisky is Legendary

Scotland is the whisky capital. Records show monks brewing whisky as early as the 15th century. The combination of pure water, high-quality barley, and cool, humid climate makes for perfect slow maturation. Different regions like Speyside, Islay, and Highlands yield distinct flavour profiles, all protected under law as authentic Scotch Whisky.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Singleton is more than a tour; it’s a chance to witness the art of whisky-making, experience Scottish tradition, and enjoy a family-friendly activity. The blend of heritage and modernity, the engaging guides, and the tasting experience make it an absolute must on any Highland itinerary.

Next stop on our Scottish adventure: Inverness! But for now, cheers to Singleton.

Visitor Information

Address: The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery, A832, Muir of Ord IV6 7UJ, UK
Classic Tour Price: Adults £24, Children (8-17) £10
Booking: Official Website