Talisker Distillery
Talisker Distillery
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Talisker is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye and is set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. Producing an alluring, sweet, full-bodied single malt that is so easy to enjoy, and like Skye itself, so hard to leave. Book your tour, experience or tasting on our website today. Please check our website for our opening hours before visiting us. We will be closed to the public for Christmas holidays on 25th & 26th December as well as 1st and 2nd January.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Purdustravels
    34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Three cheers for Matt!
    Visiting Talisker has been a revolution. At last, after a number of awful tours at other distilleries, an exceptional tour guide (Matt) who was knowledgeable, professional and enthusiastic. After a very hands on explanation of the process we enjoyed a tour of the distillery followed by a seated tasting of three drams. Matt explained clearly how to taste, what to do and what we may experience while tasting. It was very clear how proud he was to work for Talisker, a beautiful building, a great tour in a setting right by the water. 10% off in the well stocked shop ensured we left with some Christmas gifts.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 September 2023
  • negativecamber
    Broadway, United Kingdom353 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Disappointment
    We have visited Talisker before 4 years ago & it was very good we just arrived & plenty of room on the tour. This time we bought some family from Canada with us on holiday arrived at Talisker & were told we had to book 5-6 weeks in advance for a tour. Now I would like to say we cannot exactly say which day we would be coming you cannot make decisions like that weeks in advance. It was the middle of September so did not expect to be turned away. We found out it is due to all the coach trips very often from cruise ships & the like. I think it would be good to keep a few spaces for people who just turn up. Our family were most disappointed at least we managed to buy some whisky. Please heed what I say as it would make for good customer relations.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 September 2023
  • Russ and Darcie B
    Wyoming14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Expereince
    Enjoyed this tour immensely. Carbost is a neat little town, enjoyed walking around after the tour. Very informative tour guide, tasting was fun and learned a lot. Great facility
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 October 2023
  • Frances Mckenzie
    Hong Kong, China31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit! Must do on Skye
    Great to visit! Make sure you book a tour we didn’t and booked the tasting experience (still good) but would love to see the production of Talisker. Good shop and bar! Also a cute coffee shop across the road.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 October 2023
  • Leisurevirus
    Basingstoke, United Kingdom17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely tourist experience on Skye. No need to be a whiskey enthusiast to enjoy
    Did the £20 distillery tour. The guide who had moved only recently from Calgary to Skye was so enthusiastic that it made the tour so enjoyable. The tour is relatively short but very informative and our guide was open to further questions for anyone wanting more details. Nice tourist thing to do regardless of whether you are a whiskey fan or not.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 17 October 2023
  • Patrick S
    Abbotsford, Canada15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Location and Excellent Whisky
    The location by the sea in Carbost is beautiful and the weather on the day of our visit was perfect. There was plenty of parking and the new visitor centre was clean and welcoming. Staff were friendly and the tour and tasting (Chris was our guide) was well paced and informative. The whiskies on offer were very good.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 October 2023
  • Katy B
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    would recommend even to non whiskey drinkers !
    We did the £15 tasting session, which included tasting 3 of the whiskeys. As a non whiskey drinker I found Billy our guide was very unpretentious and welcoming ! The cinematography is fantastic and creates a really atmospheric tasting room. I really enjoyed the experience and would recommend even to non whiskey drinkers !
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 October 2023
  • Dan R
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    When you’re on Skye, you need to go here. No questions asked!
    It’s £20 for the “basic tour”, which will take you around most of the production line, with a nice little tasting session of three drams of Talisker at the end. I repeat, £20! No matter what your Skye itinerary, this will be the deal of the trip. The recent refurb really makes it feel like an event as you walk in the entrance doors, something to really remember. I also got 10% off items in the store with my tour wristband, unsure if this is all the time or just a temporary deal but I can imagine it is all the time. Jacob was a great tour guid and did a brilliant job of explaining the whisky distilling and aging processes, along with the amazing history of the distillery.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 November 2023
  • wadewest2018
    Marseille, France2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Distillery tour
    Chris did an amazing job of explaining everything about the distillery, and how all the processes work of making their phenomenal whiskey. Probably the best explanation I’ve seen. He explained the distilling process. I’ve been to Ireland and the bourbon tour in the US and by far the best experience.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 November 2023
  • Chelsea & Jarrod
    Charlotte, North Carolina40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Talisker - 10/10
    Absolutely amazing! Talisker is our favorite whisky and was a bucket list item for us. The tour was such a good balance of information and Jacob did a fantastic job keeping it interesting! The inside is extremely modern and Mike at the bar had fantastic recommendations. Even had to stop back a second time to grab some more bottles and were welcomed warmly again by the staff. Highly recommend!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 December 2023
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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles2,312 reviews
Excellent
1,153
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686
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294
Poor
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83

Christopher D
3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
Whiskey Sour... an all round disappointing experience from a customer relations perspective. When we arrived we were told we might have to queue for a couple of minutes around the side of the building by the entrance. After 15 minutes we were still queuing in the rain, when there was clearly compartmentalised space inside the entrance section where at least 6 to 8 people could have queued inside 2m socially distanced and kept dry. When we tried to reason this point with the manager we were told their rules stated they were only allowed a certain number of customers in the building overall, so we had to wait in the pouring rain instead. Yet rules rules made no logical sense when you take into account the compartmentalisation of the building space involved, where it would have made more logical sense to have maximum numbers for each compartmentalised space. One such approx 10 metre long room space right at the entrance was completely empty. Many customers could have waited in there.
Then, when you got to the front desk you were informed that the distillery tours were booked up for the next four weeks! Not the first, second, third or fourth member of staff we spoke to before actually getting to the front desk bothered to inform us of this. Nor did any member of staff come out to the 20+ customers queuing in the rain to pass on this information. I would imagine if they had around three quarters of them would have not bothered coming into the building, which comprised a very underwelming display area telling you the history of the distillery but hardly anything on how whiskey was actually made, and a shop of mainly whiskey products you could not sample because tour places were all booked up. There was also no mention on the distillery website homepage either of the four week wait to book.
Surely the distillery management could do better here from a customer relations and perspective with a smarter approach to Covid social distance risk inside the building, and also taking more care for the health risk of potentially vulnerable people queuing in the rain on such occasions.

Dr Christopher Dent, Professor of Business Studies
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

amcart90
Aberdeen, UK5 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
My boyfriend and I travelled to Skye for a mini break. One of the highlights was going to be the Talisker distillery tour. We booked the tour in advance which I would recommend doing if possible otherwise you will be waiting outside in a que in true Scottish style weather.

We were told our tour was with another couple, went through a door to a glass window with an empty warehouse apart from a few casks on show. “It’s great to see the muddy floor” was the response from the “tour” guide. After a 5 minute overview we were taken though to another room to try 3 small drams. Having asked to try or sample some other expressions, we were told no (we offered to pay!!) and still a no. Appreciate the regulations for Covid-19 are in place but we feel like they could have done more to make up for the lack of tour itself. We have been to many distilleries and have to say we were really disappointed with this. Especially because we will probably not return to Skye.
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachthereviewer
Chelmsford, UK29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
Myself and my mum and dad went for an afternoon tasting at Talisker on a Sunday. We were greeted with a lady who took us to the visitor centre were we where temperature tested and paid for the tasting. Luke was our tasting guide for the afternoon and he was very knowledgable and helpful during the cask tasting experience. We were provided with a little bag with four bottles inside which I filled with the whisky I was given and that was my driver pack, which was great. The three whisky that were cask strength were very interesting and lovely to smell. With the other whisky tasting being the 15 year old released in 2019, which was lovely. The staff were very helpful and everything organised to make everyone feel safe and comfortable during the tasting. We would love to come back and try the chocolate and whisky pairing once they are allowed to do so.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

estrangeiro8
196 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
We visited the Talisker Distillery last week as we were staying in Carbost. This is an utterly beautiful part of Skye which should definitely be seen. Both my partner and I are novices to the world of whisky and Talisker seemed to be the perfect launching off point. Owing to Covid-19 restrictions, tastings cannot take place in the distillery, but the drams are placed in small bottles which you can take away with you afterwards. Our tour guide was the wonderful and delightful Megan. Megan is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and approachable, and conducted the tour with lots of interesting facts and fascinating anecdotes. She was also happy to answer all of our questions about the evolution of Scottish whisky, its counterparts in Ireland and Japan, bourbon-making in the US, and what is happening in the Scottish market now. We learnt a lot and it was a really fun, friendly and relaxed environment. I would wholeheartedly recommend visiting the Talisker Distillery, whether you're a newbie or an expert. Everyone there is extremely friendly, easy-going and down to earth, and Megan is the perfect guide to introduce you to the world of Talisker. We cannot wait to come back. Thank you, Megan, for a fantastic tour: we loved it. I shall be reminiscing whenever I have a dram at home during the cold winter months.
Written 20 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sarahwigan1987
Wigan34 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
Wow! We booked this experience 3 weeks in advance of our trip to Skye. Pre-booking is essential! At present you aren’t able to tour the distillery (this is standard across scotland & completely understandable) but you are able to do this experience. £15 (little bit less with the vat cuts) for an hour experience.

Gareth (our guide) was amazing from start to finish! There was me & my husband along with 1 other couple....you wouldn’t get that in non-COVID times. Temp check & sanitising point as you go in & social distancing maintained throughout. After an initial run through of how the whisky is made, including answering questions, you then go through to a small tasting area where you are talked through 3 whisky’s of the distilleries choice (can take home in drivers pack if needed)...not just your usual Talisker that can be bought in the supermarket. The experience also means you get £5 off a full sized bottle in the shop after - which we did make use of.

Our only slight issue was that there was a large queue for the shop & it wasn’t clear what we were meant to do as those who’d booked experiences, but luckily a staff member popped out every so often & everyone was very friendly.

Whilst it was different to our usual distillery trips it was still really good & special. It was very COVID safe & we’re still talking about it nearly a week later! Thank you Talisker.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

swissbeatz
32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
Like a majority of people who visit Talisker, this was one of several whisky tastings that we'd booked during a short trip to the Isle of Skye, and just like many of the reviews, this was by far that best experience, in large part thanks to the very knowledgeable guide we had: Stephanie.

We were the last tasting that day and therefore the only people in the room and Stephanie went out of her way to give us a very personal experience. She also did a great job hanging with our jokes, often rolling with the punches and she had a few amazing come backs as well.

Due to the Covid restrictions, we also enjoyed a private shopping after the tasting.

Not only would I recommend this but really encourage you to book Stephanie if you can. We've been talking about this experience for months, often sipping on one of the many bottles we each purchased.
Written 25 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GraemeHertfordshire
Bridport, UK184 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
Good looking distillery in Talisker. Unfortunately due to Covid we had to queue outside, in the cold & rain, for 45 minutes before being allowed in.

Distillery tours at time of writing are still not available & I feel the experience could’ve been a little bit better with potentially an undercover queueing canopy or even an outside facility selling the more popular whiskies.

Overall though once we got into the store, free entry but no tastings available, the staff were very knowledgeable & we ended up spending £120 on very nice whisky.

If you do visit make sure you go prepared with weatherproof clothes & the go to the oyster shed, just up the road, for a great lunchtime meal experience.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MorayJohnny
Princeton, NJ444 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
We weren’t able to coordinate a visit to the Glenfiddich Distillery when we were in the Inverness area, but we were able to book a tour at Talisker ahead of our visit to Skye. It was an informative & interesting experience.
Talisker has been the only distillery on Isle of Skye for quite some time, until a rival opened up in 2017, but Talisker is clearly the ‘big dog’ on the island. It is located along the sea coast, and incorporates a sea theme in its marketing and the causes it supports. We signed up for the guided tour and tasting (L20 each) and the whole program took about an hour. Tour groups are limited to 16 persons per tour, and the tours are scheduled hourly, so be sure to make reservations before you go. We saw a number of disappointed visitors turned away because they didn’t have reservations. (They are still allowed to visit the Gift Shop!) The tour itself was straightforward – we saw the actual ingredients, and the preparation and distillation process, but not the barreling process, which happens elsewhere. Our tour guide, Heidi, was a friendly & knowledgeable host to our group of visitors.
The most interesting part of the tour was the tasting itself. Your L20 admission gets you 3 drams of 3 different Talisker products, each of which was slightly different than the others. We were instructed to swirl the fluid in the glass and observe how it clung to the glass, we sniffed the aroma of the Scotch, and finally we put a small amount in our mouths. I thought that all 3 of the tasting samples had a pepper-like finish, although not everyone agreed. The most interesting thing that I learned was that the addition of 4 droppers of water to the dram of Scotch had a material impact on the taste profile of the liquor. I would not have believed that to be true, had I not done it. Try it the next time you drink a single malt Scotch: drink it neat, then add several drops of water to see if you think that the taste profile changes.
The Talisker distillery is about a 45 drive from Portree, heading back towards the Skye Bridge, with a 7 mile side road off the main road. It is not the best road to drive, although it was better than the Inverness- Portree journey. If you are driving, don’t drink the tasting liquor, because of Scotland’s oppressive DUI laws. They will give you a ‘take away’ container to take your allotted sample home with you.
If you’re on the Isle of Skye, give Talisker Distillery a try!
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AllanMuir
Dunfermline, UK4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
We visited on 16/09/2020 and our guide Megan was very knowledgeable, informative and good at making it interesting throughout. There is less freedom to see everything due to covid 19 restrictions but the staff on site are very welcoming and happy to answer any questions you may have. We couldn’t try the whisky on the day but we got our tasters away with us which I thought was brilliant. Thanks again Megan et al.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Richard W
Leicester, UK15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
We booked a tasting experience as part of our road trip around Scotland, I've always enjoyed whisky so it was a must for me! We were showed the ropes by a lovely gentleman named Nick who was incredibly knowledgeable and very informative. I can honestly say he has changed my whisky drinking experience, showing us how to open our palete to the different flavours of a dram was incredible. Do yourself a favour and book in a tour!
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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TALISKER DISTILLERY (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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