Bladnoch Distillery
Bladnoch Distillery
5
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
About
Scotland's most southerly whisky distillery. Open to visitors Tuesday to Saturday, offering distillery tours, gift shop and cafe. Bladnoch Distillery has recently undergone renovation and the brand new Visitor Centre and Cafe Melba opened in Summer 2019. Tours start 11am, 1pm and 3pm Tuesday to Saturday. Cafe Melba opening hours are 10am - 4pm. Come and see how we make our Single Malt Whisky and try some of our range of products.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Liz WBirmingham, United Kingdom10 contributionsBrilliant informative tourWe had a lovely tour round the distillery. It was just the two of us so felt like a unique experience and we were made to feel really welcome. We learnt lots and would definitely recommend it to others. Massively appreciated the take away samples for the driver as well.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 October 2023
- Dot M8 contributions1st class 5 starBeautiful revival of a very old distillery. 1st class experience from James from the history through production to tasting. Lilly at reception gave us a very warm welcome and all the production team were happy to see us as we passed through. A definite 5 star experienceVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- Paula P12 contributionsDidn’t disappoint.Bladnoch has been on my list of distilleries to visit for along time. The distillery did not disappoint. It is an excellent place to visit. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The cafe was presentable, good range of food and beverages. My wife was made to feel welcome while I was on the tour. The tour of the distillery was interesting and our guide James knew a lot about Bladnoch and its whisky. He does not talk too much and answered any question our group had. The tasting session at the end of the tour was enjoyable with a good range of whisky. If you are feeling brave enough try the “New Make Spirit” 😉 The visit reminded me why I like Bladnoch whisky so much.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 October 2023
- Vacation669081631125 contributionsWhisky tourFantastic tour with James from Bladnoch distillery. The history was explained perfectly and we were shown around the amazing whisky process wich ends with a wonderful tasting. Highly recommend this awesome distillery, thank you James.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 October 2023
- Les W1 contributionBladnoch distillery tourExcellent day out, booked 1.00 tour gave us time for lunch in the Melba cafe. The tour guide was excellent a very outgoing personality, who explained things in good detail, looking forward to tasting the samples I elected not to drink and drive. GetVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 October 2023
- Geoff PSunderland, United Kingdom7 contributionsMost enjoyable.On entering the reception the staff were very friendly and welcoming, Richard was the tour guide and was really knowledgeable and made the tour most enjoyable with his humour and anecdotes. we finished off with a few drams... what more could you want on a distillery tour. well worth a visit.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 November 2023
- MacGanolDenbigh, United Kingdom106 contributionsLovely way to spend a wet winter afternoon.Really enjoyed this tour and tasting. James was an entertaining and knowledgeable guide round the distillery and the tasting was interesting. Well worth paying £8 extra dor tow additional drams.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 10 December 2023
- Antonia J1 contributionAn interesting tour at a historic distillery.A standard tour of the distillery with Lily is to be recommended. The guide was very knowledgeable and happy to extend the tour with further details about each part of the process with more inquisitive guests. She was clearly passionate about whisky. The tasting was generous and Cafe Melba was a great way to relax afterwards.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 3 January 2024
- Peter HLenham, United Kingdom92 contributionsLilly enhanced our experienceI have been to many whisky tours but wanted to see this one near to were we were staying. It has a great history and the tour was made enjoyable and educational by our guide - Lily. Her knowledge was extensive and I learnt a lot of new facts. The whole experience- including the coffee afterwards made it a memorable occasion.Thank you, we are thrilled you enjoyed your time at our Distillery.Written 8 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 28 March 2024
- Siobhan19 contributionsA fascinating and down to earth tour, and explanation about how whisky is made!Visited this week with my partner and their parents. This was my first distillery tour and a fantastic experience! Our tour guide, Lily, was really knowledgeable, charismatic and seemed genuinely enthusiastic about whisky. Lily delivered a fascinating, detailed and accessible explanation of how whisky is made, and led the tasting in a passionate but also down to earth way. The whisky was deliciously and it was definitely worth adding the extra drams to our booking, to taste a broader range of whiskies. 10/10 would really recommend!Thank you for your feedback!Written 8 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 April 2024
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5.0
382 reviews
Excellent
337
Very good
31
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Thomas M
1 contribution
Nov 2021 • Couples
What can i say…. Disappointed is a massive understatement! My wife and I decided to take a trip from Leeds to Scotland to visit some old and new distilleries and buy a few bottles of malt whisky for my own collection as well as a few gifts for family and friends.
We went to a couple before getting to Bladnoch and they were great. Very welcoming and informative as to how each whisky had been produced but when we got to the Bladnoch Distillery things were very different indeed. The member of staff on the counter was nothing short of ignorant to our arrival and we were quit frankly just left to ponder at the whiskies on offer with no interaction from staff at all. I asked the assistant for some assistance an was asked to wait until a group who had been on a tour had left the tasting room. After about 15 minutes i asked if i could sample one of their single malts to which i was abruptly advised i could taste only one and then pay for any others. Which wasn't a problem but never the less information un called for at that time… i wasn't out for a freebie even though the other distilleries we had visited were more than accommodating when it came to tasting their produce.
Anyway. Off the assistant went… came back with a thimble full and almost threw it on side, said there you go and just walked off! No mention of the notes of the whisky no information at all. At that point i decided to leave without purchasing any bottles. I was very disappointed because I had been looking forward to that particular visit. That much so i had planned on buying one bottle of each of their single casks for myself and a few bottles for gifts which on reflection would have cost me the best part of £1500.. Their loss though because I will never visit or buy any of their whiskies ever again and take every opportunity to direct like minded collectors to other more deserving establishments.
No excuse for ignorance. Whilst i was waiting i was also pondering over investing in a private cask has i had done in the Annandale Distillery. That will never happen. Spend your hard earn’t money elsewhere. Support the distilleries that care for their customers not this place.
We went to a couple before getting to Bladnoch and they were great. Very welcoming and informative as to how each whisky had been produced but when we got to the Bladnoch Distillery things were very different indeed. The member of staff on the counter was nothing short of ignorant to our arrival and we were quit frankly just left to ponder at the whiskies on offer with no interaction from staff at all. I asked the assistant for some assistance an was asked to wait until a group who had been on a tour had left the tasting room. After about 15 minutes i asked if i could sample one of their single malts to which i was abruptly advised i could taste only one and then pay for any others. Which wasn't a problem but never the less information un called for at that time… i wasn't out for a freebie even though the other distilleries we had visited were more than accommodating when it came to tasting their produce.
Anyway. Off the assistant went… came back with a thimble full and almost threw it on side, said there you go and just walked off! No mention of the notes of the whisky no information at all. At that point i decided to leave without purchasing any bottles. I was very disappointed because I had been looking forward to that particular visit. That much so i had planned on buying one bottle of each of their single casks for myself and a few bottles for gifts which on reflection would have cost me the best part of £1500.. Their loss though because I will never visit or buy any of their whiskies ever again and take every opportunity to direct like minded collectors to other more deserving establishments.
No excuse for ignorance. Whilst i was waiting i was also pondering over investing in a private cask has i had done in the Annandale Distillery. That will never happen. Spend your hard earn’t money elsewhere. Support the distilleries that care for their customers not this place.
Written 13 November 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.
Dear H3718SKthomasm,
We are so disappointed to hear that you did not have a positive experience whilst visiting our distillery. As a team, we are praised for our passion and excellent customer service and sincerely apologise that this was not your experience. We will contact you directly to discuss this feedback further and work with the team internally to ensure this is investigated.
We appreciate your feedback and hope this does not prevent you from visiting again in the future.
Written 18 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Onkar S
Biggleswade, UK110 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We were disappointed when the distillery closed and delighted to see it being woken up and now flourishing. Our recent visit to the shop and the restaurant was a delight. My wife and I tasted a some of the produce, bought two bottles and went to the restaurant. The food was delightful too.
A few windows were open in the restaurant, which meant we were struggling with very cold wind drafting. Also, I suspect the great Escoffier would be turning in his grave if what was served as peach Melba as it bore no resemblance to the aptly named dessert. I might accept it as a homage to the actual recipe and the dessert if it had some ice cream served with it.
Well done to the owners and staff, a great venue, good food and location. We’ll be back....
A few windows were open in the restaurant, which meant we were struggling with very cold wind drafting. Also, I suspect the great Escoffier would be turning in his grave if what was served as peach Melba as it bore no resemblance to the aptly named dessert. I might accept it as a homage to the actual recipe and the dessert if it had some ice cream served with it.
Well done to the owners and staff, a great venue, good food and location. We’ll be back....
Written 27 January 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.
Thank you so much for your review. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit and we look forward to welcoming you again soon. On Saturday we were running around so much the whole team felt like it was really warm and the windows were steaming up, so we decided to open some windows. We apologise if you weren't comfortable and if this ever happens again please just inform a member of our team who will be more than happy to close these for you. We tried to describe the dessert as a Peach Melba cake to avoid any confusion. Although it wasn't a traditional Peach Melba it certainly went down a treat.
Thanks again and see you soon!
Written 28 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David M
Edinburgh, UK1 contribution
Oct 2020
We have been round quite a few distilleries and this is one of the best tours. Given all the travel restrictions there were only two of us which was good for us as Leah (?) was a great guide being knowledgeable and was happy to answer all our questions. The distillery has a long and interesting history and it is great that it is now back in full production having been mothballed by Diageo a few years back. It was good seeing the process from beginning to end and we liked that the whisky is matured on-site. Nice scenic setting and the cafe looked good although we didn't have time to sample the wares.
We had to take the samples with us but the whisky is a good example of a Lowland Malt, delicate and sweet. Although not a marketing expert I felt that if the prices in the shop were lower then the increased volume of sales would be more profitable and help build brand loyalty.
We had to take the samples with us but the whisky is a good example of a Lowland Malt, delicate and sweet. Although not a marketing expert I felt that if the prices in the shop were lower then the increased volume of sales would be more profitable and help build brand loyalty.
Written 1 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.
Thank you so much for your feedback. I will make sure and let Leah know you enjoyed her tour.
Thank you also for your feedback regarding pricing. We're working hard creating spirit for the future, where we can increase our sales volumes. At the moment we are protecting or Bladnoch brand and ensuring the limited stock that we do have can last us for years to come.
We hope you enjoyed your samples when you got home.
Written 2 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian C
Chepstow, UK15 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We were greeted by James at the start who was very welcoming and chatty. Booking in was easy and we started our tour on time. We were very fortunate that we were the only people on the tour and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and knew all about the history of the distillery and the process from beginning to end. We rounded it off with a great selection of whiskeys and one of our party paid for an extra 2 tots which was worth it. We particularly liked the tasting of the raw spirit which gives a base from which to try everything else.
We decided to also have lunch at the cafe, which was very good and 2 of our party had the quiche Lorraine which had been made by James, they liked it so much that they commented it was probably the best they have ever had.
A great visitors centre and shop and well worth a visit.
We decided to also have lunch at the cafe, which was very good and 2 of our party had the quiche Lorraine which had been made by James, they liked it so much that they commented it was probably the best they have ever had.
A great visitors centre and shop and well worth a visit.
Written 8 October 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.
Thank you, Ian. We're pleased to hear you had an enjoyable visit and lunch. We get a lot of compliments on the quiche and will definitely pass your remarks on to James and the rest of the team.
Written 25 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey Edwards
Flintshire, UK2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Fantastic visit to Bladnoch Distillery this morning. Very informative. Charlotte, our guide, was brilliant. Wonderful to see the Distillery running again. We went on a tour in 2011 so lots of differences since then. The 11 year old single malt is quite possibly the best whisky we have ever tasted. We'll definitely be back. Tracey and Meirion Edwards
Written 29 August 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.
Thank you Tracey and Meirion! We'd have to agree with you about the 11yo :) We hope you can join us again soon.
Written 31 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Slavetothecat
Manchester, UK484 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
I've done loads of Scottish Distillery tours over the years so hopefully it means more when I say that today's tour round Bladnoch was excellent. I last visited it some years ago when nothing was being produced and recall feeling sorry for the guide, who had more or less nothing to show us. There was an air of sadness hanging over the place, as if it was sleeping and everything around it was under the same spell. It put me off revisiting but I'm so glad I did return because it's awake again and then some! It's back in production and has a modern visitor centre (with Highland soap hand wash in the loos). Our guide, Helen was excellent and knew her stuff right from the get go. She was brimming with pride and rightly so, because Bladnoch has undergone a massive restoration and is now a major employer in the area. The tour of the Distillery and bonded warehouse is followed by a tasting session, there is the option for a pricier session if that's your thing. I was happy with the standard tasting of their (really tasty) raw sprit, Pure Scot blended whisky and finishing with Vinaya (Sandskrit for 'thank you'.) Helen has just the right personality to guide people, a lovely warm manner, knew her stuff and clear in the dos and don'ts. With alcohol vapours in the air it's best to take notice. I would happily recommend to novices and experienced visitors.
Written 6 September 2022
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.
Showme2014
Colne, UK89 contributions
Feb 2022
So we have done many tours and only went on this because 1 of our group had never done a distillery tour. I was always seen 1 you have seen them all however this tour was brilliant. The tour guide James was passionate and extra involved with the tour giving a great vibe.
The tour was not just of the distillery but he showed us where the water was sourced, the storage area of the casks explaining all of that then the tasting was even more revealing as that explained the whisky before its stored in casks giving an extra dimension as we could taste it in its pre cast state.... very revealing in understanding whisky.
So now we have been spoilt and not sure how the next one will go after such an informative passionate tour as we had at Bladnoch.
Its usually about the whisky for me however this tour was as good as the tasting.
At the tasting you have an option of buying other tasters from the distillery which we tried the 26 year and was £22 which I thought was brilliant as its the only time I can afford a 26 year in a wee dram! that said I am not a whisky snob as I like the pure signature from Bladnoch at £35 as I always say yo like what you like.
The cafe staff and shop staff were all brilliant too. thanks guys for making us so welcome.
Just a last thank you to James. We loved it. We will come again
The tour was not just of the distillery but he showed us where the water was sourced, the storage area of the casks explaining all of that then the tasting was even more revealing as that explained the whisky before its stored in casks giving an extra dimension as we could taste it in its pre cast state.... very revealing in understanding whisky.
So now we have been spoilt and not sure how the next one will go after such an informative passionate tour as we had at Bladnoch.
Its usually about the whisky for me however this tour was as good as the tasting.
At the tasting you have an option of buying other tasters from the distillery which we tried the 26 year and was £22 which I thought was brilliant as its the only time I can afford a 26 year in a wee dram! that said I am not a whisky snob as I like the pure signature from Bladnoch at £35 as I always say yo like what you like.
The cafe staff and shop staff were all brilliant too. thanks guys for making us so welcome.
Just a last thank you to James. We loved it. We will come again
Written 7 February 2022
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.
Thanks for such a great review. We hope you enjoyed your dram of Talia too, a rare treat!. Again, we really appreciate the feedback and look forward to welcoming you again!
Written 17 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heltranter
51 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
We had a great time touring the distillery with our host, Gigha, who I must praise for managing to stay professional, friendly and interesting whilst having to pretty much shout to be heard from under her mask. She coped with it brilliantly and the way that they had organised us into households for the tasting was excellent. In general, they had thought out their Covid safety very sensibly and the place (including the toilets) was spotless. The tour was fascinating and we learned a lot about the history of the distillery, the vision for the future, and the actual working parts of the warehouses. It was really exciting to be able to see it all actually happening as we walked round. We were allowed to take non flash photos, which I appreciated, and I must say a word about the grounds; when you go outside to see the water source, take a moment to look around because it's a really beautiful spot with the lovely river Bladnoch running past just a few metres away. I would definitely recommend a morning or afternoon at Bladnoch Distillery.
Written 4 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.
Thank you for your lovely review. I will pass you comment on to Gigha and the rest of the team.
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louisamn55
Sheffield, UK33 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
On a wet January day, what better way to while away an hour. The tour was informative, and ran with just two of us, so very personal and highly enjoyable. A huge investment has gone into the refurbishment of the distillery, although they will not sell their ‘own’ recent product for another 5 years or so!
Whisky tasting great!
We then had an excellent light lunch in their lovely cafe.
Whisky tasting great!
We then had an excellent light lunch in their lovely cafe.
Written 8 January 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.
Thank you for visiting. It's always a special experience to have a private tour, we're so glad you enjoyed your tour and lunch. We hope you visit again soon!
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bronzsurfer
London, UK52 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
I have driven past the distillery quite a few times as I visit nearby relatives but this Summer I thought I'd take a tour to see the inner workings. I was very lucky as I was the only one on my tour and Charlotte who showed me round was very informative explaining all the various stages of the process to me and showing me around. I couldn't taste the whiskeys afterwards as I was driving but Charlotte offered to bottle them for me so could take the home, I had to buy one of the tasting glasses so I could get the full experience at home! I would recommend this as an interesting day out that is mostly indoors so a great rainy day activity.
Written 27 July 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.
Thank you for your review, it's great to hear you made time to visit and enjoyed your experience. We will make sure and pass your kind comments on to Charlotte.
Written 9 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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