Distillery Visits: Blair Athol

Many years ago when I was visiting a Scottish friend we tried to visit this distillery. We ended up in the town of Blair Athol looking for this distillery, which you might have expected to find there but is quite unlogically situated in the town of Pitlochry a bit further south.

Also this single malt distillery serves as the tourist headquarters of a blend: Bell's. The distillery itself is a pretty one. The gardens around the site is kept in good condition and all the buildings breath a sense of authenticity.

The tour itself is of no thrills but still solid quality. The lady showing us around is very knowledgable and takes all the time to show us around and explain the working of the distillery. Like most tours we ultimately end up in the unavoidable shop where we get our complimentary dram.

Pitlochry must be the tourist headquarters of the highlands. Those who love to look around in tourist shops full of highland and tartan products will have enough to do and see. If you like to see some of the surroundings you can easily walk out of the center up Ben Vrackie, the water source of the Blair Athol distillery. Although the last bit is quite steep, the views are very rewarding and make it all worthwhile! The good thing is that when you descent you will end up right in the town again, where pubs and restaurants are welcoming you back.