Aberlour Distillery

The smell hits you first - that distinctive sweet grain and oak that tells you the Speyside whisky-making business is genuinely happening here. Aberlour Distillery sits just outside Keith in Aberdeenshire, and it's one of those places where you can actually see the process rather than just read about it on a label.

You'll walk through the working distillery itself, which feels far less museum-like than some competitors. The tour covers the lot - malting floors, copper stills, the lot - and the guide will happily explain why Aberlour's water source and aging methods give the spirit its particular character. The tasting at the end is proper generous, and they let you try different ages so you get why a ten-year-old tastes nothing like a fifteen.

It's brilliant for anyone who actually enjoys whisky rather than just drinking it to be sociable. History buffs will appreciate the Victorian-era buildings and the distillery's role in shaping Speyside's reputation. Less ideal for young kids - there's only so long a six-year-old will tolerate standing in a warehouse smelling fermented barley.

Allow a solid two hours minimum. Check ahead for tour times and pricing, as these do change seasonally. If you're based at Hillside Havens just down the road, it's an easy morning outing before heading back for lunch. Combine it with a walk in the Spey Valley if the weather's decent.