Toulvaddie
A micro-distillery in Easter Ross founded by former Glenmorangie distiller Heather Nelson — one of very few female distillery founders in Scotland. Toulvaddie produces small-batch single malt using floor-malted barley from local farms and direct-fired copper pot stills, a traditional heating method that most modern distilleries have abandoned. The first whisky won't reach full maturity for several years, but the approach — artisanal, local, deliberately small-scale — represents a counter-movement to the industry's consolidation trend.
Location
Other highland distilleries
Oban
A tiny two-still distillery sitting right in the middle of the town it’s named after. Oban bridges Highland and West Coast island character — gently smoky, salty, fruity.
The Dalmore
The Highland distillery that appears on more end-of-year gift lists than any other. Dalmore is famous for heavy sherry-cask maturation and extremely serious prices at the top of its range.
Glenmorangie
Home to the tallest stills in Scotland — nearly five metres — which produces a notably light, fragrant spirit. Glenmorangie is one of the best-selling single malts in Scotland full stop.