Scotland’s Spirited North: Distilleries & Breweries on the NC500

Starting strong, roughly an hour’s drive north from Inverness, you’ll find three distilleries and one brewery worth exploring along the first stretch of the North Coast 500.

While the iconic Dalmore Distillery is currently closed to visitors, it’s gearing up for a brand-new visitor experience set to launch in 2026. In the meantime, look out for its unmistakable stag’s head bottle in the local shops and bars.

GlenWyvis Distillery, based in Dingwall, isn’t open for tours. However, it’s a fascinating project; community-owned and run on renewable energy. If you get the chance, sample their smooth, elegant whisky and fresh, lively gin at a local bar in the evening.

However, if you’re keen for a proper tour, head to Glen Ord Distillery, one of the 3 distilleries that make up the Singleton Whisky brand. The distillery is highly rated, the staff are great and the tours are very informative. It’s the perfect starting point to learn more about the craft of whisky production in Scotland.

For the beer lovers, there’s Black Isle Brewery, a local favourite with a loyal following. Organic, sustainable and proudly rooted in the circular economy, it offers a relaxed taproom experience in a beautiful rural setting. Visitors rave about the informative tours, the excellent beer selection (including gluten-free and zero-alcohol options) and the friendly atmosphere.

Visitors can visit the Black Isle Brewery facility and market garden, where they grow produce for their bars in Fort William and Inverness. Time permitting and with a bit of pre-planning, there are also bookable workshops—from basket-making and foraging to composting and gardening. It’s well worth a stop.

The gin and whisky selection at the Kylesku Hotel bar.

To Visit:

• Glen Ord Distillery (Muir of Ord)
• Black Isle Brewery (near Munlochy)

To Taste:

• GlenWyvis Distillery (Dingwall)
• Dalmore Distillery (Alness)

There’s a real mix of options as you head further north, reaching the crest of the NC500 adventure, before beginning the journey south again. It’s the apex of the route in more ways than one – remote, dramatic and packed with places to explore and visit.

Old Pulteney is a classic Scotch whisky from Wick. The distillery tour feels personal, and the people there are clearly passionate about both the whisky and the local area. They’re also incredibly knowledgeable about whisky production and its history.

Smack bang next to the famous John O’Groats sign (great for a photo), you’ll find the John O’Groats Brewery. It’s a tiny but atmospheric taproom, perfectly located for those marking the start or end of their overland adventure between Land’s End and John O’Groats. There is a visitor experience, but most people drop in to sample the beers and soak up the vibes.

Also in John O’Groats, 8 Doors Distillery is well worth a visit. It’s sleek and modern, with a taproom that has great views. Not just whisky and liqueurs, this is also a good stop for excellent coffee and cake.

At Dunnet Bay Distillers, you’ll find something a little different. They make Rock Rose Gin, Holy Grass Vodka and Mapmaker’s Rum. There’s a choice of an express or premium tour. Both include tastings and distilling insights, but the premium tour is more relaxed and includes stories about local history and folklore. Their cocktail-making classes come highly recommended – loads of fun, and you’ll walk away with jazzy new cocktail skills.

North Point Distillery produces whisky, gin and rum with a sustainable twist. The bottles are beautifully made from recycled glass, and their production process is also designed to be low-carbon. The distillery overlooks the scenic Forss River and Crosskirk Bay on a site that used to be a US Navy Radio Listening Station during the Cold War. North Point moved in during 2020 and offers engaging tours to learn more about the distilling process and the area.

Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso is a bit of a hidden gem, and their tour has been widely praised. Expect a spread of tasting samples, a relaxed, intimate atmosphere and the rare chance to bottle and label your own whisky. You’ll even walk away with a complimentary tasting glass as a keepsake. Slàinte mhath!

The John O’Groats Sign

To Visit:

• Old Pulteney Distillery (Wick)
• John O’Groats Brewery (John O’Groats)
• 8 Doors Distillery (John O’Groats)
• Dunnet Bay Distillery (Dunnet)
• North Point Distillery (Forss)
• Wolfburn Distillery (Thurso)

Here are a few things to keep in mind while exploring the distilleries and breweries along the North Coast 500:

• Designated driver? No problem. Almost all distilleries offer “driver’s drams” – small takeaway bottles of tasting samples – so nobody has to miss out. Please bare in mind that drink-drive laws in Scotland are very strict, so the elected responsible adult for the day is best off having nothing. The driver drams are thus a nice touch and ensures everyone can join the experience, just a little delayed when their driving duties are over.
• Are you not drinking alcohol at all? Many distilleries and bars are starting to stock 0% options, from alcohol-free gins to craft sodas, so it’s worth asking.
• You don’t have to stop at every distillery and brewery. But do try to enjoy all the local flavours along the way, whether it’s a dram by the fire, a locally made gin in your G&T or a whisky-infused dessert like Cranachan at your hotel. It’s a great way to experience the region and support locals without necessarily going full tour mode at each stop.
• Enjoy responsibly. This is obvious, yes, but it’s still worth saying. Please bare in mind that drink-drive laws in Scotland are very strict, so the elected responsible adult for the day is best off having nothing. The roads in northern Scotland can be narrow and winding, the wildlife unpredictable and mobile reception patchy at best. A clear head keeps things safe and scenic.