Remote and isolated Livet valley was the ideal for illicit distillation, which is where the founder George Smith learned his craft. Hidden from the customs officers and soldiers amongst the hills and springs, George had the time to slowly distill a whisky that would soon become world renowned. When King George IV arrived in Scotland in 1822 for a state visit we asked to try a drop of the infamous Glenlivet whisky. With such illustrious admirers there is no reason to stop you smapling for yourself.

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It's not only Scotch whisky which flows in the Spey Valley. Makers of the renowned Caorunn, a small batch, quadruple-distilled Scottish Gin personally crafted by one man – the gin master, Simon Buley. Using only the most exceptional pure grain spirit, natural Scottish water and 11 botanical gin ingredients, he crafts every bottle of Caorunn.

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Dalwhinnie distillery stands in the Cairngorm National Park located in the village of Dalwhinnie. From this remote but accessible location comes the liquid is known as the gentle spirit. They won the Best Distillery Tour in Scotland Award from Drinks International in 2017. The tours are very popular therefore it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

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Explore the distillery and learn how they produce award-winning whisky. You will learn about the unique legacy of Tomatin which, was established in 1897, is the driving force for the company today. Finish up with three of the Tomatin single malts, each revealing why they are the ‘softer side of the Highlands’. An enhanced Tomatin experience with a distillery tour followed by a tutored nosing and tasting of six different whiskies from the core range.

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Speyside distillery, in the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains is acknowledged by many as being the prettiest of all Scotland’s distilleries. Highly regarded as being one of the smoothest and most drinkable of all the malts in the Spey Valley, SPEY from Speyside Distillery is a multi-faceted dram which offers the malt drinker a range of ages and styles to suit all tastes. Each release has had an additional period of maturation in specially selected casks to add complexity and texture to the whisky. Visits are by appointment only.

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If beer is more your thing, visit The Cairngorm Brewery Company, established in 2001 and situated in the village of Aviemore within in the Cairngorms National Park. They brew traditional ales with a fresh new edge, by using well-established brewing methods, the finest malted and roast barley, hops and crystal-clear Highland water. The Brewery Shop stocks a full range of bottled beers and seasonal draught ales. Also stocking an assortment of beer-related gifts, collectables and locally produced spirits and Scottish ciders. They are now also home to Loch Ness Brewery beers.

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