Over the past two blogs, we have journeyed through the story of Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, from its opening in April 2000 to the milestones and innovations that have shaped it over the past twenty-five years.
We have looked back at the early days, the expansions, and the many ways the visitor experience has grown since then. Now it is time to focus on what awaits visitors today, from rare whisky moments to hands-on experiences and even a few glimpses into the future.
A New Era of Whisky Exploration
The heart of every visit is still the whisky itself, but we meet guests visiting for so many different reasons now. Whisky has become diverse, and we are trying to create engaging, immersive experiences that match the interests of each group.
To give whisky lovers the chance to explore rare expressions from our portfolio, this year we added a new tour and tasting experience called Whisky Explorer, where premium Dewar’s, Aberfeldy, and Aultmore expressions can be tasted. And for the first time, there is an opportunity to add a dram of the exceptionally rare Aberfeldy 40 to any tour for £50 – it’s the ultimate way to finish a visit, a moment of pure luxury to savour forever.
We’ve also upgraded our standard tour to include an element of personalisation. We ask simple questions about the style and flavours that guests like, then give an appropriate Dewar’s whisky, either neat or in a cocktail, to ensure they try something suited to their tastes.
Private Experiences At Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery
For those looking for something truly exceptional, we now offer two experiences that include private access to the distillery alongside more time to connect to the area. The Aberfeldy 40 Highland Experience includes a private tour of Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, hand-filling, labelling, and sealing your own bottle in an exclusive tasting room, followed by a guided Highland Safari spotting local wildlife and enjoying a Scottish lunch with whisky pairings. The experience concludes with an overnight stay in the Penthouse Suite at Fonab Castle, complete with fine dining, Woodland Spa access, and breathtaking views over the Perthshire Highlands.
The Hills of Aberfeldy Experience takes visitors on a more personal journey through the surrounding landscape and distillery, combining scenic exploration with curated tastings and expert insights. Both experiences are designed for whisky enthusiasts seeking a deeper, more immersive, and bespoke encounter with our distillery.
Create Something Unique to Take Home
For those who like to get even closer to the whisky, our self-fill station remains a firm favourite. This year marks the first time a Dewar’s cask has been available alongside our classic Aberfeldy single malt, so you can now fill and label your own bottle straight from either cask before taking it home.
Our bar is the heart of the visitor centre and we have seen more guests who have already enjoyed a tour, returning time after time to see our team and taste new releases. We are developing new tasting flights and bar sessions to give the same experience on a tour in a different format.
For a fun twist, our hand-bottled wax-sealed ready-to-drink cocktails have been winning over guests in style. Priced at £10, with choices including the Bobby Burns and the refreshing Tommy’s Not Bitter, they bring a modern flair to your whisky experience.
Taking the Experience Home
One of the most exciting developments at Dewar’s Aberfeldy is the launch of our new web shop, where every distillery in our wider portfolio is represented in one place. Whether you want to explore limited releases, order a personalised bottle, or pick up something you missed on your visit, the whole Dewar’s Aberfeldy world, as well as Aultmore, Royal Brackla, Craigellachie, and Deveron, are now only a few clicks away.
Customers can also now engrave or hand-personalise a whisky label for just £5, all completed by hand at the distillery. It is the perfect keepsake or gift, a little piece of Dewar’s history with your name on it.
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery: Looking Forward
Innovation never stops at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. We are already planning new ways for visitors to get even closer to our story and the whisky-making process, with more immersive experiences and exclusive tasting opportunities on the horizon. The goal remains simple: to keep surprising our guests, giving them reasons to come back again and again.
With more than 70 whisky visitor centres now across Scotland, standing out takes creativity, passion, and a willingness to keep evolving. That is exactly what we intend to do as we look to the next 25 years and beyond.
The last 25 years have been a journey of heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity, and we cannot wait to welcome you to be part of the next chapter.
To find out more about Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, and to book a tour, please visit the website.
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