Exploring the Spirit of the North: A Journey Through Caithness Distilleries
Caithness, located in the far north of the Scottish Highlands, is known for its rich history and scenic beauty, and it also boasts some remarkable distilleries producing high-quality spirits. While not as densely populated with distilleries as other parts of Scotland, Caithness has carved out a name for itself in the craft spirits world.
These distilleries offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and tradition behind Caithness spirits, making them great destinations for anyone interested in gin, whisky and the unique flavours of the Highlands.
Here are some notable distilleries in Caithness:
Wolfburn Distillery
Established: 2013 (revived after over a century of closure)
Location: Thurso, Caithness
Type: Whisky Distillery
https://wolfburn.com
The original Wolfburn Distillery, founded in 1821, fell into disuse in the late 19th century, but in 2013, the brand was revived. Wolfburn produces traditional, handcrafted single malt Scotch whisky combined with a contemporary approach. Their whiskies are made using time-honoured methods, so the natural flavours are preserved and the whisky is not chill filtered.
Tours: Wolfburn Distillery prides itself in offering visitors an up-close and personal experience of the spirit-making process.
Book a tour (open six days a week) here: https://wolfburn.com/pages/tours
Dunnet Bay Distillers
Established: 2014
Location: Dunnet, Caithness
Type: Gin, Vodka and Rum Distillery
https://www.dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk
Dunnet Bay Distillers are renowned for crafting the award-winning Rock Rose Gin, Holy Grass Vodka, and more recently, Mapmaker’s Rum. They incorporate locally foraged botanicals such as juniper, rowan berries, and sea buckthorn to create spirits that capture the essence of the Caithness landscape. Committed to sustainability, the distillery’s unique bottle designs are also sought-after souvenirs.
Tours: Dunnet Bay Distillery offers tours where you can learn about their small-batch gin-making process, explore the use of local botanicals, enjoy tastings and attend cocktail workshops!
Book online or call 01847 851 287 to reserve your place!
Old Pulteney Distillery
Established: 1826
Location: Wick, Caithness
Type: Whisky Distillery
https://oldpulteney.com
Known as the “Maritime Malt,” Old Pulteney is a distillery with a long and rich heritage, located in the historic fishing town of Wick. The proximity to the sea gives Old Pulteney whiskies a distinctive salty tang. The distillery’s traditional methods, including using copper pot stills and dunnage warehouses, contribute to its reputation for producing characterful single malts.
Tours: Old Pulteney tours provide both a fascinating insight into the workings of Pulteney Distillery and an opportunity to taste their range of single malt whiskies.
There are limited spaces on each tour, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment: https://oldpulteney.com/visit-pulteney-distillery/book-a-tour/
8 Doors Distillery
Established: 2022
Location: John O’Groats
Type: Whisky Distillery
https://www.8doorsdistillery.com
8 Doors Distillery is a small, independent whisky distillery and visitor centre in John O’Groats. It is the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. The distillery offers two ranges of whisky: Seven Sons and 8 Doors Single Malt Scotch Whisky (which is still in the process of maturing). 8 Doors Distillery also hand craft Five Ways, an award-winning liqueur which blends scotch whisky with orange, ginger, honey, and spice.
Tours: A range of guided tours, where visitors can see the warehouse and enjoy a few drams in the tasting room, are available. Open 7 days a week you can drop in and have a browse round their shop, grab a coffee, dram or cocktail and take in the brilliant sea views over to Orkney.
Book here: https://www.8doorsdistillery.com/tours
Ice and Fire Distillery
Established: 2018
Location: Smerral, Latheronwheel
Type: Gin, Rum and Vodka Distillery
https://www.iceandfiredistillery.com/
Ice and Fire Distillery is a small, family-run craft distillery located on a small croft in the agricultural landscape of Caithness, close to the coastline. The distillery uses local ingredients and water from the area to produce artisan gin, rum and vodka, ensuring authenticity throughout the brand by using more natural home-grown ingredients in their spirits.
Tours: There are no tours available.
North Point Distillery
Established: 2020
Location: Forss, near Thurso
Type: Gin, Rum and Whisky Distillery
https://www.northpointdistillery.com
A multi-award-winning craft distillery located in Forss, Caithness (just a few miles west of Thurso), North Point Distillery produces a variety of small-batch, authentically Scottish, sustainable spirits. These include Crosskirk Bay Gin, North Point Pilot Rum, and North Point Spiced Rum. The distillery is in the process of maturing their Dalclagie Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which they hope will be ready by 2028.
Tours: Visitors, including furry friends, are welcome Monday through Saturday at the gift shop with five-star rated tours (advance booking is recommended) available twice a day.
Book here: https://www.northpointdistillery.com/distillery-tours
Stannergill Whisky
Established: Due to open to the public in Summer 2025
Location: Thurso
Type: Whisky Distillery
https://stannergillwhisky.co.uk
Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd is revitalizing Castletown Mill with a project aimed at conserving and breathing new life into this significant Grade B listed building. Scheduled to open to the public in Autumn 2025, Castletown Mill will feature a state-of-the-art craft whisky distillery and provide a world-class visitor experience through intimate guided tours, tutored tastings, masterclasses, leisure learning workshops, living history demonstrations, and an annual programme of special exhibitions and events.
These distilleries offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and tradition behind Caithness spirits, making them great destinations for anyone interested in gin, whisky and the unique flavours of the Highlands.
Be sure to book a tour or tasting in advance, or stop by a local retailer to pick up a locally-made souvenir during your visit!
By Victoria DixonOrkney and Shetland fanatic, likes to capture life through a lens, loves creating, eclectic taste in music, enjoys being a Mum; would secretly love to be a star of the West End!
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