Blair Athol

Discover Blair Athol

From its Perthshire home at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Blair Athol has been making one of the region’s most celebrated single malt Scotches since 1798. It is one of the few distilleries built in the 18th century that still operates in Scotland today.

Allt Dour burn, a stream which flows down from the heights of Ben Vrackie, lends its waters to the Blair Althol distillery. The pureness of the water, when combined with a process perfected over centuries, gives Blair Athol its unmistakably rich aroma, fruity flavor, and satisfyingly sweet finish.

Blair Athol Distillery Production

All the distillery’s years of experience go into its process.

Water from the Allt Dour is mixed with unpeated malt in a Lauter mash tun to create worts which provide a cereal flavour profile. Blair Athol’s nutty and fruity notes can be traced back to the type of yeast used during a short fermentation period of around 50 hours.

The distillery produces around 2.8-million litres of whisky per year, which is bottled as Blair Athol Single Malt or used to give Bell’s Original its character.

Visit the Distillery

Visit the distillery to witness first-hand Blair Atholl’s place in history via an immersive trip through the colourful story behind Highland whisky. While you’re there, you’ll also get to take in the rugged beauty of Pitlochry and its surroundings.

The distillery is in the town of Pitlochry. Located just off the A9, Pitlochry is easily accessible and just 1.5 hours from Glasgow, Inverness, and Edinburgh by car.

The nearest major airport to Pitlochry is Edinburgh, however it’s also drivable from Glasgow. If you’re flying domestically within the UK, Dundee airport is a good option as it's just an hour’s drive away.

Learn more

Two female friends stand outside Blair Athol distillery laughing and smiling

Blair Athol FAQs

What is there to do in Blair Atholl?

An absolute must-see is the historic Blair Castle and Gardens. Once home to the UK’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders, today visitors can explore its 30 rooms and nine-acre walled garden. The area is a hiker’s dream, with the Killiecrankie area, Queens View and Falls of Bruar all easily accessible.

How far is Blair Atholl from Pitlochry?

Blair Atholl is 7.6 miles north of Pitlochry, roughly 15 minutes by car.

Which famous whisky is made at Blair Atholl?

The Blair Athol Distillery is famous for its 12-year-old single malt whisky. It also produces the main malt component of Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky.

How do you pronounce Blair Atholl?

The way to pronounce the name is: Blair Ath-aull. Blair Atholl means ‘field of Atholl’ which combines the Scottish Gaelic word blár, meaning field or meadow, and Atholl meaning ‘new Ireland’, which is most likely a reference to the Picts who first settled the area.

What casks does Blair Athol use?

Blair Athol’s 12-year-old malt whisky is aged in sherry barrels, which is why it has the distinct fruity tone that’s made it so well-loved.

Explore the world of Malts

View All

An exterior shot of the Blair Athol distillery

Travel

A Guide to the Blair Athol Distillery and Pitlochry

Hear from the locals and employees all about the highlights of visiting the Blair Athol distillery in the Highland town of Pitlochry.

Learn More

A woman holds a rocks glass of whisky and ice in her lap

Education

A Comprehensive Guide to Scotch Whisky

Everything you've ever wanted to know about Scotch whisky - from how it's made, what we mean when we say 'a Scotch', and how to enjoy Scotches from across Scotland's regions.

Learn more