Blair Athol Distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry. The Distillery produces a 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, with a mellow deep-toned aroma, a strong fruity flavour and a smooth finish. Blair Athol wins hearts through its contribution to the Bell's Blend, the most popular blended whisky in the U.K. and a leading brand in South Africa and Scandinavia.

The first documented evidence of a distillery on the present site dates from 1798 when John Stewart and Robert Robertson founded a distillery which they named "Aldour" - after the Allt Dour - the "burn of the otter" - which flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben y vrackie. Their venture, however, was not a success, probably due to the heavy excise duties on malt whisky levied by the government and the distillery shut.

In 1826 Blair Athol was revived and by 1827 was being run by Alexander Connacher. The distillery was taken over by Peter Mackenzie & Co in the middle of the 19th century and was enlarged and improved so that by 1886 Blair Athol was capable of producing over 1,500 gallons (6,800 litres) per week. This has increased to approximately 2 million litres per year.

In 1933 Blair Athol was acquired by Arthur Bell & Sons, now a subsidiary of Diageo. The distillery had been closed in 1932 and remained shut throughout the years of depression and the Second World War. In 1949 it was extensively rebuilt and has been in production ever since. In 1970 an additional two stills were added.

A visitor centre was built in 1987, which today attracts around 30,000 visitors a year.

Courtesy of Blair Athol Distillery

Blair Athol Distillery

The Blair Athol Visitor Centre was built in 1987 and attracts around 30,000 visitors a year. You can see the distillers utilising the most valuable of local resources, the crystal clear waters of the Allt Dour. After absorbing a few secrets of the distillers' art on a leisurely conducted tour, you can mull over the distinctive character of the finished article as you sip your complimentary dram. You’ll find the doors of this Perthshire distillery open to visitors all year round.

2010 Admission Information

Jan - 26th March
Mon – Fri Tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm

Apologies, but unfortunately the Visitor Centre will be closed on Friday 19th March.

29th March - 17th April
Mon - Sat 9.30am until 5.00pm

Tours regularly throughout the day

19th April - 30th June
Unfortunately we will be undergoing some major maintenance work during this period and will be unable to tour the distillery. Our shop will be open from 10am - 5pm as normal where our knowledgeable staff can give a brief explanation of the process and provide a taste of our Blair Athol 12 Year Old Single Malt. Private tutored tasting sessions can be arranged by calling 01796 482003. Unfortunately Groups of under 18's cannot be accepted during this period. Please be aware that we have a responsible drinking policy.

1st July – 31st October
Mon –Sat 9.30am-5.00pm

July and August only - open until 5.30pm

Also Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm

July and August Only - Open until 5.30pm

November and December
Mon – Fri Tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm

Festive Tour Times
Still to be confirmed

Last Tour:
1 hour before closing

Adult admission charge of £5.00 includes a discount voucher, redeemable in our well stocked distillery shop towards the purchase of a 70cl bottle of malt whisky. Children under 8 years are welcome but are not admitted to the production areas. Free car parking available. Large groups and coach parties by appointment only.

Festive Season
Restricted opening - please telephone in advance to confirm tour times.

Last Tour
1 hour before closing

Admission & Additional Information
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and gives a detailed explanation of the traditional art of malt whisky distilling, and an insight into the specialist craft of the Blender. Additionally, each adult is offered a complimentary dram of our whisky.

The standard charge for our guided tours for 2010 is £5.00 per adult, however groups of 20 or more adults qualify for a £1.50p discount per person taking the charge down to £3.50 per person. Groups of under 18’s will qualify for the discounted rate of £3.00 each. One courier, guide or teacher per 20 paying visitors will qualify for free entrance. Children under 8 years old are not allowed to take the distillery tour. Please note that additional tastes can be pre-ordered for your group at the cost of £1.00 per taste per person.

Please note that maximum number allowed on tour is 26 and where group size exceed this number group will be divided in two. Please ensure that your group has additional interpreters where necessary.

For all group bookings we require you to give us your credit card details, this will confirm your booking. Please send the following details: card number, start date & expiry date, last 3 digits on signature strip and name on card.

Payment will only be taken on the day of the visit. Please note that cancellation or amendment of the booking must be made 24 hours in advance otherwise the full admission cost will be deducted from your card.

Each paying adult receives a discount voucher, which can be redeemed in our shop against a purchase of a 70cl bottle of Single malt whisky.

Disabled Access
The tour and gift shop are restricted by stairs. Disabled parking is about 90 yards from reception.

Location
Pitlochry is situated next to the A9 about 25 miles north of Perth. Blair Athol Distillery and Visitor Centre is located on the Southern Edge of Pitlochry about half a mile from the town centre.

Contact Us
Blair Athol Distillery,
Perth Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5LY
Tel: +44 (0) 1796 482003 / Fax: +44 (0) 1796 482001

E.mail: Blair Athol Distillery