The Macallan Distillery
The Macallan Distillery, Easter Elchies: Hours, Address, The Macallan Distillery Reviews: 4.5/5
The Macallan Distillery
The Macallan Distillery
4.5
About
The Macallan Estate is open to the general public at weekends only with two experiences, taking guests through our history, heritage and The Macallan whisky itself. Full details of each experience can be found on our website. Guests can also visit the Distillery to shop at our Boutique, enjoy one of our single malts in The Macallan Bar and experience specialist local Scottish cuisine at the Elchies Brasserie. Guests visiting The Macallan are required to wear a face covering, unless seated for dining or refreshments at the Elchies Brasserie or The Macallan Bar. Guests must be over the age of 18 to take part in The Macallan experiences, whilst guests under the age of 18 are permitted to visit The Elchies Brasserie and The Macallan Boutique.
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More than 3 hours
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4.5
145 reviews
Excellent
100
Very good
20
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
7
Ian M
1 contribution
Pioneers tour
Sep 2021 • Couples
Just attended the new Pioneers experience tour.. WAW! It was fantastic, from start to finish, no complaints. Guides were friendly and helpful, actors amazing and obviously the whiskey! Absolutely great day out, the picnic on the tour was lovely and learning about the history of the distillery was brilliant. Seeing the grounds to tasting the whiskey was first class. Highly recommend this tour.5*****
Written 17 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stuart S
1 contribution
The Macallan Pioneers Experience
Sep 2021
Recently went on The Macallan Distillery Pioneers Experience and had a great day. The immersive theatre production was excellent, giving a really interesting look back at the history of the estate. We were very well looked after by the friendly staff and the food provided was again excellent made all the better by a dram or two. I would highly recommend this to anyone.
Written 17 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Camryn
1 contribution
The Macallan Pioneers Experience
Sep 2021
We had a fantastic experience! The actors on the pioneers experience were great and really portrayed the history of the Macallan in an enjoyable and informative manor. The food and variety of drinks on offer to try were also amazing. The whole experience gave us an insight into the Macallan distillery and estate that we would not normally get the chance to see. Overall, it was a very enjoyable day out and I would highly recommend it.
Written 17 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Iris M
1 contribution
Outstanding Tour filled with history
Sep 2021
We were part of the newly launched Pioneers Tour which was just simply superb ( given all the regulations and challenges everybody has experienced during the last 18 months ). As a non whisky drinker but interested in history, I enjoyed learning about the historical characters which since 1700 have formed this distillery. The guides Colin and Catriona were very engaging and the sites of the tour around the estate out with the distillery building were carefully chosen & filled with true character and characters. The tasting and the wonderful lunch by the Spey were informative and delicious. The mode of transport and some special fiddle tunes performed by Colin rounded it up before we went to venture to the Bar to enjoy our adventurous whisky based or non whisky based cocktails before browsing in the shop. Staff all round were super welcoming and the greeting lovely too.
Written 16 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Orra Loon
Glasgow, UK12 contributions
Space Age Distilling
Sep 2021
The ‘Experience’ of a Conducted Tour of this Distillery was out of this world.
I’ve been to a few distilleries in my time but this was something else !
Never before seen 36 Stills in one building.
Our Tour Guide displayed a real in-depth knowledge of the product and the process, delivered in a very relaxed manner with an appropriate touch of humour.
Special thanks to Claire and Niamh.
Congratulations EDRINGTON on this magnificent achievement.
I’ve been to a few distilleries in my time but this was something else !
Never before seen 36 Stills in one building.
Our Tour Guide displayed a real in-depth knowledge of the product and the process, delivered in a very relaxed manner with an appropriate touch of humour.
Special thanks to Claire and Niamh.
Congratulations EDRINGTON on this magnificent achievement.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GARY N
1 contribution
Disappointing
Sep 2021
Disappointing, staff did not do as they said they would. We had booked lunch as the tour was full. Our sons had contacted the distillery and asked if they would present their father with a bottle of whiskey they had purchased. They had agreed to let me know when they would give the whiskey to him so I could record the event as it was for his 60th birthday. We arrived were shown to our table, had the veal option for lunch and some drinks, still no present. The fire alarm went off so outside we went. About 30 min later the all clear was given returned inside. Had our cheese and biscuits, then coffee still no whiskey presented. Had to go to the till to ask for the bill and only then did the person appear with the whiskey and handed to my husband.
Would have got a better experience buying a bottle of whiskey at a local retailer.
We were cold from standing outside, husband was wanting to head off but I could not agree as he would not have got his present. Very upsetting and disappointing.
Sons were told that they would offer their father a complimentary dram still waiting for this to happen.
2.5hrs this experience took and not one we would recommend.
Would have got a better experience buying a bottle of whiskey at a local retailer.
We were cold from standing outside, husband was wanting to head off but I could not agree as he would not have got his present. Very upsetting and disappointing.
Sons were told that they would offer their father a complimentary dram still waiting for this to happen.
2.5hrs this experience took and not one we would recommend.
Written 5 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We are disappointed also to receive this review and we have done everything possible to resolve this with you.
The team at The Macallan Estate did do what they were asked to do and unfortunately from doing this, it has resulted in this negative review.
The team were asked by your son to speak discreetly to you, in confidence, about the best time to present the whisky. Despite trying to get your attention on numerous occasions, the team were unable to do so, and you didn't try to speak directly with them. The team didn't want to present the bottle without your agreement (as agreed with your sons) and were then waiting for your direction.
There was then indeed a fire evacuation, which in a distillery is of course always a highly serious matter. We can only apologise for the inconvenience of the fire evacuation, but of course we are thankful that all our guests were evacuated swiftly and safely.
We did welcome you back the very next day and as a gesture of goodwill gifted you with a special bottle as well as offer a private tour of the experience.
We couldn't meet your demands for further discount on other products, despite you asking different people on different occasions.
I am delighted that the response to our lunch menu on The Macallan Estate has been overwhelmingly positive from fans of The Macallan and as the other reviews here show, our team deliver an exceptional and memorable experience of The Macallan.
Stuart Cassells.
General Manager
Written 15 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert F
Perth, UK2 contributions
MaCal la la land
Aug 2021 • Couples
We booked the tour for my son’s thirty birthday? Very surprised by what was to proceed as we were welcomed by staff at this epic distillery. Introduced to MaCallan’s version of a cream tea? Tour was on a grand scale as we were subjected to the heat of 39 stills for an hour! Plenty of historic reflections of their commercial past. The tour guide was excellent & informative however we felt like customers rather than fans of the whisky family. Whisky tasting consists of two drams, one was a non aged sample & another which was palatable. Summary & verdict: MaCallan 9/10 & Whisky tasting 1/10
Written 24 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FMW13
Irvine, UK140 contributions
Temple to whisky
Aug 2021 • Couples
Having seen a program on Sky Arts dedicated to the visitor centre building’s architecture, we were determined to see it. But in a Motorhome, we were thwarted by the height gantry at the entrance, where we stopped so my architect husband could go to have a distant look. But a helpful Security lady walked out to us, made us feel welcome & told us to drive in through the delivery lorry entrance a bit further up the road (which is the car exit route).
The building is awesome outside & in. It’s nestled into its landscape, and the interior of the geodesic domes was a wonderful plywood jigsaw. You can see all the stills through a floor to ceiling glass wall, or walk outside to look in. The jewel wall of full bottles catches the light. Even the washrooms are generously proportioned; individual towels replaced paper towels as the company has a strong sustainability ethos.
The building is awesome outside & in. It’s nestled into its landscape, and the interior of the geodesic domes was a wonderful plywood jigsaw. You can see all the stills through a floor to ceiling glass wall, or walk outside to look in. The jewel wall of full bottles catches the light. Even the washrooms are generously proportioned; individual towels replaced paper towels as the company has a strong sustainability ethos.
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Al
London, UK30 contributions
Stunning achitecture and good bar
Aug 2021
Tour was unavailale although we were happy to explore building and taste a few drams in the mezzanine bar. Good service and world class architecture.
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Julia M
Scotland, UK19 contributions
Out of the ordinary
Jul 2021 • Friends
We booked a table in the restaurant expecting a nice lunch, but we were both amazed by the Michelin standard meal that we enjoyed. It was exquisite and brimming with flavour. After our meal we went up to the bar and enjoyed one of the tasting flights, and a delicious non alcoholic cocktail for the driver. Our lunch became an afternoon experience. Highly recommended for something out of the ordinary.
Written 30 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
I’m trying to better understand the difference between the three offered tours. Any help is greatly appreciated.
יואל ק
Jerusalem, Israel77 contributions
I recently returned from the Whiskey Trail and visited 7 different distilleries, mostly concentrated in the Speyside area. The Macallan tour was like a visit to Disneyworld - all stainless steel and very sterile. Not a worker to be seen. The tour is nice and staff were pleasant, but if you really want to see the hands-on approach, I highly recommend Tomintoul, Balvenie and Glenmorangie (2 hours drive north from Aberlour). The Balvenie tour features a tasting at the warehouse where you can mix your own blend of finishes. BTW, ask for a tour led by Charlie - he's super.
Phoenix, Arizona, USA to Macallan. What's the most efficient (less travel) to get there.
Also, are there any other site seeing or areas to visit?
Thank you!
alan n
Southampton, UK305 contributions
Fly to Inverness and hire a car.
Try the whiskey trail and visit lots of distilleries.
Beautiful scenery and picturesque coastal towns.
Plenty of castles.
scubagoth
Seattle, WA51 contributions
Does the tour include the room where the casks are evaluated before blending, as shown in 'Chef's Diaries: Scotland'? I'm thinking of the scene where the cask samples were lined up and sorted by color with flavor notes.
Thank you!
Hayley S
Little Rock, AR76 contributions
I have not seen the documentary, but I do not believe so! You walk through the actual room where it is being made, and then the other rooms teach you about the history and are sort of built for the tour/visual aids, and aren’t an actual part of the working distillery. And then after you go to the tasting room. I hope this helps!
jimbo778_2000
Harpenden, UK65 contributions
Hi there. Two questions - firstly, are children allowed on the tour/premises if accompanied by an adult? Secondly, when I went many moons ago there were some very nice tipples only available from the Macallan shop itself and you couldn't order them online: Easter Elchies 12yr old limited edition single malt and a maple liquor called Amber. Do you know if they still do/have either or any similar limited run things in the shop?
Steph C
London, UK51 contributions
Hi there. There were no children on our tour but I guess you can ask when booking. Presumably it will be cheaper as the tasting would not apply.
Re the shop, we saw the full range on offer.
sharonleepozos
Irvine, CA3 contributions
We are coming to Scotland in May and my husband has always wanted to visit the Macallan Estates. We fly into Edinburgh and have 1 week. He also wanted to visit the Bruichladdich distillery. I can seem to work it that both and be done in just a week. Am I wrong. I can fly us to Islay from Edinburgh and back in 3 days. Then how involved is a drive to Macallan from Edinburgh. It looks like two very different trips. Am I right? Any thoughts.
BasBrand
Oude Wetering, The Netherlands431 contributions
Dont know about flying. Driving is no problem.
Do reserve in advance, if you want to have a tour. If it is booked out still worth the wile visiting, enough to see.
Julie B
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania34 contributions
Hi, I want to visit late afternoon August 19, is the tour really sold out except for 13:50 on a Monday 5 months in advance?
Danielle
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK123 contributions
Give them a ring on the day, that's what we did, it was all sold out online but they were able to fit us in.
MarciaFiorio
Vila Velha, ES5 contributions
Boa tarde
De Inverness qual a melhor forma para ir até Distillery the Macallan?
Leiloka
Sao Paulo, SP478 contributions
A melhor maneira é ir de carro. contratamos um motorista particular. Não queriamos dirigir carros com direção contrária, também fizemos degustação de wisky e visitamos várias destilarias.