Three family Friendly distilleries you'll love this Autumn

Working with barrels as we do, we’ve had the chance to visit many of Scotland’s whisky distilleries, often with our small child in tow! Autumn is the perfect time for a visit and with the October school holiday fast approaching we thought we’d share some of the best distilleries to explore with little ones. All tried and tested by us! So why not get out there and enjoy some of Scotland’s fabulous scenery and  whisky heritage. There really is something for everyone!
The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery, Crieff
Scotland’s oldest working distillery dating from 1775, we love the history here and the very friendly staff. Kids are welcome on distillery tours and under 8s go free.  There’s also a great gift shop where you can bottle your own and find a range of good quality Scottish gifts. If you need some time out, head up to Wild Thyme, a lovely cafe/restaurant  with comfortable seats and great coffee. Keep a look out for the distillery cats, Glen and Turret  or get your photo taken next to World record breaker, Touser the Mouser, a previous distillery cat who is said to have caught 28,899 mice during a 24 year reign!  Visit www.theglenturret.com
Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay
This distillery is one of our favourites for many reasons.   There’s a lovely welcoming and relaxing atmosphere here. It’s right next to the sea with the waves lapping at the distillery buildings. Inside there’s a free exhibition explaining a bit about the history and there are also distillery tours you can go on, kids go free.  Become a friend of Laphroaig (FOL) which entitles you to a square foot of land across  the road from the distillery.  Print out your certificate showing the co-ordinates, choose your country flag, borrow a pair of wellies and claim your land.  After all that exertion, relax in the comfortable FOL lounge with a complimentary hot chocolate or coffee from the vending machine while enjoying the view-  pure bliss! Don’t forget to claim your rent – a miniature bottle of Laphroaig! Visit www.laphroaig.com
 
Annandale Distillery, Dumfrieshire
One of Scotland’s new distilleries. It opened in 2014 and the first ever whisky is due to be released next month, November 2017.  
Although it’s new, this has actually been the site of whisky production for many years and was a Johnny Walker distillery from 1886 until 1918.  It has been carefully restored and is well worth a visit.  We love the coffee shop with it’s beautiful wood interior and kids will love the Belted Galloway( black and white cows famously from this area) highchairs and their own menu. There are distillery tours available which last 45 minutes and children under 12 are free.  There’s also a great gift shop specialising in “Made in Scotland”produce and though the whisky is not ready yet you can try the new make spirit available as peated or non peated. Visit www.annandaledistillery.com
Top tip:
If you are driving, be sure to ask for any drams to take away, most distilleries are more than happy to provide you with a pot or minature to enjoy later on.
 Happy exploring!

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