Clynelish Distillery

About Clynelish Distillery

Clynelish Distillery at Brora in Sutherland is one of the NC500's must-visit whisky destinations. The current distillery dates to 1967, built next to the original 1819 distillery (which operated as "Brora" distillery until 1983 and whose silent, ghostly buildings are still visible). Clynelish produces a whisky with a distinctive waxy, coastal character — with notes of beeswax, sea spray and citrus — that makes it prized by blenders and single malt enthusiasts alike. The original Brora distillery was controversially closed by Diageo but has since been revived for limited annual releases that command high prices at auction.

Highlights

Waxy, coastal character beloved by blenders

Brora Distillery (silent, legendary) adjacent

Distillery rebuilt 1967; original 1819 building extant

Coastal Sutherland setting

Diageo visitor centre

🚐 Motorhome Tip Good car park with motorhome access. Brora's fuel station and beach are both within 1 mile. Combine Clynelish with a walk on Brora Beach and a look at the old Brora distillery buildings from the road. Book tours via Diageo website — very popular, book ahead in summer.

Distillery Details

Spirit Type

Whisky

Spirit Name

Clynelish

Founded

1819

Ownership

Diageo

🥃 Tours: Tours are available — booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially in summer. See official website for latest tour times and prices.

🚗 Drink Driving: Always designate a driver or use a taxi. NC500 roads are remote and winding — drink driving is dangerous and illegal. Most distilleries offer non-alcoholic tasting options and miniature bottles to take away for later.

Getting There

Just north of Brora on the A9. Signed from the main road. About 1 mile north of Brora village centre.

Best Time to Visit

Year round. Book tours well in advance — very popular with whisky tourists.

Nearby Attractions

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Quick Facts

Region Sutherland

Type 🥃 Distillery

Duration 1–2 hours

Admission 🎟️ Tours from £15

For MH ✅ Friendly

Spirit Whisky

Founded 1819

Tours ✅ Available

NC500 Mile ~68

OS Grid NC 907 034

Website Official site →

Directions Open in Google Maps →

🚐 Explore the NC500

Book one of our motorhomes and make Clynelish Distillery part of your Highland adventure.

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