Distillery tours - Frequently Asked Questions

General Experience Information

Q: Should I book an experience in advance?
A: We are only able to accept bookings in advance. Bookings can be made up to 17:00 UK time the day prior to arrival. we are currently taking bookings for experiences up to the 31st March 2023, on themacallan.com and via telephone +44 (0)1340 318 000.

Q: How far in advance do I need to book?
A: we are currently taking bookings for experiences up to the 31st March 2023.

Q: Do I need to pay in advance or can I pay on the day?
A: We kindly ask for a pre-payment at the time of booking.

Q: Can I just arrive at the distillery without booking?
A: If you would like to take part in one of The Macallan Estate Experiences you will need to book prior to arrival. Experiences are able to be booked up until 17:00 UK time the day before arrival, subject to availability. Experiences are available to be booked online and by contacting us by email [email protected] or telephone +44 (0)1340 318 000.

Q: What should I wear on the experience?
A: The experiences take place on The Macallan Estate, and as you will enter the production area, we suggest wearing comfortable, layered clothing due to the warmth of our curiously small stills. Sensible footwear is also advised. 

Q: Are all experiences guided?
A: Yes, all groups will be guided through the distillery by one of our Macallan Hosts.

Q: How many spaces are available on each experience?
A: The maximum number of guests on each experience is 6.

Q: What if I want to book for more people than there are places on an experience?
A: To ensure a highly personal experience for our guests, we host a maximum of 6 guests on The Macallan Discovery Experience and The Macallan Mastery Experience. 

Q: What do I do if I want to change the date or time of my experience?
A: Please call a member of our team on +44 (0)1340 318 000 or email [email protected] to change the date or time of your experience. This can be done up to 48 hours prior to your original booking. After this time, no changes can be made.

Q: What is your cancellation and refunds policy?
A: We will provide refunds if experiences are cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the experience time. After this time, no refunds will be given. Please call a member of our team on +44 (0)1340 318 000 [email protected] to arrange a refund. For more information, please refer to our Estate Experience Terms and Conditions.

Q: Are children permitted on the Experience?
A: The Macallan Distillery is not suitable for children. Guests must be over the age of 18 years old to participate in our experiences. The Macallan Bar and the first floor is open to guests over the age of 18 only – we operate a Challenge 25 policy, please remember to bring ID.

Q: Is there a café?
A: The Elchies Brasserie, located within our Distillery Experience, offers great locally sourced Scottish produce with a twist. 

For latest availability and to make a booking please visit:
https://www.themacallan.com/en/distillery/elchies-brasserie#

Q: Is there a gift shop?
A: The Macallan Boutique is located within the Distillery Experience and offers a selection of The Macallan whisky and accessories to purchase.

Q: What products do you sell in The Macallan Boutique? 
A: The Macallan Boutique has a selection of The Macallan whisky for sale and sells a range of whisky related gifts, glassware and accessories.

Q: How can I get to the Distillery by public transport?
A: Unfortunately, at present there is no public transport that serves the Distillery Experience directly. There are several train stations in the surrounding area however guests will then need to drive or to take a taxi to access The Macallan Estate. Please note it is not advised to walk from Craigellachie to The Macallan Estate as there is no pedestrian walkway.

Q: What's the nearest train station to the distillery?
A: The nearest train stations to The Macallan Estate are Aviemore, Elgin and Keith.

Q: Is there disabled access?
A: Our Distillery Experience is fully DDA compliant. Please call a member of our team on +44 (0)1340 318 000 or email [email protected] for further information or to advise of access requirements. 

Q: Can I bring my dog to The Macallan Estate? 

A: Only assistance dogs are permitted on The Macallan Estate and we ask that you bring relevant documentation with you for example Assistance Dogs UK branded ID book. Where possible, we ask that you inform us in advance if you are bringing an assistance dog onto The Macallan Estate. You can contact us on +44 (0)1340 318 000 or email [email protected] to inform us. Dogs are not permitted within the production area. Our Hosts will be able to offer assistance during your Experience.

Q: Is a tasting included in each experience?
A: Yes, there is a tasting included in each experience. The Macallan whisky included in the tasting will vary dependant on the experience and product availability.

Q: What if I’m driving, can I still take part in the tasting?
A: Yes, you are able to nose throughout the tasting following your experience. However no tasting will be allowed. We will provide complimentary bottles to allow you to take your drams away, should you be driving.

Q: What happens if I am late for my experience?
A: If you arrive at the Distillery Experience up to 10 minutes after the experience start time, we will do our best to catch you up with your group. If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the experience start time, unfortunately you will not be able to join the group and the cost of your experience will not be refunded. We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your experience start time.

Q: Where do I go when I arrive?
A: Guests should check-in at the reception areas of the Distillery Experience.

Q: Where does the experience start?
A: The experience will begin in The Macallan Distillery Experience where you will be welcomed by your Macallan Host.

Q: What are your opening hours?
A:  The Macallan Distillery Experience is open for general guest access on Saturday and Sunday.  

Gates open at 09:30, The Macallan Distillery Experience doors open at 09:45. Gates will close at 17.00 to 17.30 for entry and the Distillery Experience will close at 18:00. 

Q: Can I visit Easter Elchies House?
A: Guests are welcome to visit the grounds and to take photos of the exterior of Easter Elchies House.  

Q: Do I need to print and bring my booking confirmation email?
A: There is no requirement for guests to bring their confirmation email as we will have a record of your booking. We will ask for a name and email address on arrival to confirm your booking.

Q: Can I still visit The Macallan Distillery Experience if I don’t want to do a tour?
A: You can still visit The Macallan Distillery Experience without an experience booking.

If there are no experiences available you can dine at The Elchies Brasserie (advance booking is recommended), browse The Macallan Boutique and visit The Macallan Bar upstairs in the Distillery Experience to enjoy a dram or a cocktail overlooking our beautiful 485 acres Estate. 

If you are looking to visit with a group larger than 6 guests, please contact us on +44 (0)1340 318 000 or [email protected] prior to your visit. 

 

Experience 1: The Macallan Discovery Experience Information

Q: What is included in The Macallan Discovery Experience? What areas of the distillery will I see?
A:  Join one of our experienced hosts to learn more about the heritage of The Macallan single malt whisky. You will be welcomed with The Macallan roast coffee and home baked scones, while exploring The Macallan Whisky Wall where you will learn about the journey of our whisky from acorn to glass.

You will then be led by friendly and knowledgeable hosts through the Distillery before receiving a tutored tasting of carefully selected whisky in our Cave Priveé.  Finally, you will be taken to The Macallan Bar overlooking our 485 acres Estate for a final whisky experience.

Q: How much does The Macallan Discovery Experience cost?
A: The experience costs £50.00 per person.

Q: How long does The Macallan Discovery Experience take?
A: The duration of the experience is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Q. How often does The Macallan Discovery Experience run?
A: The Macallan Discovery Experience runs twice per day at 10.00 and 11.00.

Q: How many spaces are there on The Macallan Discovery Experience?
A: Groups taking part in this experience are limited to 6 people. We may divide groups further to confirm to any restrictions in place at the time.

Q: Is there a tasting included in The Macallan Discovery Experience?
A: Yes, a guided nosing and tasting is included.

Q: What products are included in the tasting?
A: The nosing and tasting includes a sample of new make spirit, followed by a dram of The Macallan which will be introduced by your host in our Cave Privée. You will then be invited to enjoy a further specially selected dram at The Macallan Bar.

 

Experience 2: The Macallan Mastery Experience Information

Q: What is included in The Macallan Mastery Experience? What area of the distillery will I see?
A: Join one of our experienced hosts for The Macallan Mastery Experience to delve deeper into The Macallan whisky making process. You will be welcomed with a dram at The Macallan Whisky Wall before enjoying an exquisite dining experience with paired wines followed by tea and The Macallan freshly ground coffee in The Elchies Brasserie. 

You will then be led on an in-depth experience of our production area before being taken through a tutored tasting of select The Macallan whiskies in the Cave Priveé. You will then be taken to The Macallan Bar where you will enjoy a whisky flight overlooking our 485 acres Estate.

After the experience, our hosts will offer guests a personal shopping experience in The Macallan Boutique and each guest will be gifted a bespoke The Macallan whisky glass.

Q: How much does The Macallan Mastery Experience cost?
A: The experience costs £250.00 per person. 

Q: How long does The Macallan Mastery Experience take?
A: The duration of the experience is approximately 4 hours.

Q. How often does The Macallan Mastery Experience run?
A: The Macallan Mastery Experience runs once per day on Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 and once per day on Friday at 12:00.

Q: How many spaces are there on The Macallan Mastery Experience?
A: Groups taking part in this experience are limited to 6 people. We may divide groups further to confirm to any restrictions in place at the time.

Q: Is there a tasting included in The Macallan Mastery Experience?
A: Yes. You will be welcomed to The Macallan Estate with a dram enjoyed at The Macallan Whisky Wall followed by a specially selected guided tasting in our Cave Priveé and a whisky flight at The Macallan Bar.

Q: What products are included in the tasting?
A: You will be offered a welcome dram of The Macallan at the beginning of your experience. The nosing and tasting includes a sample of new make spirit followed by a dram of The Macallan range which will be introduced by your host in our Cave Privée. You will then be invited to enjoy a flight of specially selected expressions at The Macallan Bar.

Q: Will I receive any gifts as part of this experience?
A: Yes. At the end of your experience, you will receive a complimentary The Macallan whisky glass.