Near Inverness: The Singleton Craft and Cocktail Experience

Near Inverness: The Singleton Craft and Cocktail Experience

Imagine spending a relaxed afternoon in the rolling landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, sampling some of the world’s most acclaimed single malt whiskies—all while learning about the craft that makes them special. That’s exactly what you get with The Singleton Craft and Cocktail Experience near Inverness. For just $33 per person, this tour offers a rich taste of Scottish whisky culture, combined with engaging insights and a fun cocktail mini-masterclass.

What I love about this experience is how approachable it feels for first-timers. You’re not just tasting whisky; you’re discovering how it’s made, from grain to glass, with a friendly guide explaining The Singleton’s “Slow Craft” process—a method that results in award-winning malts. Plus, the cocktails are curated to showcase the whisky’s versatility, making this a delightful way to appreciate the spirit’s complexity.

A possible consideration is the tour length and pace—it’s a fairly short experience, so if you’re a dedicated whisky enthusiast or eager to explore multiple distilleries, this might feel a bit light on the production process details for you. However, if you’re looking for an authentic, well-rounded introduction to Scottish whisky with a relaxed vibe, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who want to combine cultural learning with tasting. Whether you’re new to whisky or a casual connoisseur, you’ll find value here. It’s particularly ideal for those who enjoy hands-on activities like cocktail making and appreciate a friendly, informative atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic whisky production insights with a focus on The Singleton’s unique “Slow Craft” process
• Guided tasting of The Singleton neat and carefully curated cocktails
• Mini masterclass teaches you how to craft cocktails at home
• Informative guides like Isaac and Hazel receive rave reviews for their enthusiasm and knowledge
• Relaxed, small-group setting allows for personal attention and questions
• Affordable price point offers excellent value for a comprehensive whisky experience

In-Depth Review of The Singleton Craft and Cocktail Experience

Setting the Scene: The Distillery and Its Location

Located in the scenic Muir of Ord, just outside Inverness, The Singleton Distillery is a part of the larger Highland whisky landscape. It’s easily accessible from Inverness, making it a convenient day trip for those staying in the city or exploring the Scottish Highlands. The distillery’s environment is peaceful, with views that stretch across the rolling hills—ideal for a relaxed tasting and learning experience.

What the Tour Entails

The experience begins at the distillery itself, where you meet your guide—whether it’s Hazel, who’s praised for her engaging style, or Isaac, known for enthusiastically explaining the production process. The group size is typically small, allowing for personalized interaction.

The guided tour takes you through the whisky-making process, highlighting The Singleton’s “Slow Craft” method. This unique approach emphasizes patience and craftsmanship, resulting in a whisky that’s multi-award-winning and consistently praised for its smoothness and depth. While the specific steps aren’t overly detailed in the overview, you’ll learn about each stage, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and maturation.

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Tasting The Singleton Neat

One of the highlights is sampling The Singleton neat, which allows you to appreciate the whisky’s pure flavor before the cocktails take center stage. The tasting is curated so that you understand how the maturation process influences the final product—notes of fruit, oak, and a gentle sweetness often emerge, making it a delightful introduction for newcomers.

The Cocktail Experience

After the neat tasting, you’ll move on to sampling two carefully crafted cocktails. These drinks are selected to showcase the diversity of The Singleton whiskies, demonstrating how versatile the spirit can be. The guide will host a mini masterclass, showing you how to recreate these cocktails at home—an engaging and practical add-on that keeps the experience lively.

Visiting the Store and Bar

End your visit at the distillery’s retail store and bar, where you can purchase your favorite dram or enjoy a curated cocktail in a cozy setting. This offers a perfect chance to unwind, reflect on what you’ve learned, and pick up a souvenir to remember your Highland whisky adventure.

Authenticity and Reviews

Travelers consistently rate this experience highly, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from 10 reviews. Irene praised the excellent organization and friendly guide Laurel, emphasizing how welcoming the atmosphere was—perfect for first-timers. Similarly, other reviews note the enthusiasm of guides like Isaac and the overall informative nature of the tour.

Value for Money

At $33 per person, the experience provides solid value. For this price, you get a comprehensive tour, tastings, and a mini masterclass—a combination that many travelers find well worth the investment. Compared to larger or more commercial distillery tours, this experience feels intimate and authentic, making it a good choice for those eager to learn and taste without paying top dollar.

Practical Considerations

The tour is suitable for children over 8 years old, but must be accompanied by an adult. It’s not suitable for children under 18 for the whisky tasting, which makes it ideal for adult groups or families with older kids interested in the craft. No smoking or flash photography is allowed, preserving the environment and ensuring safety during tastings.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in learning how whisky is made and want a relaxed, friendly environment to taste and experiment with cocktails, this is a great pick. It’s especially suited for first-time whisky drinkers or those who appreciate the story behind the spirit. Those seeking a quick but comprehensive peek into Highland whisky production will find this tour satisfying. Conversely, if you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur craving in-depth technical insights or multiple distillery visits, you might find this experience somewhat light on details.

Final Thoughts

This experience offers an engaging, accessible window into Scottish whisky craftsmanship with a relaxed, inviting pace. The combination of guided tastings, a behind-the-scenes look, and a hands-on cocktail masterclass makes it a fun, educational outing—especially if you’re in or near Inverness and want a memorable taste of the Highlands’ whisky culture.

For travelers who value authenticity, expert guides, and value for money, this tour hits the right notes. It’s an ideal choice for those new to whisky or anyone looking for a laid-back, informative activity that combines learning with tasting. The warm welcome and genuine passion of guides like Hazel or Isaac ensure that your Highland whisky experience is not just educational but also enjoyable.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over the age of 8 can participate if accompanied by an adult, but the whisky tasting is only for those over 18.

How long does the experience last?
While not explicitly stated, the tour includes a guided process, tastings, and a mini masterclass, which typically suggests a duration of around 1-2 hours.

Can I buy whisky at the distillery?
Yes, the retail store and bar are open at the end, allowing you to purchase your favorite dram or enjoy a curated cocktail.

Is the price of $33 per person good value?
Considering the guided tour, tastings, and cocktail masterclass, many travelers find the price reasonable, especially given the intimate setting and quality of information.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, travelers praise guides like Laurel and Hazel for their professionalism, friendliness, and expertise.

What is the “Slow Craft” process?
While not detailed in the overview, it emphasizes patience and craftsmanship, resulting in award-winning whisky. It’s a core part of The Singleton’s identity.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. You need to visit the distillery on your own or arrange your own transport.

Is this experience suitable for whisky enthusiasts?
Yes, but if you’re looking for in-depth technical details or multiple distillery visits, this might be more of an introductory experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

This experience offers a well-rounded introduction to Highland whisky, blending education, tasting, and fun into a package that’s both accessible and memorable. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a casual connoisseur, it’s a chance to appreciate Scotland’s famous spirit in a relaxed Highland setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: