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Top 10
Top 10 most popular whisky distilleries in 2024
An updated list of the UK and Ireland’s most loved whisky distilleries has been released – did your favourite make the top 10?
The Cask Connoisseur – run by Luke Slater, beer connoisseur, Chris Walster, whisky connoisseur, and Isobel Walster, marketing connoisseur – created its first list last year, with Cotswolds Distillery in England taking the top spot.
As with last year’s list, the founders looked at the number of Google ratings and reviews, the number of Tripadvisor ratings and reviews, and social media metrics covering Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. If data was unavailable, a score of 0 was given.
The index considered an additional 72 distilleries this year, reaching a grand total of 298. While last year’s scores were given out of 2,310, the increased number of distilleries meant the ‘distillery popularity index’ is now marked out of 3,576.
Sadly no distilleries from Wales made the top spot, with Penderyn falling short at 11th position. Northern Ireland was also not represented in the upper echelons, with Copeland Distillery at number 31.
The data was compiled in May 2024 – but which distillery came out as the most popular? Scroll down to find out.
10. Tomatin Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,773
It’ll come as no surprise to many that the top 10 list is dominated by distilleries in Scotland, with Highland brand Tomatin just managing to squeeze in at number 10. Last year it only managed to just scrape into the top 100, ranking at 93rd.
The distillery dates to 1897, but the original site closed in 1906. Fortunately, it reopened in 1909 and thrived until 1984 – when, despite being the largest and most efficient malt distillery in Scotland, it closed yet again. Tomatin’s third chapter began in 1986, and it has helped revive other whisky brands, including the Antiquary – as well as kicking off new lines, including Cù Bòcan.
9. Stirling Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,791
Stirling Distillery was a new entry to the list this year, as the site began producing whisky only in 2023, following a successful eight years creating gin. It’s believed to be the first time whisky has been made in Stirling since 1852. The new-make spirit will be ready in 2027 – which is sure to drive the distillery’s popularity further.
8. Glenmorangie Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,833
Highland distillery Glenmorangie made an impressive leap from 57th spot to eighth in this year’s list. The site in the Royal Burgh of Tain was established in 1843, but the Lighthouse – an innovation centre – opened in 2021 following a multi-million-pound investment. The distillery is famous for its ‘giraffe-high’ stills, whose unusual height could be a major draw for visitors. Plus, the brand operates its own hotel, Glenmorangie House, where ‘every playful detail of our opulent hotel tells our whisky’s story.’
7. Laphroaig Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,891
It’s another historic Scotch brand in at number seven, this time all the way over on the Isle of Islay. Laphroaig was first established in 1815, making it the oldest distillery to make the top 10 list – but it’s certainly not behind in innovation, especially so given the site will be expanding soon. Laphroaig currently attracts around 29,000 visitors every year.
6. Glenfiddich Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,926
While Glenfiddich Distillery was built in 1887, its visitor centre didn’t open until 1969, when it was described as the ‘first-of-its-kind’ for the Scotch whisky sector. Visitors have been flocking to the site ever since, taking advantage of the three different tours on offer. As well as the original warehouse and the on-site cooperage, guests can enjoy food and drink at the Robbie Dhu Terrace or the Whisky Lounge.
5. Isle of Harris Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,977
The oldest aren’t always the best – as proven by Isle of Harris’ spot at number 5. Off the west coast of Scotland, the distillery opened in 2015 and was the island’s first (legal) distillery. In 2023, its first single malt was bottled, which could have been a big driver for visitors. Plus, its tours are very budget-friendly at £25 (US$32). This is the same price point as Kilchoman – which was rated as the best-value tour in Milroy’s Whisky Travel Index.
4. Isle of Raasay Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 3,017
It’s another baby brand at the fourth spot, and another island distillery. Isle of Raasay began production in 2017 and released its first single malt in 2020 – admittedly not a great year for attracting visitors. The island is home to only 161 residents, but the distillery must attract a hefty number of guests, who can take advantage of on-site accommodation – which is something of a necessity, with only one hotel on the island.
3. Kilchoman Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 3,090
Slipping down a spot from last year is Scotland’s Kilchoman Distillery – which marks the top Scotch distillery in the list. The Islay distillery is one of a few Scotch producers that grows its own barley and floor-malts it, plus its stills are unusually small – giving plenty for visitors to take in. Kilchoman secured £22.5 million (US$30.4m) to expand the distillery in 2022.
2. Teeling Distillery, Republic of Ireland
Distillery popularity index: 3,214
The only Irish distillery to make the list, Dublin’s Teeling is showing the rest of the nation how it’s done with its position as second. The site opened in 2015 and was the first new distillery in the city for more than 125 years. Bacardi took majority control of the brand in 2023, six years after its initial investment – so we’d expect big things in the years to come.
1. Cotswolds Distillery, England
Distillery popularity index: 3,217
Holding its top position for a second year, England’s Cotswold Distillery inched ahead of Teeling by just three points. Established in 2014, the site has undergone significant expansion since 2022 and received investment from Berry Bros & Rudd in 2023. It also launched its first whisky marketing campaign last year, which boldly proclaimed ‘English for whisky’ – its position at the top of this list only enforces the sentiment.
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