Top 10 most popular whisky distilleries in 2025
The Cask Connoisseur’s third list of the UK and Ireland’s most-loved whisky distilleries has been released.
The marketing firm is run by Luke Slater, beer connoisseur; Chris Walster, whisky connoisseur; and Isobel Walster, marketing connoisseur. It released its first most-popular distillery list in 2023 and revisited the concept last year.
In its first two years, England’s Cotswolds Distillery took the top spot – however, this year it’s all change.
To create the list, The Cask Connoisseur team 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.
A total of 294 distilleries were factored into the data, with a score given out of 3,564. The data was compiled in May 2024.
This year, six of the top 10 were based in Scotland, with two Irish and two English distilleries also making the cut. But which distillery came out as the most popular? Scroll down to find out.
10. Isle of Raasay Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,800.5
The Isle of Raasay is home to only around 160 people, but a lot more must come to visit the island’s only distillery for it to rank in the top 10 most popular list. However, last year, it ranked sixth – a small but disappointing drop. Earlier this year, the distillery unveiled its third release of cask strength single malt whisky.
9. Dingle Distillery, Republic of Ireland
Distillery popularity index: 2,812.5
Dingle Distillery in County Kerry had a great showing this year, jumping 11 spots to break into the top 10 for the first time. The distillery was founded in 2012, with its co-founders hoping to challenge the ‘big three’ of Irish distilling. The brand released its first core single malt whiskey in 2021.
8. The Lakes Distillery, England
Distillery popularity index: 2,813.0
Cumbria’s Lakes Distillery had the biggest jump of all sites in the top 10 – it leapt a massive 29 spots. It’s been a big year for the English whisky brand, which released its first permanent single malt in March following a series of limited editions. The company is now part of the Nyetimber group, which could have injected some extra investment to dedicate to its visitor offering.
7. Glengoyne Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,838.0
Unlike many Scottish distilleries – we’re looking at you, Ardnamurchan – Glengoyne Distillery has the advantage of being very easy to get to. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Glasgow – which could explain why it’s become such a hotspot for tourists. Owned by Ian Macleod Distillers, the brand is now taking on the US – but its spot as seventh on this list is clear evidence it’s not forgotten its base in Lanarkshire.
6. Glenfiddich Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,869.0
Dufftown-based Glenfiddich is holding tightly onto sixth place, having debuted in the spot last year. Owned by William Grant & Sons, the Speyside whisky brand dates to 1887. The site offers three tours: the Explorer, the Malt Master and the Milestones.
5. Lindores Abbey Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,912.5
Climbing steadily through the rankings, Lindores Abbey Distillery in Fife has cracked the top 10 for the first time. Revered as the ‘spiritual home of Scotch whisky’, the abbey was first associated with whisky production in 1494. The earliest documented record of distilling in Scotland mentions Friar John Cor, who intended to make ‘aqua vitae’.
The modern distillery opened in 2017 following decades of archaeological work. Today, it offers both distillery and history tours.
4. Bruichladdich Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 2,933.0
Islay distillery Bruichladdich has long been a favourite among whisky aficionados – and we even got a chance to visit this year. In 2025, it jumped 11 spots to crack back into the top 10 after missing out in 2024.
Known for its sustainability credentials, the distillery produces unpeated Bruichladdich, heavily peated Port Charlotte, and cult-favourite Octomore – billed as ‘the world’s most heavily peated whisky’ – as well as the Botanist Gin.
3. Kilchoman Distillery, Scotland
Distillery popularity index: 3,005.0
It’s another win for Islay with Kilchoman Distillery in third spot. The independent whisky brand has managed to stay in the top three of this list since its inception. It’s one of a few farm distilleries in Scotland and it operates a grain-to-glass approach, growing its own barley and maltings on site. That’s a lot for visitors to take in!
2. Cotswolds Distillery, England
Distillery popularity index: 3,191.5
The reigning champion has slipped. The Cotswolds Distillery has taken the top spot on the previous two lists, but this year, it’s sadly been beaten. That said, its drop is far from dramatic – the distillery remains a powerhouse in the English whisky scene and continues to attract strong visitor numbers to its site in Shipston-on-Stour.
1. Teeling Distillery, Republic of Ireland
Distillery popularity index: 3,203.5
Scoring just 12 points more than The Cotswolds Distillery, Teeling has managed to bag the top spot this year. When it opened in 2015, the site was the first new distillery in Dublin for more than 125 years. Its experiences include tasting tours and the opportunity to bottle your own whiskey, and visitors can also relax in the Bang Bang Bar and the Phoenix Café. All of that is probably why the site managed to welcome its one millionth visitor last month.
Related news
Distilleries roll out Fèis Ìle whiskies
