The Ben Nevis Distillery, established in 1825 by John Macdonald, enjoys a remarkable setting at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. Situated near Fort William in the Highlands, the distillery proudly upholds its traditional methods, such as using wooden washbacks and brewers’ yeast.

Ben Nevis malts are celebrated for their robust and meaty character. Interestingly, official distillery bottlings are somewhat scarce. During one visit, no bottlings were available for purchase on-site! The primary reason for this is that since 1989, when Japanese distiller Nikka acquired Ben Nevis, the majority of its spirit has been exported to Japan. Today, Ben Nevis is part of the Asahi Group, the parent company of Nikka. Independent bottlers highly value Ben Nevis whisky, and their releases are consistently well-received.

A tour of the Ben Nevis distillery is highly recommended when visiting the Fort William area. The distillery's picturesque location, with the majestic mountains as a backdrop, offers stunning photographic opportunities. On a clear day, a drone shot would truly capture the scale of Ben Nevis and the numerous whisky-aging warehouses. While the tour and tasting experience are excellent, it’s worth noting that this traditional distillery offers a more understated experience. You won't find a lavish tasting bar or gift shop, as Ben Nevis remains focused on producing exceptional, unadulterated whisky, distinct from larger brands.