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Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

Discover the ancient craft of coopering and whisky cask making in Scotland’s only working cooperage with immersive tours and tastings.

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Located in Dufftown near Craigellachie, the Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre offers a unique glimpse into the ancient craft of coopering. Since 1947, this working cooperage has produced oak casks essential for whisky maturation, using traditional methods. Visitors can enjoy guided tours with live demonstrations, a sensory cinematic film, a gift shop, and outdoor picnic areas in a historic Scottish setting.

A brief summary to Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

  • Duff Town, Keith, Craigellachie, AB38 9RS, GB
  • +441340871108
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance to secure a spot, as tours run hourly Monday to Friday and can fill up quickly.
  • Children under 8 are not permitted on tours for safety reasons, so plan accordingly.
  • Use the accessible viewing room if you have mobility issues; it offers a live video feed of the workshop.
  • Bring a camera for photos of the fascinating cooperage workshop and the scenic Speyside surroundings.
  • Enjoy the outdoor picnic areas and gift shop stocked with unique whisky-related items after your tour.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the no. 36 bus route running between Elgin and Dufftown, which stops near Speyside Cooperage. The journey from Elgin takes approximately 40–50 minutes. Services run several times daily on weekdays; check local timetables for exact times. Tickets cost around £5–£7 one way.

  • Car

    Driving from Elgin or Dufftown takes about 20–30 minutes via the A941 and local roads. Ample free parking is available on site. Note that rural roads may be narrow and winding, so drive carefully. No parking fees apply.

  • Train and Taxi

    Arrive by train at Elgin station, approximately 12 miles from the cooperage. From there, take a taxi for a 20–25 minute ride costing around £30–£40. Taxi availability may vary, so booking in advance is recommended.

Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

A Living Tradition of Craftsmanship

Since its establishment in 1947, Speyside Cooperage has been at the heart of Scotland’s whisky industry, handcrafting oak casks that are vital to whisky maturation. This family-owned cooperage remains the only working cooperage in the UK with a visitor centre, preserving centuries-old techniques. Visitors witness coopers shaping, shaving, and charring casks with traditional tools, many unchanged for hundreds of years. The skilled artisans work with precision and speed, maintaining an ancient craft that is essential to the character and flavor of Scotch whisky.

An Immersive Visitor Experience

The visitor experience begins with a multi-screen cinematic film narrated by Ron Donachie, immersing guests in the lifecycle of the oak cask from acorn to finished barrel. Following the film, guests proceed to a glazed viewing gallery overlooking the workshop floor, where they observe coopers at work in real time. The tour includes explanations of the various stages of cask making and the tools used at each station, from apprenticeships to testing and finishing. The experience culminates in a tasting session where visitors can enjoy a dram of the cooperage’s own 10-year-old Speyside malt whisky.

Facilities and Accessibility

The centre is open Monday to Friday, with tours running hourly between 9am and 3pm (2pm on Fridays), and booking in advance is essential. Children under 8 years are not permitted for safety reasons. For those unable to access the gallery’s 15 steps, an accessible viewing room with a live video feed and film screening is available. Ample parking, picnic areas, and a large gift shop stocked with whisky-related gifts enhance the visit. While there is no onsite café, local recommendations are provided, and dogs are welcome in outdoor areas and the shop.

Location and Surroundings

Situated on Dufftown Road in Craigellachie, Moray, the cooperage lies in the scenic Speyside region, renowned for its whisky heritage. The site is accessible by the no. 36 bus route connecting Elgin and Dufftown, with Elgin train station approximately 12 miles away. The rural setting offers a tranquil environment where visitors can enjoy the sounds and smells of the cooperage alongside the rolling Scottish hills.

Significance in Whisky Production

The oak casks crafted here are shipped worldwide but remain integral to Scotland’s whisky-making process. The interaction between whisky and the oak cask during maturation imparts unique flavors and aromas, making the cooperage a vital link in the whisky supply chain. This living heritage site not only celebrates craftsmanship but also educates visitors on the importance of traditional cooperage in maintaining the quality and character of Scotch whisky.

Community and Sustainability

Speyside Cooperage is deeply rooted in its local community and committed to sustainable practices. The use of American oak and traditional methods reflects a respect for natural materials and craftsmanship. The visitor centre encourages environmental awareness by promoting responsible tourism and providing facilities that support low-impact visits, including accessible transport options and wildlife-friendly outdoor spaces.

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