Must-visit festive distillery experiences across Argyll November and December

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Discover the must-visit festive whisky experiences and events across some of Scotland’s best loved destinations below.

Visitors to the below Festive Weekends will be treated to an exclusive 20% off items under £500 in the retail store throughout the weekend (T&Cs apply).

Argyll Outline Map

Lagavulin:

Festivities on Islay will kicking off this November at Lagavulin Distillery (29-30th November). The Malt Mill Bar will be bustling with crafts and cocktails, hot toddies and complimentary mince pies, not to mention discounted shopping to treat the loved ones in your life - there’s something for everyone at Lagavulins’s Winter Weekend this year.

Craft & Cocktail: Candle Wreath & Door Swag Workshop - 29th November, 6pm & 30th November, 12.30pm & 2.30pm

Join the distillery for its debut crafting experience. Choose to make either a candle wreath or a door swag, guided by expert instruction to help you craft a beautiful adornment for your home. Start with a welcome glass of bubbles, then enjoy a seasonal Lagavulin cocktail as you craft your festive memento, making this not only a workshop but an unforgettable experience.

Book your experiences now at LagavulinDistillery.com

Caol Ila:

Another must-visit Islay distillery, Caol Ila is celebrating the upcoming holidays with an exciting programme of festive fun. From cocktail masterclasses to pottery with prosecco, the Caol Ila team have created an unmissable series of events to mark the most wonderful time of the year.

Caol Ila’s unbeatable views will be available for longer this December (5th -7th) with the distillery’s extended opening hours, giving guests more time to enjoy whisky experiences and something a bit different during the Winter Weekend. Enjoy late night opening on Friday 6th until 9.30pm. 

Winter Cocktail Masterclass with Alicia - Friday, December 6th, 6pm, 8.15pm & Sunday, 7th December, 3PM

Shake it up and learn to craft cocktails like a professional with a masterclass led by Caol Ila’s resident mixology expert, Alicia. Learn how to make three winter-themed cocktails, from a whisky sour to a Bailey’s Espresso Martini and impress your guests this party season.

Exclusive Operator Tour - 6th December, 2.30pm

Whisky lovers will think the holidays have arrived early as they go behind the scenes with senior operator Sophie MacGill for a unique tour of traditionally restricted distillery areas, culminating in a tasting of Caol Ila’s finest whisky, handpicked by Sophie herself.

Meet the manager: Cask draw with Martin Gaughan - 6th December, 7pm

Join Distillery Manager Martin for a 90-minute intimate tasting in the Maturation Warehouse. Discover Caol Ila’s heritage while sampling five exclusive cask-strength expressions.

Baubles & Bubbles - Saturday, December 7th, 3pm
Dive into a day of festivities with a Baubles & Bubbles painting session, hosted by local pottery house Persabus Pottery, while sipping prosecco. Expect servings of mince pies and other festive treats while you let your creativity flow.

Book your experiences now at CaolIlaDistillery.com

Oban:

Get into the festive spirit with the Oban Distillery’s Winter Weekend, a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and seasonal cheer (22nd - 24th November). Coinciding with Oban’s Winterfest, Oban Distillery will be giving locals and visitors a warm welcome behind the scenes, with tastings of exceptional drams and an insight into the care, attention and skill that goes into making the well loved spirit.

Winter Dram Tasting - Friday, November 22nd - Sunday 24th, 3pm

Sit back in the distillery’s stunning newly renovated bespoke J.Walter HIggin Lounge and sip on four of the season’s finest whiskies. Let the skilled Oban team walk you through a specially curated tasting of these winter drams from four distilleries across Scotland, each the perfect accompaniment for kicking off the festive season in style.

Winter Markets - Saturday, November 23rd

Ready to tick off your Christmas gift-list? Then look no further than the winter market hosted all day by the distillery. 

Local food producers will be showcasing their finest goods in the filling store, while Warehouse 6 will host talented arts and crafts specialists. Whether you're searching for festive drams or unique gifts, this is the perfect opportunity to shop the best of local artisans.

Haggis Festival - Sunday 24th

One for the whisky and haggis lovers! Head to Oban Distillery for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Haggis Festival. The annual event, held in Warehouse 6 will welcome butchers from across the country as they compete for the coveted Golden Haggis Prize. Guests should come hungry as they’ll have the chance to sample the entries, and vote for their favourite, all while enjoying a complimentary whisky tasting from The Oban distillery team.

Book your experiences now at ObanDistillery.com.