Image / Wikimedia Commons
Start at Lochardil House, then set out to taste the Highlands. This guide maps whisky distillery tours and breweries near Inverness, from Tomatin and Glen Ord to Black Isle Brewing and Uilebheist. You will find approachable tastings, short guided tours, and lively bars where local stories come alive. Stay with Highland Coast Hotels as your base, return each day to warm rooms and local recommendations. Practical notes cover access, booking tips and tasting notes so you can plan a relaxed, rewarding route. Whether you want a classic Highland malt or a small-batch organic ale, this guide helps you discover authentic flavours close to Lochardil House.
Image / www.blackislebrewery.com
Organic beer where the farm meets the brewery.
Good for
What to expect
You will find a relaxed, hands-on brewery visit. Staff are friendly and happy to show the process, and tours include tastings of a few beers. The shop stocks a wide range of canned beers, low-alcohol and gluten-free options, and branded clothing. Outside there are simple seats and a patio for drinking cans, plus a productive vegetable garden that supplies nearby hotel bars.
Plan your visit
Allow time for a short guided tour and a tasting. If you want particular beers or merchandise, buy them at the shop sooner rather than later as stock varies. Bring a reusable bag or cooler if you plan to take cans away. Combine a stop here with other NC500 highlights, and leave time to wander the garden behind the brewery.
Sip, listen, and discover a night of Highland whisky and song.
Good for
What to expect
A small-group tasting of five Highland single malts, each introduced with clear tasting notes and local context. The host combines whisky insight with tales from Highland history and live fiddle or song. The setting is relaxed and lively, suitable if you enjoy tasting, learning and a bit of music. Non-drinkers and first-timers are welcome, and the team are accommodating if you need to check about bringing a small, well-behaved dog.
Plan your visit
Book ahead to secure a seat for an evening session, especially on weekends. Consider having dinner at MacGregor’s before the tasting to make a full night of it. If you plan to bring a dog, email in advance to confirm space and suitability. Come ready to taste and listen, and wear layers if you’ve been out exploring the Highlands first.
Image / Uile-bheist ‘Brewstillery’
River Ness water, craft beer and new-school whisky.
Good for
What to expect
You’ll join a guided Discovery Tour that covers both beer brewing and whisky blending, with tasting samples along the way. Aromas range from fruity ales to rich, malty stouts and layered whisky blends. Staff are welcoming and full of stories about local history and sustainable production. Because the distillery is new, fully matured single malts are limited; you’ll mainly taste house blends that reflect the style they’re maturing toward.
Plan your visit
Book the Discovery Tour in advance, especially at weekends and in summer. Allow time after the tour to linger at the bar and try a couple of beers or a whisky blend. Ask the guide about their River Ness water sourcing and green-energy setup, and mention any tasting preferences so staff can tailor samples. If you’re on the NC500, this makes a convenient city stop before or after a longer coastal drive.
Image / www.highlandcoasthotels.com
Highland Coast Hotels is a collection of hotels across the Scottish Highlands, from Inverness to the far north coast. Each property sits within the landscape, with warm rooms, honest food and local knowledge at every stop on the North Coast 500. Choose your hotel and start planning your trip.
