Cardhu Distillery

It is one of Speyside's pioneering distilleries, and its whisky has long been at the heart of Johnnie Walker.

The buildings are handsome grey stone under pagoda roofs. Inside, a row of copper stills stands beneath the name Cardhu, a great domed mash tun gleams, and in the warehouse chalk-marked casks lie stacked in the half dark.

There is a tour or tasting for every visitor, from an hour's introduction to longer sessions built round the casks, and guides here are warmly praised. The single malt is smooth, honeyed and gentle, and the shop and cafe make a pleasant end to the visit. Tours fill up in the busy months, so book ahead, and bring a driver: there is no public transport to the door.