Scotland’s whisky heritage dates back to 1494 with Aberdeenshire being the home to many whisky distilleries that are sometimes referred to as the ‘Secret Malts’.
The region continues to be a hotspot for new whisky brands, with each whisky having its own story to tell and you’ll be sure to find plenty of distilleries on Portlethen’s doorstep.
Closest to Portlethen, situated in Banchory, is the Deeside Distillery, which is the first new whisky distillery to be launched in Royal Deeside for almost 200 years.
Scotland’s most easterly distillery, Glen Garioch (Oldmeldrum, 25 miles north of Portlethen, through Aberdeen), offers tours and an excellent visitor centre.
A little further afield, and not too far from Balmoral Castle, you will find the small attractive distillery, Royal Lachnagar, that received a Royal Warrant in 1848 following a visit from Queen Victoria.