Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery

Whisky and beer under one roof

Uile-bheist (pronounced roughly 'ewl-uh-vesht') is Scottish Gaelic for monster. The 'brewstillery' makes both whisky and beer, brewing with locally grown malted barley, Scottish oats and water from the River Ness, and the site also draws on the river for energy. It is the first new distillery built in Inverness for 130 years, and it sits right on the riverbank in the city centre.

Tours

Tours range from an introductory visit to longer, expert-led 'master maker' experiences, covering how the spirits and beers are made alongside a dose of local folklore. They are booked online in advance, so reserve a slot before you go, particularly in summer.

Taproom and restaurant

The taproom pours five craft beers and stocks over 300 whiskies, which makes it worth a visit even without a tour. The restaurant focuses on sustainable, local produce with views over the river. It shares its Ness Bank site with the Glen Mhor Hotel, so it is also convenient for hotel guests. From here it is a short walk to the castle, the cathedral or the Ness Islands. The taproom works well on a wet afternoon in Inverness.

Highlights

• First new distillery in Inverness for 130 years
• Whisky and beer made on site
• Tours from introductory to master maker
• Taproom with five craft beers and 300+ whiskies
• Riverside restaurant

Good to know

• Tours are booked online in advance.
• Beer is brewed with River Ness water and Scottish oats.

Frequently asked questions