Spring Whisky Tours: Mother’s Day & May Getaways in Scotland
Clynelish Distillery on a Spring Evening, with the sun setting behind. This distillery can be included in the “Highland Whisky Tour”.
Celebrate Spring with Scenic Drams, Highland Escapes & Thoughtful Whisky Gifts
When you think of Mother's Day, whisky might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but we're here to change that. A memorable gift doesn’t have to be something wrapped in paper. It can be an experience filled with flavour, history, and the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
(US Mother’s Day 2025 falls on May 11, the perfect time for a scenic escape.)
While UK Mother’s Day is in March, many other countries — like the US, Canada, Germany, and Australia — celebrate in May, just as Scotland bursts into bloom.
Whether you're treating your mum, planning a spring getaway to Scotland, or simply dreaming of scenic May travels, this is the perfect time to explore whisky country with a local guide (that’s me).
Private Highland whisky tours now booking for May and summer 2025. Get in early to secure your date.
Why May Is a Magical Time to Visit Scotland
May in Scotland is something special. The days are long, the wildflowers are blooming, and the first real warmth of the year begins to settle in. It’s a quieter month before the summer rush, which makes it ideal for exploring distilleries in peace and enjoying the landscapes that make the Highlands and Speyside so iconic.
May is also a smart time to fly: fewer crowds, better weather, and often more affordable flights than peak summer.
This time of year is also lambing season. You’ll see newborn lambs in the fields, and might even spot deer, foxes, or golden eagles as you travel through glens and forests.
Visiting Scotland in May means you can:
Stroll between historic distilleries under blue skies
Sip outdoor drams beside rivers and lochs
Spot Highland wildlife between tastings
Enjoy slower, personalised whisky tours far from the crowds
The Spirit of Spring
A ewe and her lamb pause in the morning sun. It’s scenes like this that make May in Scotland feel so special. The air is crisp but warming, the hills are soft with green, and life is buzzing quietly all around. On a whisky tour, these are the unexpected gifts. A still moment, a glance from a curious lamb, buzzards circling above the hills. They stay with you long after the dram is gone.
Have ewe got good taste? You will after a tour like this.
Whiskies That Capture Spring in a Glass
In spring, lighter and brighter whiskies take centre stage. Here are some of the drams we often include in our tastings during April and May, chosen for their elegance, freshness, and seasonal character.
Nc’nean Organic Single Malt
From a female-founded distillery on Scotland’s west coast, this whisky is modern, sustainable, and citrusy. Think lemon zest, herbs, and a clean, green finish.
Balblair 12 Year Old
A Highland favourite with soft orchard fruit, light spice, and subtle vanilla. It’s fresh, balanced, and a beautiful match for springtime scenery.
Tomatin Legacy
Approachable and gently floral, Tomatin Legacy offers lemon shortbread and vanilla with a breezy Highland character. It’s perfect for whisky newcomers or seasoned sippers alike.
AnCnoc 12 Year Old
Produced in the Highlands but with a light, floral style, this elegant dram brings honeyed malt, green apple, and a touch of meadow grass.
Inchgower 14 Year Old
A coastal Speyside whisky with character and charm. Expect floral spice, honeyed pear, and a crisp breeze of sea air. Complex yet playful - just like spring in the Highlands.
Glenlossie 10 Year old
Almost never seen on its own, Glenlossie is usually reserved for blends, but the Flora & Fauna release lets this delicate spirit shine. Expect chamomile, lemon curd, and soft orchard grass.
What a Spring Whisky Tour Looks Like
If you join me for a private whisky tour in Scotland this May or early summer, here’s what you can expect:
Door-to-door pickup from Inverness or nearby
Scenic drives through the Highlands or Speyside
Visits to both world-renowned and hidden-gem distilleries
Expert-led tastings paired with food, stories, and local insights
Wildlife spotting and photo stops along peaceful Highland roads
A calm, custom experience without large groups or busy buses
Each tour is personalised, whether you’re visiting from abroad or already exploring Scotland. If you're looking for a relaxing introduction to Scotch, a deep dive into the ageing process, or a peaceful retreat into nature with a few drams along the way, I’ll craft a private whisky experience that suits your pace, interests, and travel style.
The Gift That’s Better Than Flowers
A whisky experience is the kind of gift that lingers. Not just on the palate, but in memory. For Mother’s Day or any spring celebration, it says:
"Let’s create something special together."
Private whisky tours and tastings are ideal for:
Mother’s Day getaways
Whisky lovers’ birthdays
Couples on a spring break in Scotland
Solo travellers seeking peace and flavour
Small groups celebrating with style
Forget the usual candles or chocolates. This is a meaningful gift, rooted in tradition and surrounded by natural beauty.
Now Booking for May and Summer 2025
Whether it’s for Mother’s Day, a birthday, or just a well-earned escape, my private whisky tours are booking fast for May and beyond.