Raising a dram to six decades of Deanston: Distillery opens doors for birthday events

Diamond Date: the Deanston team prepare to welcome visitors in a series of anniversary tastings and events. 

Deanston Distillery is celebrating its 60th birthday with a week of special events in October, opening its doors to whisky lovers, local residents and anyone who wants to discover the magic behind this small but distinctive Highland distillery.

Taking place from October 11 to 17, the birthday celebrations will culminate in a special Distillery Open Day on Saturday October 17, marking 60 years since Deanston was converted from a cotton mill into a whisky distillery in 1966.

There’s also a special birthday treat for anyone who shares Deanston’s big milestone and those celebrating their 60th birthday in 2026 can bring a guest and enjoy a complimentary distillery tour or tasting at Deanston up until March 21 2027.

During the week of anniversary celebrations, visitors can also enjoy a range of experiences, including a special community day, behind-the-scenes tours and tastings, live music, the chance to buy a limited-edition 60th Anniversary whiskies and much more.

Pete Semple, Visitor Centre Manager at Deanston Distillery, said: “Sixty years is a huge milestone for Deanston and gives us the opportunity to welcome in the people who have worked here, the families and communities who have grown up alongside the distillery, and the generations of whisky lovers who have made Deanston part of their lives. We’re incredibly proud of what this place means to people locally and to Deanston fans who come here from around the world. This anniversary is our chance to open the doors and share our passion with everyone, to let them see where our whisky is made, hear the stories and meet the people behind it. Most importantly, it’s a chance to raise a dram and celebrate 60 years together.”

Renowned for its unconventional history, distinctive waxy-textured single malt and independent spirit, Deanston has built a passionate community of fans around the world. But its roots remain firmly local.

The distillery’s staff all live in Deanston, Perthshire and neighbouring Stirlingshire, and its Community Day on Wednesday October 14 will welcome residents of Deanston, Doune and Callander, former colleagues and local community groups to enjoy complimentary tours, tastings and the chance to hear from the people who have been part of Deanston’s story.

The celebrations will also give whisky enthusiasts the chance to experience Deanston like never before, with highlights including a Master Distillers’ Tasting spanning four eras of the distillery, tours led by current and former distillery managers, and a special exploration of the former weaving shed which has been home to maturing Deanston whisky since 1966.

Deanston’s 60th anniversary celebrations take place from October 11 to 17, 2026, with the main Distillery Open Day on Saturday October 17. Tickets for special tastings and tours are available through the Deanston website, with limited places for some events and experiences.

For more information and to book, visit HERE 

About Deanston

Located on the banks of the River Teith near Doune, Deanston Distillery has been handcrafting award-winning Highland single malts since 1966. Once a cotton mill, Deanston is powered by its own hydroelectric turbine and produces whisky using only Scottish ingredients, crafted by hand without chill filtration or added colouring. The result is a naturally waxy, smooth and honeyed spirit that reflects the character of its people and place.

Led by Master Blender Julieann Fernandez, one of the world’s youngest and most accomplished whisky makers, Deanston continues to balance traditional craftsmanship with a spirit of innovation. The distillery is also recognised as one of the world’s leading – and oldest – producers of high-aged organic single malt, accredited by the UK’s Organic Food Federation.

The core Deanston range includes its signature Virgin Oak, 12- and 18-Year-Old single malts, alongside limited-edition cask finishes that push the boundaries of cask maturation and experimentation. Proudly community-driven and sustainably minded, Deanston embodies the spirit of modern Scottish whisky-making.

Learn more at www.deanstonmalt.com or follow @deanstonmalt on social media.

Deanston Distillery 60th Anniversary Celebrations – full event details

Dates: October 11–17 2026

Deanston Distillery is celebrating 60 years of whisky making with a week of special events, culminating in a Distillery Open Day on Saturday 17 October. From community celebrations to exclusive tastings with the people who have shaped Deanston, the programme offers whisky lovers and local residents the chance to explore behind the scenes and celebrate six decades of Deanston.

Sunday October 11

We Are 60, Are You?

Anyone celebrating their 60th birthday in 2026 can enjoy a complimentary distillery tour or tasting. Offer continues at Deanston up until March 21 2027.

Wednesday October 14

Deanston, Doune & Callander Community Day

We open our doors to the local community, with whisky tasting, storytelling and a look behind the scenes.

Saturday October 17

Deanston Distillery Open Day

A full day of special tours, tastings, live music and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Master Distillers’ Tasting

Join four Master Distillers as they share whiskies from their respective eras at Deanston.

Distillery Manager’s 60th Anniversary Tour & Tasting

Current Distillery Manager Murray Kerr leads a tour before presenting four personally selected whiskies.

Head Warehouseman’s Tour: 60 Years of the Weaving Shed

The story of Deanston’s former weaving shed, which became a maturation warehouse in 1966, followed by three cask-strength drams.

Distillery Manager’s Tasting

Stephen Woodcock, Andrew Waite and current manager Murray Kerr each share a whisky connected to their time running Deanston and stories from their eras.

Distillery Production Tours

See Deanston’s production process up close, from mashing and fermentation through to distillation.

Open Day Extras

Visitors can also enjoy:

• A photography exhibition celebrating Deanston and its people.
• Live music.
• Access to the Visitor Centre and retail shop.

Tickets for the special tours and tastings are limited.

For further information and booking details, visit HERE