We recently sat down with Mitch Bechard, founder of CopperCairn Whisky Tours, to get an insider’s look at what it’s like guiding whisky lovers through Speyside. Mitch brings over two decades of experience in the whisky industry and now crafts bespoke private tours that are as much about connection and adventure as they are about the dram itself.
Why Book a Private Whisky Tour?
A private whisky tour offers far more than distillery visits. It’s a tailored, immersive experience that blends education, storytelling, local culture, and hidden gems. With the right guide, you’re not just visiting whisky country, you’re being introduced to its heart and soul. And when the guide is someone like Mitch, with industry insight, a few wild stories, and a genuine love for whisky, the experience becomes unforgettable.
Q&A with Mitch Bechard, Founder of CopperCairn
To start, tell us a bit about your background — how did you get into guiding private whisky tours in Speyside?
I’ve been in the whisky game for over 20 years, working as an ambassador for brands like Glenfiddich, Johnnie Walker and Talisker and seeing first-hand how whisky can spark connections in the most unexpected corners of the world. Eventually, I thought, “Why not bring that magic back home?” So I set up CopperCairn in Speyside five years ago, not just to do whisky tours, but to create experiences that dig deeper, make people laugh, and remind them that whisky is serious stuff… but we don’t have to be.
What does your ideal day look like when showing guests around Speyside?
Blue skies, a small group of curious folks, and a van full of stories. We usually start with a dram somewhere special — maybe an old smugglers’ trail or a hidden spot with a view — and chat about how this wee corner of the Highlands became the beating heart of Scotch whisky.
From there, we’ll weave through a mix of iconic names and hidden gems, but rarely the standard visitor centre experience. It’s more about behind-the-scenes access, private tastings, and moments you won’t find in a guidebook. Add in a few laughs, a bit of mischief, and something unexpected — maybe wild swimming, e-bikes, or a dram on a hill — and you’re getting the full CopperCairn treatment.
If the mood’s right, we sometimes finish the day with a bespoke whisky dinner, teaming up with local restaurants to create proper pairings. And on occasion, I’ll rope in a whisky legend to join us — someone like Alan Winchester, who’s spent 50 years at Glenlivet and has forgotten more about whisky than most of us will ever know.
By the end of it, it’s less about the drams you had and more about the memories you made while sipping them.
Are there any distilleries or stops that always leave visitors pleasantly surprised?
Benromach’s always a cracker — people don’t expect such a bold, old-school style in the heart of Speyside. GlenAllachie’s another one that catches folks off guard with its punchy flavour and cracking cask choices.
Is there a “dram moment” that stands out — when someone tastes something that truly changes their perception of whisky?
Too many to count. But there was this lad from Texas who came in all “I only drink bourbon,” and after trying a Mortlach, he just stared into the glass like it had told him a secret. That’s the magic — one dram, one moment, and boom, someone’s whole flavour map gets rewritten. It’s my favourite part of what we do!
Many people imagine distilleries, but is there anything else you weave into your tours that adds to the whisky experience?
At CopperCairn, we believe that whisky is more than just a drink — it’s an experience deeply rooted in the land, history, and culture of Speyside. While distillery tours are a part of the journey, we rarely stick to the conventional path. Instead, we craft bespoke adventures that offer a backstage pass to Speyside’s rich whisky heritage.
Imagine cycling through the scenic Speyside Way on an e-bike, feeling the crisp Highland air before your first dram. Or picture yourself standing amidst the ruins of an old distillery, listening to tales of whisky smugglers who once traversed these very paths. We’ve even had guests take a refreshing swim in the River Spey — yes, a pre-dram dip to invigorate the senses!
Our tours often include visits to hidden gems like ancient smugglers’ trails, offering a glimpse into the clandestine past of whisky production. We might explore old distilleries that have long ceased operation but still echo with stories of yesteryears. And for those interested in the craftsmanship behind the casks, a stop at the local cooperage provides insight into the art of barrel-making.
It’s these off-the-beaten-track experiences that truly immerse our guests in the spirit of Speyside. We aim to create moments that are as memorable as the whiskies themselves, blending adventure, history, and a touch of mischief into every tour.
How do you tailor your tours for whisky newcomers vs seasoned connoisseurs?
I often relate whisky to music and in this case it’s like picking the right playlist. Some want the hits, others want deep cuts.
For newcomers, it’s all about breaking myths and building confidence, helping them find their flavour without jargon. For the nerds, we go deep: yeast strains, cut points, maturation microclimates… and a few cask samples that never make it to shelves.
Either way, we want them walking away with a smile and a story and that feeling that they have a connection to Scotland and its whisky industry.
For first-time whisky travellers coming to Speyside, what would you recommend they know, expect, or prepare for?
First off, bring layers. No matter what the forecast says, Speyside plays by its own weather rules. One minute it’s glorious sunshine, the next you’re dram-deep in sideways rain.
Don’t cram your itinerary with distillery tours every hour on the hour. That’s not how whisky works, or memories, for that matter. The real magic is in the unplanned moments: the dram you weren’t expecting, the chat with a local in a pub, the detour down a back road that leads to an old smugglers’ trail.
Also, eat. You’ll need the stamina. Speyside measures time in tastings, not minutes.
And most importantly — arrive curious, not cocky. Speyside has a quiet way of knocking whisky know-it-alls down a peg… in the best way possible. It’s a region that rewards open minds and empty glasses.
In your opinion, what makes Speyside unique compared to other whisky regions in Scotland?
Spend a bit of proper time here and you’ll realise it’s way more layered than what people associate with the well-known distilleries. This place has depth. Sure, there’s elegance and finesse, but there’s also weight, muscle, and character if you know where to look.
What sets Speyside apart for me isn’t just the whisky, it’s the density of stories. From old illicit still sites tucked in the hills to family-run distilleries still doing things their own way, there’s history here that you can feel as much as taste. It’s not a region that shouts; it whispers, and if you’re paying attention, it’ll absolutely blow your mind.
And that’s why we love guiding folk through it — not to tick boxes or chase brand names, but to lift the lid on the real Speyside. The backroads, the forgotten stills, the characters you meet in the pub. That’s what makes it different, and that’s what makes it special.
Where’s your personal favourite place to enjoy a quiet dram in the region?
here’s a spot by the river near GlenAllachie that’s magical. We often take our guests there for a wee dram. Just the sound of water, a whisky with a splash of the river water, and a view over the trees. The Cabrach is also an amazingly desolate and beautiful spot and great to see the distillery there is now up and running.
Or the Highlander when it’s quiet (not that that is often!). Depends on if I’m in a “philosophical dram” mood or a “pint-and-a-dram” kind of mood.
What do you wish more people understood about whisky, or about the people who make it?
That it’s a craft, not a formula. The folk behind the scenes — mashmen, coopers, warehouse legends — they’re artists and engineers in equal measure. And whisky isn’t about price tags or age statements, it’s about flavour, feeling, and context.
Also, chill your beans on the ice and cocktails debate. If it was given to you, then you can drink it however you want!
What’s your go-to whisky for the end of a perfect day?
These days, it’s hard to look past Turas Mòr — my own whisky brand, born from a love of adventure and a deep obsession with flavour. The first release was a 12-year-old Mortlach finished in sherry octaves, and it’s got just the right mix of boldness and finesse to wind down a day right.
Beyond that, Glenfiddich 15 still holds a special place in my whisky heart. I was its ambassador for a decade, and it’s one of the best value drams out there — approachable but layered, and always delivers.
And then there’s Dailuaine, quite literally close to home, as I live in the old excise officer’s house next to the distillery. It’s got a big, balanced profile that’s criminally underrated.
If I’m feeling a bit mischievous, I’ll dig out a mystery cask sample from the shelf — usually something unlabelled and handed to me in a car park years ago. No notes, no backstory, just a dram and a guess. What more could you want?
And finally, where can our readers find you if they’d like to book a private tour?
Easiest way is to visit us at www.coppercairn.com or drop us a line at info@coppercairn.com, or if you are with a small group you can book a 3-Hour Whisky Safari here. It’s all bespoke, all personal. If you like whisky, mischief, and a wee bit of adventure, we’ll get along just fine.
Planning Your Visit to Speyside
Thanks again to Mitch from CopperCairn for sharing such a refreshing, behind-the-scenes take on exploring whisky country. It’s always a pleasure to hear from someone with such genuine insight, love for whisky — and infectious enthusiasm.
If you’re staying with us at The Tannochbrae, we’re always happy to advise, make introductions, or help plan something truly memorable such as tours with the CopperCairn, don’t hesitate to ask when booking your stay.
