Edinburgh · WHISKY TASTINGS & DISTILLERIES
65 reviewed
Edinburgh reads Scotland’s national drink better than anywhere south of Speyside. Ranked below are the best whisky tastings and distillery tours in the city: which walk you through the regions, which pour the rarer bottlings, which pair a dram with the history, and what each costs, so you can match the session to how much you already know.
A guided Scotch tour and tasting in Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile vault, with aromas from 5 regions and a choice of Silver or Gold.
“Great tour very visual !! Loved it Henry or Harry was great”
A 2-hour Edinburgh ghost walk into the Blair Street Underground Vaults, finished with whisky and candlelit storytelling.
“We had the most amazing time on this tour! Marina was absolutely fantastic, an incredible story teller, I could listen to her stories all day long. The history was incredible to listen to, and the interaction with the group was really fun. The whisky at the end was amazing too!! Great value for money, I can’t recommend this tour enough.”
A 90-minute Johnnie Walker show on Princes Street with a flavor quiz, guided whisky storytelling, and 3 matched drinks, plus rooftop perks.
“Fantastic tour, the best we have ever done. So innovative and interesting. Thanks for a great tour”
Two hours of Edinburgh whisky tasting in a private lounge, guided by Scottish folklore and four single malts from major regions.
“A very cozy place, nice staff and interesting whisky. I spent a pleasant afternoon laughing and learning. Thanks Angus 🙂”
Guided Scotch whisky intro in Edinburgh near Edinburgh Castle, with aroma training, a guided tasting, and a huge bottle collection.
“Cool projections help the guide explain the process and turn it into an immersive experience. Excellent shop at the end where I was able to buy some gifts for family.”
Edinburgh Old Town food tour with haggis, neeps, Scottish cheese, a secret dish, and Lowland whisky plus Royal Mile stories.
“If you want to get a taste of Scotland while you’re in Edinburgh, this is the tour for you. Carlos was FANTASTIC, mixing history and stories in with the locations and food that he chose. 100% would recommend!”
In one hour at Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery, you’ll tour gin and single-malt whisky production, sip a cocktail, and taste award-winning drams.
“Our guide and expert Courtney made the tour especially interesting. We had a small group and a lot of opportunities to converse about the distillation process and the experimentation the company is conducting on different yeasts. Highly recommended. Great value.”
Edinburgh whisky tasting at Hot Toddy: four single malts, highland vs lowland comparisons, and folklore-led storytelling in 2 hours
“A fun afternoon sampling Scotch Whisky while listening to a masterful storyteller. We particularly enjoyed his family stories.”
The Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh mixes Scotch storytelling with three guided drink tastings in a theater-style show.
“Such a great experience, would highly recommend whether you’re a whisky drinker or not! Jack really was an amazing guide, and Julie was great! A must do if you’re in Edinburgh!”
A full-day Highlands mini-coach trip from Edinburgh with lochs and glens stops plus a guided whisky tasting at Dewar’s or Glenturret.
“We had an amazing time with our Guide/driver Lyn. She was great the whole day and gave us tons of information. We go on another tour with her anytime. The whole day was amazing! Great way to see a ton of you only have a few days in Edinburgh.”
Scottish Highlands day trip from Edinburgh with walks at Black Linn Falls, Loch Tummel views, Dunkeld, and Dewar’s whisky tasting.
“We had an amazing Highland tour in Edinburgh with our guide, Alex. He was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Scottish history and culture. The whole experience was perfectly organized, and Alex made sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged throughout the trip. This was by far the best tour service I’ve ever experienced. I would highly recommend Alex to anyone visiting Scotland!”
Tour Port of Leith Distillery’s vertical architecture, fill your own mini bottle, and enjoy a guided tasting of New Make, port, sherry, and more in 90 minutes.
“Beautiful new distillery, and the second vertical one in Europe. Our tour guide Olivia was knowledgeable and fun. We got to bottle and keep a small bottle of their "hearts" distilled spirit. The tasting was good. ***WARNING: Given it's a new distillery they have yet to release their own whisky. Thus that is not part of the tasting.***”
Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh pairs a gin and single malt tour with a tasting bar, all in about an hour for a solid price.
“Marcos gave a thoughtful and engaging presentation on the young distillery's approach. Along the way we got multiple tasty samples. Only wish we could get their Funky gin in the US!”
A 3-hour Edinburgh Old Town food tour with haggis, neeps & tatties, Scotch, cranachan, and a secret dish, guided by locals.
“Nichola was incredible! Her passion for Scotland was amazing. Incredible food and history of Edinburgh!! Would highly recommend!”
Guided Scotch whisky tasting in Edinburgh’s underground Lost Close. Sample 4 regions, with upgrades for rarer drams, in 1.5 hours.
“An excellent experience, with a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and funny host, set in a wonderfully private venue. Highly recommended!”
