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Edinburgh Whiskey tours

Our most recommended Edinburgh Whiskey tours

Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

1. Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

Take a guided whisky tour and learn the story of Scotland’s most famous product. Visit one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky, with almost 3,500 individual bottles. Begin your tour with the story of the production and maturation process of single malt Scotch whisky. Then enjoy a sensory journey across Scotland, including an introduction to the five Scotch whisky-producing regions and an insight into their unique aromas and characteristics. Next, discover the art of blending, in the Blenders' Sample Room, learning the secrets of how the world-famous blends are created. Enjoy the chance to explore "one of the seven wonders of the Scotch whisky world", the glass vault containing one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky (guests under 18 years of age will be given Irn Bru, a Scottish soft drink). Take home your crystal tasting glass as a souvenir. When you select the Gold Tour option, after enjoying a full guided Silver Tour, you'll then compare and contrast four regional single malts, while relaxing in the McIntyre Gallery. Assisted by experienced guides, and provided with tasting notes, you'll be able to sip like a true connoisseur.

Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky and Gin Guided Tour

2. Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky and Gin Guided Tour

A modern distillery in the heart of historic Edinburgh, Holyrood Distillery is inspired by its surroundings, never afraid to experiment, and dedicated to shaping the spirit of tomorrow. Our guided experience allows you to discover how gin and whisky are created, as well as the traditions and innovative new methods in craft distilling. This is a hands-on sensory experience, taking in the sights of the gin and whisky distillery, with opportunities for tasting and nosing throughout. At the conclusion of the tour, you have the opportunity to purchase additional spirits to enjoy at your leisure, with a full introduction by a member of the distillery's passionate team.

Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

3. Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

Enjoy an evening of whisky appreciation on a whisky-tasting experience on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. Taste four single malt scotch whiskies (if the option which includes a tasting is selected) and enjoy storytelling from your guide. If you want to avoid alcohol, you can join the tour and choose to book the option without whisky tastings. Meet your guide on the iconic Royal Mile for a short walk to one of the supplier's outstanding whisky venues. Over the next two hours, drink 4 outstanding single malt scotch whiskies taken from the 4 major whisky-producing regions of Scotland. Taste whiskies which range from the relatively delicate and subtle flavors of the Lowlands to the bold and robust tastes of Islay. You will also be given tasting cards giving notes on each of the whiskies that you sample. During the tour, experience some traditional storytelling and explore the significance of whisky to the Scottish identity. The entire upper floor of the venue is reserved, so there is plenty of space and privacy to conduct the story-orientated evening.

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

4. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

As you drive north from Edinburgh on this 9-hour excursion you’ll get chance to marvel at the engineering miracle of the Kelpies sculptures as you pass. Then, as you travel through Stirlingshire, your guide will bring to life the turbulent times of William Wallace, dramatized in the film Braveheart, and explain his link to the area you're passing through. Your first stop is the city of Stirling, where you'll have ample time to visit the stunning castle (admission not included) or enjoy a walk along the atmospheric, ancient streets that surround it. Then, journey to Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, and make a stop on the shore of Scotland's biggest loch: Loch Lomond. You will have a chance to take in the views and stroll along the shores of the loch. Take the opportunity to visit one of Scotland's best-known distilleries, where you’ll learn how they make their whisky and get a dram of their Single Malt Whisky (optional extra).

Edinburgh: Full-Day Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky Tour

5. Edinburgh: Full-Day Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky Tour

Enjoy a full-day tour of the Scottish Heartlands departing Edinburgh and traveling in small groups for a more intimate experience. Take a scenic drive through Perthshire, looking at the lochs and glens of the Highlands. Cross the Forth Road Bridge, passing one of Scotland's great engineering wonders, and continue into the Kingdom of Fife. Pass Loch Leven Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. Pass Perth, before crossing the Highland Boundary Fault line. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, on the banks of the River Tay, visit the cathedral town of Dunkeld and the Hermitage, to take a fantastic woodland walk up to the Black Linn Falls. Stop at the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, and visit the great shops and restaurants, or take a stroll down towards Loch Faskally. See the unmistakable peak of Schiehallion, and beyond to the mountains of Glencoe.  Continue alongside Loch Tummel, and head past the spectacular 16th-century Castle Menzies towards the town of Aberfeldy and Dewar's Aberfeldy Whisky Distillery. After enjoying a dram of the "water of life," return to the lowlands and back to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh: Rosslyn, Uplands & Glenkinchie Distillery Tour

6. Edinburgh: Rosslyn, Uplands & Glenkinchie Distillery Tour

Travel through the Scottish Lowlands and Borders on an enjoyable day-tour. See the varied natural wonders that make this section of Scotland famous. See historic sites and sample real Scottish whisky as you travel with a friendly and knowledgeable guide! Your tour will head out from Edinburgh Castle to the lovely village of Roslin. There, you will have the opportunity to visit Rosslyn Chapel. Dating back to 1445, the chapel gained worldwide fame thanks to the increasing interest in Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. See the intricate “musical” boxes and green men carved throughout the chapel. Leave Roslin and continue your journey into the heart of the Scottish Borders in the eastern part of the Scottish Uplands. This area is rich in hills, valleys, rivers, and moorland, and is also the traditional home of Scottish rugby. Travel to the historic town of Melrose, the birthplace of the game of Rugby Sevens and home to of Melrose Abbey. The Abbey, founded in 1136, is one of the most beautiful religious ruins in the United Kingdom, containing many intricate carved sculptures. It is also said to be the burial place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce. Enjoy a tasty lunch in Melrose and have plenty of free time to explore the town and the abbey. Before heading back to Edinburgh you will have to option to explore the lowland distillery of Glenkinchie, now owned by Johnnie Walker. Join a tour to learn how whisky is made and taste some of their most popular single malt.

Edinburgh: Guided Whisky Tasting & Walking Tour with Snacks

7. Edinburgh: Guided Whisky Tasting & Walking Tour with Snacks

Join a walking tour in Edinburgh and learn about whisky at the same time. Walk past different attractions in the city, learn about its architecture and history, and try 5 different whisky-based drinks at bars in the Old and New Town. Try some local snacks and get a free whisky glass at the end. Begin your tour by meeting your guide at one of the first cask ale bars in Edinburgh. Learn all about the history of the pub, which goes all the way back to the '60s. Begin your tasting journey by sampling some whiskies. Follow your guide through the major city center neighborhoods. See ancient royal burghs, opulent garden squares, rejuvenated shopping districts, medieval alleys, and meandering cobbled streets. Listen to the fascinating history of whisky in the city and hear anecdotes and stories. Continue to several more iconic Edinburgh bars to sample a range of Scotch whiskies. See the diversity of the spirit by trying blended scotch, single malt, and whisky cocktails. Enjoy these with paired appetizers. Receive a free Glencairn whisky glass at the end of the tour.

Edinburgh: Ultimate Whisky Experience

8. Edinburgh: Ultimate Whisky Experience

Depart from Edinburgh and journey north to South Queensferry, where you will enjoy a photo stop of the Queensferry Bridges. Continue on to Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery for the first whisky-themed stop of the day. Spend 2 hours here for their Whisky and Chocolate tasting tour priced at £19.55 per person. Head on to Loch Lubnaig, and then to the Glenturret distillery. Located on the Turret River, just outside of Crieff, Glenturret Distillery is Scotland's oldest working distillery and still hand-crafts its whisky using the last remaining hand-operated mash tun in Scotland. Here, enjoy a tour and tasting at a cost of £15.

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

9. Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Journey into Edinburgh’s ghostly past and uncover the secrets behind each turn on a guided walking tour. Descend into the underground vaults and finish your tour with a drink in an atmospheric candle-lit cellar. Hear the troubling tales of Edinburgh's past from your guide, from the bloody crimes to the unsettled spirits that roam the city. Visit the shadowy corners of old Edinburgh that many say are haunted. Descend into the famously haunted Blair Street underground vaults where the ghosts of Edinburgh's past still cling to this day. Learn about the dark history of the vaults before finishing your tour with a drink and some storytelling in an atmospheric, candle-lit cellar.

Scottish Highlands & Whisky Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

10. Scottish Highlands & Whisky Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Enjoy a fabulous day trip from Edinburgh to experience Scotland’s beautiful countryside just minutes from the capital. Drive to the stunning Highlands, and stop to sample a drop of the national drink to get a complete taste of Scotland. Leaving Edinburgh, the tour makes its way to the ancient capital of Stirling, where the skyline is dominated by its castle on the rock and the iconic Wallace Monument. Stop to hear of Scotland’s most famous patriot and his part in the medieval Wars of Independence.  Say hello to “Hamish the hairy coo”, before driving through the scenic Trossachs National Park. Heading further into the Highlands, pass the shimmering waters of Loch Earn, before stopping for lunch at The Famous Grouse Experience, one of Scotland’s best-known whisky distilleries. Once revived, enjoy a “wee dram” of Scotch whisky and drink the “Water of Life.” Continue to the Hermitage in the heart of Perthshire for a short woodland walk to see the spectacular Black Linn Falls on the River Braan. On the return journey, visit the quaint village of Dunkeld, an area associated with Macbeth, where the stunning cathedral sits on the banks of the River Tay. Pass the iconic Forth Bridge on the way back into Edinburgh, admiring the fantastic 19th-century feat of engineering.

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What people are saying about Edinburgh

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 3,683 reviews

We booked the 12:00 gin and whiskey tasting. I believe Jason (I think) was our “guide” and he educated us on what rules goes into making single malt whiskey and gin. Every knowledgeable and was very patient to answer all of our questions. From where they purchase the malt, vodka, juniper berries. Explaining new make as well which I didn’t know was a thing. Very interesting experience when we were in the cask room, showing us the difference from a sherry cask, bourbon cask, old vs new. Overall I would recommend this to any whiskey or gin enthusiast’s or just someone who like to try new things. I’m not a huge alcohol person but I quite enjoyed it as I saw similarities to cheese making and colognes (top notes, base notes and heart notes)

Our guide Neave was excellent. She animatedly told us lots of interesting stories about torture, Edinburgh History and the ghostly tales of the vaults. The whiskey was welcome to warm us up on the cold night. I would have liked to have seen more of the vaults, but what we did see was really interesting. Great tour!

Fue una bonita experiencia

Absolutely fantastic tour. Guide was great had fantastic knowledge of the different whiskey regions of Scotland. The taste of whiskey was a great choice.

Nice visit! Don’t pay additional tour guided due too is free. Don’t overpay for additional access, ‘cause your entry included

Get the upgrade to sample all of the regional whiskies.