As the beating heart of Scotland, Edinburgh is home to vibrant festivals, a rich literary history, stunning architecture and dozens of unique experiences. Another thing that the city is known for is its whisky distilleries, some of which have been around for centuries!

If you’re visiting the Scottish capital and want to immerse yourself in local culture, you should not miss out on the opportunity to join a whisky tour in Edinburgh. Sample flavorful local whiskies and learn more about the distillation process from your knowledgeable guide.

Read on for all you need to know about whisky tours, one of the most classic gastronomic experiences in Edinburgh.

What are the best whisky tasting tours in Edinburgh?

The Scotch Whisky Experience tour in Edinburgh

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh by visiting one the largest collections of Scotch whisky in the world (over 3,500 bottles) when you join this fascinating tour that takes place at The Scotch Whisky Experience.

Your expert guide will teach you about whisky’s history in Scotland and the various whisky-producing regions as well as how the production and maturation process works. Even whisky buffs are sure to learn something new.

You’ll also get to visit the Blenders' Sample Room, where you’ll see how whisky blends are created. Take home a crystal tasting glass as your souvenir and taste four delicious regional whiskies when you choose the Gold Package.

An experienced whisky connoisseur will guide you through the tasting, telling you which notes each regional whisky is famed for.

Whisky and folklore tour in Edinburgh

See why whisky and traditional storytelling often go hand-in-hand in Scotland when you join this whisky and folklore tour in Edinburgh. Spend 2 hours tasting single-malt Scotch whiskies from the country’s main whisky-producing regions.

Meet your guide on the Royal Mile and take a short walk to the custom whisky lounge, called Hot Toddy. The downstairs bar is reserved solely for your tour group, so you’ll get to enjoy a fully personalized experience.

Taste the difference between whiskies from the lowlands, which are known for their delicate flavors, as well the whiskies from the highlands, which are better known for their bold notes. Sip while you listen to stories told by a professional local storyteller.

You’ll also learn more about the ancient art of storytelling and how it was used to pass down history, legends and folklore throughout the ages.

Holyrood Distillery whisky tour in Edinburgh

Holyrood Distillery is Edinburgh’s newest malt distillery and is the only one that has been built since 1925. Take the opportunity to tour this incredible distillery and its many state-of-the-art features that you won’t find anywhere else on this fun and exciting tour.

Established in 2019, Holyrood isn’t constrained by any century-old traditions and is open to trying innovative processes and machinery to create top-notch Scotch whisky. In addition to whisky, gin is also made on the premises, so you can learn more about that process too.

The most important aspect of the entire process is flavor, and Holyrood is known for its bold, fiery flavors. You’ll be provided with samples and tastings throughout the tour and you'll learn to discern the different notes and flavors in each sample.

The entire tour is led by a knowledgeable expert, who is more than happy to answer any of the questions you may have regarding whisky and the distillation process.

Three-day Speyside Whisky Trail tour from Edinburgh

Spend three days exploring the Speyside Whisky Trail with a small group of like-minded travelers from Edinburgh. You’ll visit Scotland’s most famous single malt whisky distilleries, including Lindores Abbey Distillery, Royal Lochnagar Distillery and Cardhu Distillery.

The Speyside Whisky Trail is an area in the Scottish Highlands that is home to more than half of the country’s whisky distilleries. You’ll enjoy tours and tastings at these distillers and you’ll stay in comfortable accommodation along the way.

In addition to distilleries, you’ll get to see a few other famous sites including the Cairngorms National Park, Grantown-on-Spey, the Spey River, Aberlour, Perthshire, Pitlochry and many others. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the gorgeous scenery.

This is the perfect excursion for whisky lovers who are looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh for a few days and enjoy the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside.

Are there any combos available with whisky tours in Edinburgh?

Stirling Castle and whisky tour from Edinburgh

Get out of the city for the day when you join this full-day excursion that visits the royal Stirling Castle, a whisky distillery and Loch Lomond. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Scottish culture and history in a small-group setting.

Highlands tour with whisky tasting

See some of the most iconic sites the Highlands have to offer, enjoy a walk through the woodlands of the Hermitage and visit the picturesque village of Dunkeld. During the course of your tour, you'll stop for a whisky tasting at the famed Dewar's Distillery.

Which places are visited on an Edinburgh whisky tour?

Edinburgh and its surrounding areas are filled with dozens of whisky distilleries. Depending on what type of whisky tour you choose, you’ll most likely visit two or three of these distilleries and get to tour their facilities.

Some of Edinburgh’s most famous distilleries include Holyrood Distillery, Lindores Abbey Distillery and Kingsbarns Distillery among many others. Along the way, you may also see some of Edinburgh’s iconic historical landmarks, which your guide is sure to point out.

How much are whisky tasting tours in Edinburgh?

Basic whisky tasting tours in Edinburgh typically cost around £20 per person for group experiences that last just under an hour and include 4 whisky tastings that usually take place at one venue, such as The Scotch Whisky Experience, Holyrood Distillery or Hot Toddy.

Combination tours, which include visits to nearby castles and lochs, tend to cost between £70 and £80 per person for a full-day excursion, including whisky tastings, entrance fees and transport.

Multi-day whisky tours, which visit a variety of distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, typically cost around £500 per person including accommodation and transport. Keep in mind that food is not included in this cost and the price may differ depending on the type of room you opt for.

Whatever your budget, you are sure to find a whisky tour in Edinburgh that aligns with your preferences.

What do whisky tastings in Edinburgh include?

While whisky tours in Edinburgh all offer slightly different inclusions, most tours are inclusive of 4 or 5 whisky tastings, an expert local guide, transport between different locations (if any) and alternative soft drinks for those who don’t drink.

Keep in mind that hotel transfers, food and gratuities are not typically included in the cost of a whisky tour in Edinburgh.

Where do whisky tours start in Edinburgh?

In most cases, you’ll meet your guide outside a local distillery or nearby point of interest in Edinburgh. Popular meeting points include The Scotch Whisky Experience, Cafe Nero, Edinburgh Bus Station and other landmarks.

Make sure that you arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the tour’s start/departure time so that you don’t keep your guide or other tour participants waiting.

How long do whisky experiences lat?

While most whisky tours in Edinburgh last between 1 and 2 hours, there are many longer experiences available, including a 3-day whisky tour that visits several different distilleries in the Scottish Highlands.

Are whisky tours wheelchair friendly?

Whether or not a whisky tour in Edinburgh is wheelchair friendly depends on the tour operator. Some tour operators offer experiences that are suitable for wheelchair users while others don’t, so it is very important to check the tour specifications before making a booking.

When is the best time for a whisky experience in Edinburgh?

While a whisky tour can be enjoyed year-round, the best time would be in the summer months between June and August. You'll experience warmer weather and longer daylight hours. However, to avoid the tourist crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder months when the weather is still pleasant.

What other gastronomic experiences can you enjoy in Edinburgh?

Know before you go

There are many whisky distilleries and experiences in and around Edinburgh, from well-known brands to smaller, craft distilleries. Research ahead to find a tour that aligns with your interests.
Tours can get booked up quickly, especially during the peak tourist season. To ensure you get the experience you want, book your tour well in advance.
Whisky tastings can be more potent than you might expect. Make sure to eat before your tour, or find out if the distillery you're visiting has a café or restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat.
Distilleries can be chilly places, so dress in layers. Wear comfortable shoes as you may be on your feet for a while during the tour.

Whisky Tours in Edinburgh