Scotland · WHISKY TOURS IN EDINBURGH
Good whisky tours in Edinburgh fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Tour Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience for a lively lesson, regional tasting, and look inside a remarkable 3,500-bottle collection.
“We had euan as our tour guide who was very fun and enjoyable to listen to giving us some great snippets of information about all the whiskey!!”
Explore Edinburgh’s dark Old Town, descend into Blair Street Vaults, and trade ghost stories over whisky in a candlelit cellar.
“Maeve was such an amazing tour guide and storyteller! We had an absolute blast on our tour!! You get to go three stories underground, and it’s a little spooky—but in the best way!”
Taste four Scottish single malts in Edinburgh while hearing folklore, whisky lore, and lively stories in a private Royal Mile lounge.
“Naomi was an incredible and entertaining guide/narrator. Full of entertaining stories, making the time to respond to questions, and pointing out interesting things on the whiskeys as well as Scottish history. The Hot Toddy as location also very well setup, catering for an awesome mood and evening. Truly an amazing experience.”
Explore Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh with a flavour quiz, three tailored cocktails, live performances, whisky history, and castle views.
“Anton (not sure I’ve spelled his name correctly) is such an awesome and fun tour guide. You can tell that so much work and planning goes into this tour. The special effects, the immersive features and the history all make for a very well-done tour. I recommend this tour to anyone visiting Edinburgh, even if Whiskey is not your thing. Definitely one of the highlights of my Scotland visit.”
Learn how Scotch whisky is made, compare regional aromas, taste one dram, and see Edinburgh’s vast whisky collection beside the castle.
“Great tour! Had no idea what went into making whisky..Basil our guide was fantastic! Also, when you flew into Edinburgh…the yellow in the fields was barley…thanks Basil!”
Tour Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery for gin and whisky tastings, a seasonal cocktail, experimental methods, and a look at modern Scotch making.
“The tour was fantastic from start to finish! I had booked as a birthday present for my Mum, we where pleasantly greeted as we walked in through the shop door and given a quick run down on where in the building we were and what was to come. We then were called to our guide Dave who met us with a mystery cocktail and started the tour throughout the distillery. 10/10 would recommend.”
Taste four Scottish single malts, hear whisky folklore, and compare Highland and Lowland styles in an intimate Edinburgh lounge.
“We absolutely loved this experience. Ben—our host and the owner—was an incredible storyteller. He entertained us for two hours that flew by. Honestly, I thought a two-hour whisky talk might get a little tedious, but I was completely wrong. Ben is funny, charming, and incredibly engaging—and coming from an American, I could happily listen to that accent for even longer! I genuinely learned a few new things about whisky, and I appreciated the balance of humor and education. If we hadn’t already made dinner plans, we would’ve happily stayed afterward, trusting that part of the evening would be just as excellent as the tasting itself.”
See Perthshire forests, Pitlochry, Queen’s View, and taste whisky on a 10-hour small-group Highlands tour from Edinburgh.
“Nik our tour guide and Rose our driver were fantastic! We had a wonderful day exploring several spots in the highlands- Dunkeld and the Cathedral, The Hermitage, Pitlochry for lunch, and then Dewars Whiskey Distillery. On our way back to Edinburgh we even got to stop and take pictures with Highland cows!”
Review of Rabbie's Scottish Highlands day tour from Edinburgh, with Dunkeld, Black Linn Falls, Queen's View, Pitlochry, and Dewar's whisky tasting.
“Very well organised and coordinated. The guide, Lizzie, was extremely knowledgeable and kept the entire group enthralled and entertained. History, culture, nature and to top it all whisky, were all included in a well spent day. strongly recommended.”
Tour Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh for a lively hour of whisky and gin making, tastings, expert guides, and modern Scottish craft.
“Holyrood distillery is a great place to visit. Our terrific guide Brice walked us through the young distillery explaining Holyrood's approach and differentiators to making whisky and gin. A great way to spend an hour of your time in Edinburgh and learn a lot about the craft and uniqueness of this distillery. We enjoyed the visit very much!”
See Loch Ness, Glencoe, Cairngorms waterfalls, Highland cows, whisky, and fish and chips on a long small-group day from Edinburgh.
“Our guide was Richie and he was FANTASTIC! I would work with their travel company again in a heartbeat. He was knowledgeable and so entertaining. He squeezed in little spots along the way to stop and take pics - had a fantastic day!”
Explore Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, and Glengoyne Distillery on a small-group day tour from Edinburgh.
“Gregor was an amazing guide and the tour was an efficient way to see some of the areas most historical and beautiful sights. I would do this tour again. Great for kids”
Taste four regional Scotch whiskies in Edinburgh’s Lost Close, an intimate underground tasting with stories, history, and expert guidance.
“Great history of whiskey with a good sampling of spirits. Great information without too much sales pressure. Glad I experienced this tour.”
Taste South Loch Gin, learn how it is made, and enjoy a cocktail at Edinburgh’s 56 North Distillery in a lively 90-minute tour.
“A great experience, a small distillery, with great informative guide and friendly staff, We received x2 full Gin and tonics and x3 tasters during the experience. Highly recommend.”
Spend a full day from Edinburgh visiting Dewar’s Aberfeldy and Glenturret, with Highland scenery, tastings, and a village lunch stop.
“Ash made our day fabiolous. Thanks to him. Everyone has to make a whisky tour if they are on a trip to Edinburgh. It is definetly worth it.”
Pick a glen, a city or a distillery.
