distillery tour from edinburgh

9 of the Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh 2024

Have you been wondering about the best whisky tours from edinburgh i’ve got you covered.

I’ve been living in Europe for a few years now and I can’t help but be drawn to Scotland’s whisky culture. From touring the distilleries to learning about the fascinating history that makes Scotch whisky so unique, nothing beats spending time in Edinburgh. After talking with so many fellow travelers looking to take a whisky tour from Edinburgh, I started to realize that there is simply too much choice out there. With all of these different operators offering tours, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why I’m here to help! Having spent a lot of time researching and taking Whisky Tours from Edinburgh, I’m confident that I can offer valuable advice on which tours are worth your time and money. So if you’re looking for an amazing whisky experience – look no further! Through this article you’ll find everything you need to choose the perfect whisky tour from Edinburgh, whether it’s a single malt tasting or a distillery tour with friends. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

Introduction To Whisky

• Old Town Edinburgh
• Four drams of whisky Included

Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour

• Tour two distilleries
• Small group tour

Speyside Whisky Tour From Edinburgh

• Entry – 5 Distilleries
• Accomodation included

9 of the Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

1. 90-minute introduction to whisky in the old town of edinburgh.

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes| ✅ Book it!

Scotland is known for its long history of whisky, and if you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, going on a Whisky tasting tour is a must-try. In this 90-minute introduction to Whisky tour, you will be visiting an underground space in the Old Town of Edinburgh where you will be tasting four drams of Whisky. 

The whiskeys included in this tour come from different regional distilleries. During the tour, you will also walk through Edinburgh streets to learn how these drinks are made. 

“Really enjoyed the chance to sample whiskies I’ve never tried before. Our tasting guide was very knowledgeable about all the whiskies and what differentiated each from the rest. I’ve been a Scotch lover for over 50 years, and still learned a few new things about scotch and found a couple of new labels to add to my collection.” -Dennis_M

This is just one among the many whisky-tasting Edinburgh offers. But what makes this an ideal tour is that it gives a quick introduction to the world of whisky, including its creation process and how Scotch whisky is one of the finest in the world. 

When you arrive at the underground space where the tasting tour will take place, you will be welcomed by your guide and a whisky expert who will let you taste four different whiskies. These 4 drams of Whisky run on different levels, each offering a different experience. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Time Varies at the Code Pod – The Court (Parliament Square Edinburgh)
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Includes: Alcoholic Beverages, Experienced Local Guide

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour From Edinburgh Including Admissions

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 9 hours  | ✅ Book it!

Enjoy a day in Scottland as you treat yourself to a full-day Whisky tasting tour from Edinburgh. This 9-hour Malt Whisky Day tour will take you to the Scottish lowlands, where the whisky-producing region is. You will visit known distilleries such as the Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery. 

At these distilleries, you will enjoy informative tasting sessions and tours. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Scottish whisky production while admiring Loch Lomond’s beauty. 

This small group tour lets you have a more personalised experience and be away from the crowd. 

“We wanted to get out of the city a little and this was perfect! We got some tidbits of the area history, 2 Distilleries and a great stop at Oak Tree Inn for a beautiful lunch. Andrew was an amazing host, answering all our questions. Thank you!” -Kayte_E

Among the many Malt Whisky Day Tours from Edinburgh, this tour focuses on two famous distilleries in the Scottish lowlands. After meeting your guide in Edinburgh city centre, you will travel west. During the ride, your guide will also share information about Scotland’s most famous drink. 

The first stop of this tour will be at Glengoyne Distillery in Dumgoyne. This distillery is known for its distillation process, as it is one of the slowest in the world. They believe that this makes the art of whisky-making better. Here, you’ll tour their grounds and learn about their complex production process from the expert.

The next stop will be at the Trossachs National Park, where you’ll see scenic forest-covered terrain and dramatic mountains. This is near Loch Lomond, where a hearty pub is located (you can get lunch here at your own expense). 

Afterwards, you will head to Deanston Distillery, a converted cotton mill in River Teith. This is the most environmentally friendly distillery in Scotland. Here, you can enjoy two types of single malt whiskies and have fun discovering the hints of different flavours. 

• Start Time (and location): 9:30 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station 
• Duration: 9 hours
• Includes:  Admission fees – Tour and Whisky tastings at Glengoyne and Deanston Distilleries included, Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

3. 3-Day Speyside Whisky Tour From Edinburgh Including Admissions

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!

Get to be part of the ultimate whisky experience from Edinburgh when you join this 3-day Speyside Whisky Tour. This whisky tour, in particular, lets you experience the best of Scotland’s central whisky-producing region while you visit four renowned distilleries. 

As you wind through the scenic Cairngorm National Park, your small group tour will visit Londores Abbey, Dalwhinne and Cardhu Distillery. You will learn about their unique process of creating Scotch whine at each distillery and taste their own version of malt whisky. 

Since you will be travelling and going on distillery tours from Edinburgh for three days, accommodation in the quaint village of Grantown-on-Spey is already included in the tour. 

“The tour was everything I hoped it would be! Dan Young, our guide, was excellent – knowledgeable alike on the history of Scotland as on the history of Scotch. Well-spoken, and great stories. Wonderful driving scenery; and excellently-chosen distilleries for the stops – each unique in its offerings of tours, whisky-making philosophy and lore. Highly recommended!”-Ramuh_H

This 3-day adventure begins in Edinburgh, where you will meet your guide and a small group of whiskey lovers. After setting off in the morning, you will head to Speyside, Scotland, home to more than 40 distilleries. 

Along the way, you can enjoy learning about single malt whisky and Scotland from your tour guide. There will also be scenic roads before you reach your first stop of the day – Lindores Abbey Distillery.

The tour and tasting in this distillery are already included in the tour, so all you have to do here is enjoy tasting a sample of a dram while learning about the drink’s history.

The next stop of the day is at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, where you can sample the delights of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. On your second day, you will explore Speyside, including a visit to Glen Moray Distillery, Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre and Cardhu Distillery. 

The last day of this 3-day  distillery tour from Edinburgh features a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery and Cairngorms National Park, the tour’s previous stop. Here, you can have your lunch and get up close to nature while you walk in a fantastic woodland amidst the tallest trees in Britain. 

• Start Time (and location): 8:45 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station 
• Duration: 3 days 
• Includes:  Admission Fees: Includes entry to 5 Distilleries, two nights overnight accommodation, breakfast, and private facilities. Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

4. Holyrood Distillery Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ Book it!

If you’re short on time and still want to experience Scotland’s distillery tours, this Holyrood Distillery tour is something you can consider. Holyrood Distillery is well-known in Scotland and is even an award-winning distillery and Scottish Attraction.

You can enjoy a guided flavour-forward experience here as you learn how gin and whiskey are made. Whether it may be through the traditional or innovative method, Holyrood Distillery will show you how their craft has made them one of the best distilleries in Scotland. 

“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!”-Neil_B

This Holyrood Distillery Tour only lasts for an hour, so it’s great for those who are short in time but want to go on a whiskey-tasting trip from Edinburgh. This tour already includes a guided experiential tour in a three-floored gin and whisky distillery and a tasting bar experience at the end of the tour. 

You will also have the chance to look around the distillery’s shop and have the option to get your bottle of gin or whiskey to enjoy back home. 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at Holyrood Distillery 
• Duration: 1 hour
• Includes:  Alcoholic Beverages

5. Whisky And Folklore In Edinburgh Including Four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

Discover a bespoke whiskey lounge built by Scottish locals just for tourists to experience what it’s like to be part of an intimate whisky-tasting event in Edinburgh.

During this Single scotch whisky experience, you will be sampling four single malt whiskies from four different whisky-producing regions of Scotland while seated in the comfort of a lounge. 

Aside from the whisky tasting, your hosts will also make the experience more engaging by sharing the stories and secrets of Scotch whisky-making.

Plus, this whisky and folklore tour highlights the chance to taste the difference between Scottish highland and lowland whisky with your taste buds and the help of an expert guide. 

“We had a wonderful time during this whisky tasting and folklore. Our guide, Ben, was fabulous. He was funny, knowledgeable about whisky and truly brought the folklore to life through his talented story telling. Definitely recommend this tour if you are in Edinburgh!!!” – Batsheva_K 

Before heading to the bespoke whiskey lounge, you will first have a short walk through the city before entering the bar reserved just for your group. Once you enter the bespoke lounge, you will have the place all to your own, which lets you experience an intimate whiskey tasting trip. 

During the duration of the tour, you will be learning from an expert all about Scottland’s whiskey while also trying four outstanding Single Malt Scotch from the major whisky-producing regions of the country. 

The whiskies you try will range from the relatively delicate and subtle flavours from the lowlands to Islay’s robust and bold tastes. The highlight of this tour includes the storytelling tradition that centres around the idea of people coming together while enjoying good whisky in a cosy place. 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at Hot Toddy 
• Duration: 2 hours
• Includes: Expert guide, whisky enthusiast and storyteller, Drink alternatives are available upon request for those who do not drink whisky, Alcoholic Beverages  

6. The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction To Whisky

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 50 minutes | ✅ Book it!

For a comprehensive introduction to Whisky in Scotland, this guided whisky walking tour in Edinburgh is an ideal choice if you first want to get an overview of Scotland’s national drink. Compared to the other whisky tours from Edinburgh, this tour highlights lessons and sharing whisky information. 

Learn about how Scotland’s regions come to create the Scottish drink and how the weather affects the flavour of your glasses.

During a guided tasting session, you will also view one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collections inside the Scotch Whisky Experience. This is a family-friendly experience, as 18-year-olds and under are still welcome to join.

“I enjoy this tour. It covered a lot of information about whiskey that I didn’t know. I loved the interactive experience with the scratch and sniff cards to find which type of whiskey I would prefer. They did a very good job putting together a informative experience tour.”-Kathleen_E

This tour will take place at the Scotch Whisky Experience beside Edinburgh Castle. Inside the area, you will be guided through and introduced to the world of whiskey. 

A guide will share information and stories about the process of making and the history of Whiskey while you tour around to view an extensive collection of Whiskey in the area. Throughout the tour, you can also learn about the five whisky-producing regions and secrets of single-malt Scotch production. 

This tour also includes a tasting of Scotch whisky (or non-alcoholic beverages for non-drinkers) at the end of the tour. No worries because audio guides of at least 20 languages are available, and at the end, you will be given a gift of a crystal whisky-tasting glass as your souvenir. 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at The Scotch Whisky Experience
• Duration: 50 minutes 
• Includes: Dram of Scotch whisky, audio guides in 20 languages, Expert whisky guide, Crystal Whisky Glass souvenir

7. Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ Book it!

Get away from Edinburgh and travel to Scotland’s rugged countryside to enjoy a whisky tour with a small group. You will be visiting the hilly lowlands and forested highlands of Scotland, where you’ll find the best distilleries in the country.

This tour also lets you see and admire the beauty of nature as you pass by and make time to visit waterfalls, rivers and lochs. You will then proceed with the whisky tour in quaint towns where you can enjoy tastings and discover distilleries while soaking up the stunning Scottish landscape.  

“A lovely full day. Really kind and informative guide (such a treat to be driven everywhere and learn and laugh along the way). The Scottish scenery was beyond beautiful. We really enjoyed our lunch in the small town of Pitlochry and the distillery, Aberfeldy, was also an awesome experience.” – Teva_H 

The full-day excursion starts at Edinburgh, where you will meet your guide and fellow tour joiners. You will then travel through the countryside and cross the Forth Road Bridge, one of the longest cantilever bridges. 

As you make your way through the lowlands and highlands, you can enjoy the scenic landscapes of Scotland while your guide shares exciting stories. You’ll mainly be traversing through mountains, thick forests, and farmland before you reach your first destination. 

The first stop is at the Hermitage Woodland Walk, where you will walk through the dense woodland to see the waterfalls. After your nature walks, you will head to the Queen’s View, the favourite queen’s view. 

Afterwards, you will visit Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery or Glenturret Distillery, where you will learn more about whisky. Your guide will share the process of making whisky and how this distillery has a different method. 

• Start Time (and location):  9:00 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station
• Duration: 10 hours 
• Includes:  Admission Fee: Tour & Tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy, Distillery Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

8. The Ultimate Whisky Experience From Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours| ✅ Book it !

Another ultimate whisky experience from Edinburgh you can join is this 10-hour whisky distillery Edinburgh tour. You will travel to the Scottish Highlands from the city centre to get a taste of Scotch whiskies and have the whole day learning about the famous drink. 

This tour proudly offers a visit to unique destinations often missed by tourists. Between each distillery visit, you will also be making a side trip to see and explore the nature and landscape of Scotland. 

“This was a great day trip – gorgeous countryside, excellent distillery tour’s and tastings and all very informative. Our guide prepped us with background on Scottish whiskey and also Scottish history. Definitely recommend.”-Victor_P

This tour is ideal if you want to spend your day in Edinburgh and explore the countryside while tasting good whisky. As you make your way to the highlands, you will enjoy a commentary from your guide in the minibus and see the scenic route you will be taking.

Before reaching the first Distillery you will visit, you will pass by South Queensferry, where you can take great photos of the famous bridge.

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery will be the first stop of this full-day tour, a renowned crafted whisky producer since 1898. You will have a full time of their warehouse and interactive heritage exhibition, plus a taste of Aberfeldy’s 12-year-old single malt whisky. 

You will also head to Glenturret Distillery in the afternoon, just outside Crieff. This is the oldest working distillery in Scotland and is still hand-crafting whisky using the last remaining hand-operated mash tun. 

• Start Time (and location): 8:45 AM at Lawnmarket
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes:  Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

9. Whisky And Highland Waterfalls Day Trip From Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour combines two must-try experiences in Edinburgh, Scotland – a whisky tour experience and a highland waterfall day trip. During the journey, you will traverse the Scottish Highlands to enjoy a day at a distillery and marvel at the majesty of Loch Lomong and Trossachs National Park. 

Meanwhile, at the Glenturret Distillery, you will tour their warehouse, learn about their whisky-making process, and sample some of their malt whiskies. The tour ends with a visit to the Hermitage forest and the village of Dunkeld. 

“Dusty was a great guide. We had a wonderful time. He was very informative and gave us recommendations on places to eat. Our trip to the distillery was just the right amount of time. The waterfall was less than impressive but the walk in nature was very nice.”-Lenora_S

The trip begins with an early meet-up at Edinburgh with your small group tour and guide. From there, you will head to the National Wallace Monument, passing by spectacular views and landmarks such as the Stirling Castle.  

You will also be heading to admire the natural and cultural sights like Loch Earn and Loch Lomond and then make your way to visit Trossachs National Park.

The next stop of the tour is at the famous Glenturret whisky distillery. Here, you can sample a dram of whisky straight from its cask and learn about its traditional methods to produce single malt. 

The trip continues to the Hermitage, where you will stroll through lined paths and see the Braan River and Black Linn Falls. You’ll end the tour with a walk in nature, heading to the village of Dunkeld, where the famous Dunkeld Cathedral is located.  

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at Edinburgh Bus Station 
• Includes: Local Scottish English Speaking Guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

FAQs About whiskey tours from edinburgh

How long is the whisky tour in edinburgh.

A whisky tour in Edinburgh typically lasts around 1-3 hours, but can vary depending on the length of the guided part of the tour.

Visitors can expect to sample a variety of different whiskies, learn about their history and production process, and even find out more about Scotland’s whisky culture.

Of course, guests will also have plenty of opportunity to purchase bottles and other whisky-related merchandise while on the tour.

what is the most famous distillery in edinburgh?

Edinburgh is home to several renowned whisky distilleries, but the most famous of all is undoubtedly the Glenkinchie Distillery.

Located in Pencaitland, just outside of Edinburgh, it is one of only six distilleries in Scotland that make Scotch whisky.

The unique pale malt used in their whisky gives it a distinctive flavour and the distillery offers tours every day so you can learn more about how Scotch whisky is made.

So if you’re looking for the most famous distillery in Edinburgh, look no further than Glenkinchie!

is edinburgh known for whiskey?

Edinburgh is known for its whiskey, in particular Scotch whisky. The city has a long-standing tradition of whisky distilling and there are several whisky distilleries in the area.

Even within the city itself, there are several pubs and bars that serve Scotch whiskies from around Scotland. Edinburgh is a great place to visit for anyone looking to sample some of Scotland’s top tipple!

What is the best whisky distillery tour in Scotland

Whisky distilleries in Scotland offer some of the most interesting, unique, and educational tours in the world.

Some of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland are offered by Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry, Glenkinchie Distillery near Edinburgh, The Macallan Distillery in Speyside, and The Oban Distillery on the west coast.

Each of these distilleries offers a variety of tour options for whisky enthusiasts to gain an insight into how traditional Scotch whisky is made. From a guided tour of the production facilities to an exclusive tasting with a master distiller, there is something for everyone.

Visitors can also buy bottles from the gift shop or sample their own blend after visiting one of these incredible distilleries.

No matter which distillery you choose to visit, you will be sure to have a memorable experience that will ignite your passion for whisky even further.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day out exploring Scotland’s rich whisky heritage then any one of these four fantastic whisky distilleries is sure to provide it!

Final Thoughts: whisky tours in edinburgh

Whisky tours from Edinburgh are an exciting and unique way to experience Scotland. From the Highlands to Lowlands, you can visit a variety of distilleries and be immersed in the culture and history behind Scotland’s national drink.

So why not make the most of your time here and book one of these amazing whisky tours? With knowledgeable local guides, you’ll get to sample some of the finest whisky Scotland has to offer!

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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6 Best Distillery Tours & Whisky Experiences in Edinburgh

Home > Blog > 6 Best Distillery Tours & Whisky Experiences in Edinburgh

“ What whisky will not cure, there is no cure for ” – Irish proverb

Our Irish neighbours have always had a way with words and we Scots couldn’t agree more about the restorative powers of whisky. The faith Scots have in the spirit can even be seen in the word’s etymology – the Gaelic word ‘usquebaugh’ (meaning ‘water of life’) is where ‘whisky’ comes from.

Whisky has been lovingly distilled in Scotland for centuries, with the earliest reference of the drink coming from 1494 – only two years after the Americas were discovered.

So when you visit Scotland, it almost seems sacrilegious not to sample the local fayre, and where better to do this than in the capital city of Edinburgh?

Absolute Escapes have specialised in self-drive holidays in Scotland since 2004, and from a brief scroll through our website, you might have noticed that we offer whisky-themed itineraries . These are perfect for whisky devotees who can think of nothing better than to plan their entire holiday around their favourite drink.

However, we know that circumstances don’t always allow for a full-blown week of whisky, but there’s no need to worry! Located in Edinburgh, each member of our team prides themselves on knowing the city inside out and we thought we’d share some recommendations for experiences that are sure to quench your thirst.

Read on for our recommendations of the best whisky experiences in and around Edinburgh.

Holyrood Distillery

Set in a very convenient location, Holyrood Distillery is worryingly easy to stumble into after braving Arthur’s Seat. The difficult part is stumbling out again!

This distillery takes inspiration from the beautiful city it is rooted in, echoing Edinburgh’s energy and spirit (pun intended!) when making their signature drinks. Their tours focus on the city’s compelling distilling history which they argue is not talked about enough, and they even created a smoky cask offering inspired by Edinburgh’s affectionate nickname, Auld Reekie (Old Smoky).

The distillery opened in 2019 so it isn’t steeped in history or shackled by tradition, allowing its owners the creative freedom to create a unique, interactive experience for their visitors.

You’ll be pleased to hear that the Holyrood Distillery offers an abundance of tours. For example, they run daily Gin and Whisky Tours as well as purely Whisky Tours and Tastings if you don’t want to be distracted by gin.

If you would like something a little different, on certain dates they run a walking tour focusing on Edinburgh’s brewing and distilling past and includes tastings.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Holyrood Distillery (@holyrooddistillery)

Scotch Whisky Experience

Located at the top of the historic Royal Mile, the Scotch Whisky Experience takes pride in its ability to bring the story of whisky to life.

Its renowned barrel ride gently guides you from relaxing Gladiator-style fields of barley to the maturation of the whisky in oak casks. Taking you through every step of the process of making whisky, their barrel ride is relaxing, fun and informative – what more could you want?

After stepping back into the real world, your tour guide will explain the differences between Scotland’s distinct whisky regions and help you choose a dram that is perfect for your tastes.

I think the most captivating part of the experience is the unparalleled collection of over 3,300 whiskies. Visitors should not overlook the opportunity to visit such an influential collection of Scotch whiskies.

They offer different tours to fit exactly what you are looking for in a whisky experience. For example, their three-hour ‘A Taste of Scotland’ tour includes a tutored tasting of five different whiskies and a delicious tasting menu. On the other end of the spectrum, their ‘Silver Tour’ includes one tasting and lasts nearly an hour, so it’s perfect for visitors on a tighter schedule.

We recommend this experience so much that we include tickets for the Scotch Whisky Experience in our Highlands & Islands Malt Whisky Trail – so you won’t even have to book it yourself!

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Scotch Whisky Experience (@scotchwhiskyexp)

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

If you would prefer an experience which isn’t just interactive but immersive, the newly-opened Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience is for you!

The unbridled creativity of their tours creates a self-proclaimed ‘flavour-filled celebration’ which is designed to be memorable. However, the Johnnie Walker Experience may not be the best choice for die-hard whisky connoisseurs who might be put off by the ‘flashy’ presentation of their favourite drink.

Their daily Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour includes whisky drinks that are personalised to your preferences. This experience is an excellent option for groups with members who don’t enjoy pure whisky, as they can try cocktails instead of drams and the tour itself is quite a spectacle.

As well as tours, they offer events such as ‘Funk, Jazz & Soul Sundays’. Tickets for this event include live music and a two-course lunch paired with drinks. It is always worth checking their website to see what exciting events they have planned next.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Double Take Projections (@doubletakeprojections)

Whisky & Folklore Tour

If you would prefer a more sedentary whisky experience, this Whisky and Folklore Tour provides a fun, aural journey through Scotland’s distilling history.

These tours take place in a cosy, historic pub in Edinburgh city centre. Enjoy and compare four different whiskies from different whisky regions of Scotland whilst listening to the fascinating stories your guide entertains you with.

Some argue that storytelling and whisky form the backbone of Scottish culture so it is only right that they have been combined into one engaging tour.

To allow for complete flexibility, you can book a private tour for a time that suits you perfectly. Otherwise, these tours take place daily at 17.00 and take approximately two hours.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Little Fish Tours (@littlefishtours)

Summerhall Drinks Lab

If sitting back and relaxing isn’t quite your style, and your favourite way to enjoy whisky is with a snack, you may be more interested in Summerhall Drinks Lab’s regular events.

Another conveniently-located venue, Summerhall offers a Whisky and Vegan Cheese experience and prides itself on the unique pairing experience it has created.

The experience begins with shaking your own whisky cocktail, which you can savour whilst your guide introduces you to three different single malt whiskies paired with locally-made vegan cheeses.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Summerhall Drinks Lab (@shdrinkslab)

Glenkinchie Distillery

On arrival at Glenkinchie Distillery , whisky-lovers are greeted by relaxing music, honey-coloured wood and gentle, enticing scents. This distillery perfectly walks the line between friendly and professional. You can tell that the tour guides take pride in Glenkinchie’s offering and they are prepared to answer any questions you may have.

This distillery is the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker and tours delve into the rich tradition of creating whisky as visitors learn about the distillery’s history.

Most of the tour is centred around the process of making their whisky. Believe me, when your guide explains how to create such a variety of flavours from the same three ingredients you’ll start to believe that Harry Potter isn’t the only magical thing about Scotland!

Before tasting the whisky, immerse yourself in their sensory theatre whilst you listen to the differences between the spirits made in the five whisky regions of Scotland – Campbeltown, Speyside, Islay, Lowland and Highland.

This is a fully operational distillery and they offer a selection of tours and tastings including a Journey of Flavour Tour, a Flavour and Cask Experience, and a Behind the Scenes Tour and Tasting.

This distillery is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh, although we would recommend booking a taxi that will take you directly from the city centre to their doorstep so no one needs to suffer as a designated driver – just remember to book it first!

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by lettyp1 (@lettyp1)

Whisky Pubs

Perhaps even after reading through our suggestions, you’d prefer to experience whisky the way it was originally meant to be enjoyed – in a pub. In that case, these are some recommendations for our favourite whisky bars around Edinburgh.

• Whiski Rooms : Here you can appreciate a wide range of whiskies whilst looking out over the city. With over 300 whiskies, even those unconvinced by the spirit will be able to find something they like. This bar also has a shop so if you try anything you like you can take a bottle home with you.
• Teuchters Landing : Enjoy this bar’s beautiful waterside setting in Leith with a drink in hand as you explore their range of whiskies.
• The Scottish Malt Whisky Society : Although this is primarily a member’s society, the Scottish Malt Whisky Society’s Kaleidoscope Bar on Queen Street is open to non-members six days a week. This prestigious venue has everything you need for an unforgettable whisky experience. It has even been recognised as the Icons of Whisky Global Bar of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards 2022.
• Usquabae : With well-informed, welcoming staff and a cosy atmosphere, the bartenders at Usquabae are well-equipped to recommend whiskies that will suit you perfectly.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Whiski Rooms (@whiskirooms)

Sample Scotland’s Whisky Trails with Absolute Escapes

So there you have it, although I have barely scratched the surface of what Edinburgh has to offer, this guide shows that the city has a whisky experience for everyone.

For an excellent way to experience Scotland, why not take a look at our award-winning self-drive holidays ? However, if one whisky experience isn’t enough for you, perhaps one of our Whisky Trails will satisfy you!

For those people who are still unconvinced by whisky, if there was ever a place to be converted, it’s here!

Tessa Kilpatrick

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Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is open for pre-booked experiences. Our Gift Shop and Café is open. Book your experience now SEE ALL EXPERIENCES

• Dewar’s Aberfeldy Experience
• Connoisseur Tour
• Become A Blender
• Drams Of Your Dreams
• Silent Season Experience
• The Hills Of Aberfeldy Experience
• Aberfeldy 40 Highland Experience
• WHISKY TASTING EVENTS
• Virtual Experiences
• Explore events
• Event Rooms
• Our Distillery
• Heritage museum
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• Whisky Bar & Cocktails
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A ticket to the Highlands

Highland whisky tour, edinburgh pick up., discover the scottish highlands and enjoy our award-winning whisky tour – edinburgh and back in a day.

You made a great choice to stay in Edinburgh on your visit to Scotland. However, even the best Whisky Tour Edinburgh can offer isn’t quite the same as seeing the place where the spirit is produced.

Alternatively, you may definitely want to include a visit to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery in your trip, but not know how to get to us.

Chauffeur Driven Tours

Whisky prestige.

If you would like to indulge yourself in a luxury private tour, why not travel to Dewar’s Aberfeldy in style with Whisky Prestige Travel? They organise any tour of your choice in a private chauffeur driven vehicle for the exclusive use of your party and cater for groups from 2 to 16 and anything in between. Vehicles include Mercedes, Jaguar or even a Bentley if you really want to splash out. Book any tour with Whisky Prestige and if you include a visit to Dewar’s Aberfeldy you will receive a 10% discount off your tour.

Click here to find out more on the Whisky Prestige website and contact them directly.

Small Highland Group Tours

We have relationships with two trusted tour operators, Rabbie’s, and Timberbush, both whisking you to Highland Perthshire as part of a small group, to take in the sights, sounds, and tastes, including a whisky tour with us. Edinburgh city centre is your pick-up and drop-off point, and you’ll be back in time for your evening plans. Each company offers a different and special experience.

Rabbie’s

The ‘Highlands, Lochs, Glens and Whisky Tour’ offered by Rabbie’s is a wonderful all round introduction to the Highlands of Scotland. You’ll get to choose between our Aberfeldy and Cask Tasting Tours, and also take in the picturesque town of Dunkeld with its ruined Cathedral, see the gushing Hermitage waterfall, the iconic Queen’s View over Loch Tummel, the bustling resort of Pitlochry, and the village of Kenmore on Loch Tay.

Click here to find out more and book your space on the Rabbie’s website. 

The ‘Ultimate Whisky Tour’ offered by Timberbush takes in Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery as well as an additional Scotch whisky distillery. You’ll enjoy our ‘Whisky and Chocolate Tasting Tour’ on this wonderful whisky-focused trip. You’ll also take in our beautiful home town of Aberfeldy, as well as other scenic highlights. One for the connoisseur!

Click here to find out more and book your space on the Timberbush website. 

Useful information

Will I need a Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery ticket, and if so, should I purchase my ticket to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery online now?

You will need to purchase a separate ticket with us, but this is one time when you should not secure your distillery experience online, because the timings of your itinerary with Timberbush and Rabbie’s may need flexibility. We reserve spaces for Rabbie’s and Timberbush visitors, so you are guaranteed a space on one of our tours.

Do I get a full choice from your tours?

On the Rabbie’s Tour, you will be able join our Dewar’s Aberfeldy Experience and add a tasting straight from the cask in our warehouse if you wish. On the Timberbush Tour, you will take part in our Whisky and Chocolate Tasting Tour.

Are Rabbie’s or Timberbush linked to your business?

We are not affiliated with Rabbie’s or Timberbush, therefore we can offer no guarantee of the quality of your experience with them, or at the other experiences featured on the tour. However, both companies have an exceptional reputation, and we invite you to view Rabbie’s  visitor feedback and Timberbush visitor feedback  to help with your booking decision.

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Scotland Welcome

• Attractions

The Ultimate Whisky Experience

Day Tour (dep. Edinburgh)

Culture Vultures, First Timers

Check In Time

Departure time, return time (approx), take a trip into whisky paradise on this 1-day whisky distillery tour from edinburgh . visit two distilleries; dewar’s and glenturret; view stunning scenery across loch lubnaig and enjoy a relaxing stop in the village of aberfeldy on this scottish whisky trail..

A comprehensive whisky tour!

Departing Edinburgh, the Ultimate Whisky tour begins with a journey north to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery for the first whisky themed stop of the day. Dewar’s world-renowned crafted Highland Single Malt Aberfeldy whisky has been produced at Aberfeldy Distillery since 1898. You will spend 2 hours here for the Whisky and Chocolate tasting tour; comprising of a full guided tour of the distillery, warehouse and interactive heritage exhibition, and a tasting of Aberfeldy’s 12-year-old single malt whisky, the premium Dewar’s 12-year-old blended Scotch and super-premium Dewar’s 18-year-old blended Scotch, matched with chocolate sourced from a local chocolatier. The tour costs £21,25 for three whisky samples with paired chocolates.

After a Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery tour, you will continue to the village of Aberfeldy for lunch. Spend time here exploring its streets while enjoying the scenery. There is plenty of time to grab a bite to eat before the whisky tour continues to Loch Lubnaig, after which you will visit Glenturret Distillery.

Located on the Turret River, just outside 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, you can enjoy at tour and tasting at £15.

Then, you will begin your return journey to Edinburgh, passing by the majestic Forth Bridges where there may be time for a photo stop.

Please Note: Prices are seasonal and will change throughout the year. The price for your selected date may differ from the “from” price. 

Select participants and date

• Adult 17-59yrs
• Senior 60yrs+
• Student Valid ID
• Child 4-16yrs

Checking Availability With Our Providers

• Glenturret Distillery
• Dewar's Aberfeldy Disitillery
• Forth Bridges
• Loch Lubnaig
• Digital translations
• Knowledgeable Driver-Guide
• Luxury Modern air-conditioned coach (16-19 group size)
• Glenturret Distillery: £15
• Dewar's Whisky and Chocolate tasting: £21.25 - £4.50 per child (tour only)
• No Children under 5
• Food and Drink

Meeting Point

Where is the departure point, are the optionals extras included, do i need to pre-book the optional extra's, is the tour in english, what should i bring with me, can children travel on this tour, how accessible are the locations.

Enjoy this experience with our trusted partners: Timberbush Tours

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Best Whisky Tours in Edinburgh: Distilleries, Experiences & Tastings

This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.

Immerse yourself in educational yet entertaining whisky tours in Edinbugrh that teach visitors about the scotch production process, from malting and fermentation to distillation and ageing. Use all five senses, taking in flavours, aromas, and textures that bring Scotland’s water of life alive during the following distilleries, fun experiences, and whisky-tasting sessions!

Note: In Scotland, whisky is without the “e”. Whiskey is the Ireland and US spelling.

You may also enjoy our guide to gin tours in Edinburgh and whisky excursions in Scotland .

Whisky Distillery Tours in Edinburgh

Holyrood distillery for a local single malt.

Holyrood Distillery (19 St Leonard’s Ln) first opened the doors to its century-old Engine Shed in 2017, making it the first distillery in Edinburgh to produce single malt since 1925!

Learn about the vision of the founders, Rob and Kelly Carpenter and former Macallan master distiller David Robertson, and the process of making whisky during this 1-hour tour .

Visitors can also try four different drams, from new age to mature, the latter being launched in October 2023!

Holyrood Whisky Distillery is located close to the Royal Mile in the Old Town , perfect for those who don’t want to travel too far from the City Centre.

Reserve your spot  here .

Note: Most of the tours in our Edinburgh whisky experience guide require proof of age, as drinking participants are required by law to be over the age of 18.

• Duration 1 hour
• Drinks included: Yes

Pory of Leith Distillery For a Unique Take

Port of Leith Distillery (11 Whisky Quay) is the UK’s first vertical distillery located in the lively neighbourhood of Leith , which can be reached by foot, bus, and tram.

Leith is steeped in whisky heritage, dating back to 1822 when it received one of only six licences to store whisky.

Today, visitors can join this 1.5-hour tour , which includes visiting the copper stills on the ground floor, a tasting session, and the opportunity to fill your own 10ml bottle of the Port of Leith Distillery spirit.

Be sure to make time for a drink and snacks at the rooftop bar on floors eight and nine, which has floor-to-ceiling windows to the Firth of Forth and Leith skyline – an Ev Ed favourite!

This Edinburgh whisky distillery tour stipulates no high-heeled shoes.

• Duration: 1 hour

Whisky Experiences in Edinburgh

The scotch whisky experience – the city’s first whisky attraction.

The original whisky museum operating since 1988, The Scotch Whisky Experience (354 Castlehill), knows how to educate while entertaining visitors on the Royal Mile.

There are two tour options.

The 50-minute tour is ideal for those looking for a quick introduction to the nation’s drink and features a guided tour with one dram.

The 75-minute tour provides the same tour but with four single-malt whiskies.

The tour includes a ride in a barrel, beautifully shot movies with footage from the five whisky-producing regions, a lesson in the Blenders’ Sample Room, and the cherry on top is a walk through one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky, which has nearly 3,500 individual bottles.

Tour guests also receive a crystal glass to take home; we still use ours!

Reserve your spot h e r e .

• Duration: 50 mins or 75 mins

Johnnie Walker Princes Street For a Multi-Sensory Tour

Even as a non-whisky drinker, I thoroughly enjoyed this 1.5-hour tour in Edinburgh’s West End .

Johnnie Walker Princes Street (145 Princes St) offers a super modern experience starting with a taste test and a narrated story featuring Walker.

A professional and passionate guide then introduces the different stages of the Johnnie Walker whisky process, which is spread out over several diverse rooms, two of which give plenty of scope for trying neat whisky or highball cocktails; the latter was my preference.

If you have time, reserve a table at the rooftop bar, which also has an outside patio with views over Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.

After doing this tour ourselves, we have purchased gift vouchers for multiple family members, again not all of whom are huge whisky fans.

• Duration: 1.5 hours

Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh

Royal mile whisky tasting in a pub.

If the sound of a distillery tour sounds too daunting and an experience is a little bit too much effort, consider this 2-hour session that marries Scottish storytelling with single malt tasting in one location.

The event takes place in the upper level of a coffee/whisky specialist cafe, so the group has a private space to try their hand at sampling four whiskies and taking notes about each dram.

This is one of the best whisky-tasting tours in Edinburgh for couples and groups where some members don’t enjoy whisky, as they can request alternatives or non-alcoholic beverages.

• Duration: 2 hours

Small Group Whisky Walking Tour

Do you prefer to be on your feet while learning about the history of Uisge Beatha and its significance in Edinburgh?

This 2-hour tour follows in the footsteps of royalty, King James IV, who is said to have put whisky on the map, allowing Scotland’s capital to have a monopoly in its production.

The tour takes guests around the Old Town before concluding in the cosy Megget’s Cellar for a four-dram tasting session, which customers love.

Underground Tasting Session

Did you know that Edinburgh has a city that lies beneath the cobbled streets of the Old Town ?

This 1.5-hour tasting tour invites guests to join them in an underground vault to try whiskies from four of the producing regions of the country.

Eager whisky aficionados can upgrade to the five-tasting session, which features more rare options.

Private Whisky Tour

This 3-hour tour is completely personalised to your taste and is delivered by a professional tour guide who knows Edinburgh as much as they understand malt!

The price includes a walking tour, a visit to a whisky cellar, and four whisky samples.

Reserve your spot  here .

If you are serious about scotch, check out these 1-4 whisky day tours too.

• Duration: 3 hours

Final Words

In wrapping up our guide to the top scotch tours in Edinburgh, we’ve uncovered the city’s rich whisky heritage through its new distilleries, sampling sessions, and unique storytelling.

Don’t forget to say Slàinte Mhath with every cheers !

Which of the tours will you choose? Tell us in the comments.

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Speyside Whisky Trail: 3-Day Small Group Tour from Edinburgh Verified

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Sit back and let us do the driving while you visit some of the finest distilleries in Speyside, sample the whisky and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Highlands. Over half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries are found along the Speyside Whisky Trail!

• Travel with a small, friendly group in a luxury mini-coach
• Visit 4 of Scotland’s single malt whisky distilleries
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Scottish Highlands

A warm welcome awaits you in Speyside, home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries. You’ll have a chance to sample the whisky and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Cairngorm, Speyside and Royal Deeside.

Day 1: Into the Highlands

Our 3-day Scotch Whisky adventure begins with a drive north from Edinburgh into the Highlands. We’ll stop at the historic village of Dunkeld for a short forest walk to see the waterfalls. Afterwards, we’ll lead to Pitlochry for lunch and to our first distillery visit at Dalwhinnie. This is the highest distillery in Scotland and the closest to the source of the River Spey.

From Dalwhinnie we follow the river north through the Cairngorm National Park to the small town of Grantown on Spey, which is where our accommodation is located. This will be our base for the next 2 nights.

Day 2: Exploring Scotland’s Most Famous Whisky Region

We’ll spend the entire day exploring Scotland’s most famous whisky region. After a scenic drive toward the coast our first stop is the family-owned Benromach Distillery for a personalized tour. From here it is just a short distance to Elgin, the home of Gordon and Macphail – one of the world’s leading specialist whisky bottlers and suppliers.

From Elgin we’ll travel back up the Spey to Craigellachie for a vist to the Speyside Cooperage. Here you’ll see another aspect of the whisky-making process. We’ll have lunch either in Craigellachie or in nearby Aberlour. Then we’ll visit Cardhu Distillery, which produces the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label. After visiting Cardhu we’ll head back to Grantown on Spey, where we’ll spend the night.

Day 3: Glenlivet & Balmoral Castle

On this final day of the tour we’ll take you through the beautiful Cairngorm Mountains as we may our way back to Edinburgh. In the morning we’ll explore Glenlivet, which is not just a distillery but also home to a beautiful glen that features great walks and abundant wildlife.

Later on we pass by famous Balmoral Castle and stop in the village of Braemar in the heart of the National Park. From here the route takes us south over Scotland’s highest mountain pass and then through Perthshire before our arrival Edinburgh at around 18:30.

Please note that the tour itinerary and distillery visits may vary throughout the season and differ from the description above. There will, however, always be a minimum of 4 distillery visits.

Accommodation is at a range of locally owned, friendly B&Bs and guest houses, all with ensuite facilities, in tranquil Grantown-on-Spey, located in the heart of the Speyside region.

What’s included

• Accommodation (2 nights)
• Air-conditioned mini coach transportation
• Local driver/guide

What’s Not Included

• Refreshments
• Gratuities (optional)
• Price From £249
• Listing categories From Edinburgh
• Location / Region Speyside

Opening Hours

10 reviews on “speyside whisky trail: 3-day small group tour from edinburgh”, patrick – switzerland.

Interessante Tour, sympatischer Tourguide

Unser Tourguide Barney half dabei die Tour sehr kurzweilig zu machen. Neben Informationen über Whisky erfuhren wir auch einiges über die Geschichte von Schottland. Er setzte sich auch für uns ein, damit wir z. B. bei einer Destillerie nicht nur normale Gläser, sondern Gläser mit dem Schriftzug der Destillerie bekamen. Ausserdem fuhr er uns jeweils kurz durch die Dörfer, wo wir essen würden und zeigte uns wo sich die verschiedenen Restaurants/Cafes und der Supermarkt befanden.

Carsten – Erkrath, Germany

Super Erfahrung, gut organisiert

Frank – Brüel, Germany

Super organisiert, tolle Reiseleitung von Barny und Sarah. Absolut empfehlenswert. Gute Zusammenstellung der Reisehöhepunkte. Amüsante und interessantes Entertainment von unserem Tour Guide. In Grantown on Spey unbedingt Graigs Pup besuchen! Tolle Papa-Sohn Tour.

Juergen – Hildburghausen, Germany

echt super Veranstaltung Habe die Tour mit meinem Sohn gemacht. Sehr gute Organisation. Ein besonderer Dank auch an Alen, unserem echten schottischen Guide. Unser Hotel, sehr familiär, sehr sauber und schick, haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt.Werden das wiederholen. Sehr schöne Vater-Sohn-Tour.

Thilo – Bonn, Germany

Tolle Tour, nicht überladen. Perfekt! Großartige Tour, die einem in verhältnismäßig kurzer Zeit ein gutes Gefühl für die wunderschönen schottischen Highlands gibt und dabei den Whisky nicht zu kurz kommen lässt. Emily, unsere Fahrerin/Reiseleiterin war eine begnadete Geschichtenerzählerin mit einem feinen Humor. Als Alleinreisender wusste ich nicht, was mich erwarten würde, aber man findet schnell Anschluss zu Gleichgesinnten. Ende März 2016 hatten wir sogar Glück mit dem Wetter und Emily hat die Tour flexibel mit einem willkommenen Abstecher zum Meer daran angepasst. Es gab sogar eine spontane, ungeplante Whiskyprobe bei The Whisky Castle in Tomintoul! Fühlte mich durchweg in guten Händen und es kam zu keinem Zeitpunkt Langeweile auf. Positiv sei auch erwähnt, dass die Tour einen nicht überfordert, indem man einen starren Zeitplan einhalten muss. Es gab zwischendurch viel Gelegenheit zu verschnaufen und die Landschaft zu genießen. Wer einen Eindruck von Land, Leuten und Whisky sucht, der ist hier genau richtig!

Manfred – Zülpich, Germany

Schöne Tour mit tollem Guide! Eine angenehme kurzweilige Fahrt mit hervorragender Unterkunft und einer guten Auswahl der besuchten Destillen. Ein besonderer Dank an unseren kenntnisreichen Guide Keith.

PEDRO NICOLAS – Argentina

Lo mejor de Escocia

Si les gusta el whisky y quieren hacer una excursión basado en ello, no se pueden perder esta oportunidad. Es genial

MichelL – Canada

Le trajet routier était aussi intéressant que la partie whisky Seul bémol,le 1er soir on a eu du mal à trouver un restaurant,tout était déjà réserver. Donc on aurait aimé avoir une réservation avec le groupe.

Lloyd – Jarvis, Canada

An amazing trip! Pete was an excellent resource, Ardconnel B&B superb!

Stayed at Travel Lodge night before right across the street from boarding. A well run trip. Pete was an excellent resource & knowledgeable on the area of Speyside as well as on the scotch. Ardconnel B&B was superb, friendly accommodating host and hostess (Tom & Franciose). I would recommend a Rabbies Tour for anyone.

Pierre – Sweden

A great intrduction to the Speyside Destilleries and history Went on this Speyside Whisky Trail with my 3 sons (25, 29 and 30yrs old) after several years of dreaming and the dream came true. We had Keith as driver/guide and he was very nice, good knowledge both of whisky, distilleries, history and the geography. And last but not least had a good sense of humour. We joined a nice an “friendly group” of 12 as advertised and made good friends during the tour. This was a really great tour for me and my sons and created memories to treasure, we really recommend it both for whisky-lovers and future wannabe whisky-lovers. The distillery tours with tasting was great, some of the stop were perhaps a wee bit too short but we only had 3 days so that is in a way understandable. The accommodation in Ardconnel House B&B in Granton on Spey was wonderful, with great hosts. We cant wait until next opportunity to make another tour in the region with Rabbies tours this and perhaps could that also incl some odd gin distillery and Ale brewery as a complement.

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HIGHLAND WHISKY TOUR – HALF DAY

Highland whisky tour from edinburgh.

Tour Details

• Depart Edinburgh at 8:30am.
• Visit one Highland distilleries and join their tours, have some whisky samples and enjoy the surroundings of the Scottish Highlands.
• Drive back to Edinburgh
• Return around 12:15pm
• Driver Guide in small group or private transport
• Pickup and drop off at Malones, 242 Morrison Street, Edinburgh.
• Bottled water
• Distillery booking made for you
• Admission (Ranges from £10-£25)
• Extra Whisky

£99.00 per person for the half day tour from Edinburgh.

Book now to confirm your place.

This is an example itinerary that we use as a guide, but there may be slight adjustments due to availability.

The tour needs two customers to run. Please contact us if you require more information: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your covid-19 policy.

• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience.
• Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas.
• Gear/equipment sanitized between use.
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.
• Guides required to regularly wash hands.
• Regular temperature checks for staff.

What does the half day Highland whisky tour price include?

• Pickup and drop off at Malones, 242 Morrison Street, Edinburgh

What isn't included in your half day whisky tour price?

What group size is the whisky tasting tour.

If you have larger groups and or questions or queries, please email us at [email protected] and we can offer a bespoke quote for you.

When does the whisky tasting tour run?

The date i need is unavailable..., i have another question.

If you have any questions not addressed here, please email us at [email protected] or call us on: 07549839684

Choose your tour date:

Sample the best whisky in the highlands with whiskywheels.

We provide bespoke whisky tours in Scotland.

07549 839 684 (UK)

+19299230210 (USA)

CLICK HERE TO WHATSAPP

[email protected]

• PLAN YOUR VISIT
• BOOK A TOUR

holyrood distillery tour

If you are looking to book this tour for a date after 7th October 2023, this can be booked here

An Authentic Whisky Experience

We are a short 15-minute walk from the Royal Mile, located right next to Holyrood Park. The Lothian Buses Number 14 stops on Rankeillor Street a 2-minute walk to our front door and many other services stop nearby, please visit lothian buses for details.

We don’t provide public parking, however blue badge holders/registered disabled vehicles can pick up and drop off in the courtyard area. We have several bike racks on site, allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Distilleries to visit by train: Part 1

If you’re exploring Scotland and you don’t have a car, don’t worry! Our team here at the Scotch Whisky Experience love to get out and about to see the distilleries whose whisky we showcase on our tours. Harry from our Visitor Experience team has narrowed down a list of distilleries in Scotland that you can visit on the train. This week, we’re setting off from Edinburgh Waverley station for distilleries in the Lowlands and Highlands.  

“Whether you live in Scotland or you’re visiting from abroad, it’s good to know you don’t need a car to visit one of Scotland’s many whisky distilleries. Whilst many are only accessible by car, there are plenty available to see with nothing more than a train ticket. You shouldn’t need an excuse to travel by train in Scotland ­– the country’s railway lines are home to some incredible views. If you’re taking a scenic route, some of these journeys will be long, but they are well worth the time taken. Before you even reach a distillery, you’ll feel more immersed in the Scottish landscape.  

Glenfinnan viaduct (credit: Andrew Palmer photography)  

Whilst there are many ways of making train trips go further, such as taxis, ferries , and PlusBus tickets , the list below was made using some straightforward rules.  

• Only distilleries with train stations can be considered. Sounds pretty obvious, but Ardmore, Tomatin and many other distilleries sit alongside railway lines. If you see these on a map, don’t be fooled – there are no train stations nearby, so you would struggle to get off and visit the distillery!  
• Anywhere more than 30 minutes’ walk from a station is out. You probably don’t have all day to visit one distillery, and a long hike may be impractical for visitors with additional access requirements.  
• No changes onto buses and ferries, again to keep things simple.  
• Every distillery listed here has a visitor centre! You can’t take this for granted: some distilleries, while accessible by train, are not open to the public.  

We can narrow down Scotland’s 120+ distilleries to a list of 18 train-accessible options. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be showing you which distilleries you can visit by train based on which station you want to leave from: Edinburgh (Waverley) , Glasgow (Queen Street) or Inverness . I’ve also produced an interactive map online showing all the railway lines and distilleries listed here.  

Travelling from Edinburgh  

If you’ve arrived in Scotland via its capital city and haven’t hired a car, then don’t worry: many Scotch whisky distilleries are still accessible by train directly from Edinburgh. The city’s main train station, Waverley, is an architectural masterpiece only a few minutes’ walk downhill from the Scotch Whisky Experience . Some trains heading north from Edinburgh also cross the Firth of Forth over the famous Forth Bridge – ideal for doing extra sightseeing on the way to a distillery!  

The Forth bridges: photo Gavin McDougall Photography  

Blair Athol

Region: Highland Train Station: Pitlochry Time from Edinburgh: 1h 50m  

Blair Athol distillery (credit and copyright: Diageo)  

With a quick walk through the town of Pitlochry, the Blair Athol distillery is an accessible Highland distillery. The town is situated along the scenic Central Highland Line, and makes a good stopping-off point before heading further north towards the Cairngorms and Inverness. Blair Athol’s single malt is part of Diageo’s ‘Flora and Fauna’ range, making it a comparatively rare find for Scotch whisky fans. As the home of Bell’s Blend, Blair Athol distillery offers tours for both single malt and blend enthusiasts from £16-65.  

Region : Lowland Train Station: Leuchars Time from Edinburgh: 1 hr  

A 20 minute walk from Leuchars train station, Eden Mill is a combined brewery and distillery. If your travelling companions are more interested in beer and/or gin, then this will make a good visit for everyone. Eden Mill is one of Scotland’s newest distilleries. Given how few Lowland distilleries produce single malt, this is a unique and historic chance to see something different in the world of Scotch whisky – all without hours of driving north! Distillery tours are £10 per person, with a more detailed gin blending ‘Blendworks’ class available for £95. Under-16s are not allowed. (At the time of fact-checking this article, tours were not available, please do check their website for details).  

Train Station : Dalwhinnie Time from Edinburgh: 2h 20m (if direct)  

Dalwhinnie distillery (credit and copyright: Diageo)  

The highest distillery in Scotland, Dalwhinnie sits remote and isolated on the edge of the Cairngorms. If you’re looking for a historic distillery in a scenic location, Dalwhinnie offers all that with a direct train from Edinburgh. Fans of a light, floral single malt will enjoy visiting Dalwhinnie, but should wrap up warm! Tours here are affordable, ranging from £16-39, and offer a range of chocolates alongside your whisky.  

Annandale   

Region: Lowland Train Station: Annan Time from Edinburgh: 1h 45m  

Visiting Annandale by train does require entering England (!) and changing trains at Carlisle. However, Annandale is a brand new, up-and-coming Lowland distillery well worth a visit. Like Eden Mill, Annandale is on the verge of producing its first single malt. Visiting here is therefore more exciting for those interested in the rise of new distillers, not those looking for a historic spirit to take home with them. A variety of tours are on offer, starting at £15 per person. As well as a ‘Classic’ Distillery Tour, you can take tours with the distillery’s owner, David Thomson, and a Technical Tour with more precise details about the distillation process.

Additional Info 

All train times shown here are based on info from the National Rail Journey Planner . Prices will vary based on age of travellers, any railcards, and how far in advance tickets are purchased. Scotrail rover tickets, such as the Highland Rover (with four days unlimited travel over eight consecutive days for £95), could allow you to visit many of these distilleries with one ticket!  

“Silent season” – many whisky distilleries will close down during mid-summer or winter for what is known as silent season. During silent season the stills won’t run and the distillery may be closed to visitors while general maintenance is carried out and the team take a well-earned break. Make sure you’re not disappointed by checking with the distillery you are planning to visit to find out when their silent season will fall.  

This was one of a three-part series on exploring Scotland’s distilleries by rail. Find our which distilleries you can visit by train from Glasgow here , and which ones you can visit from Inverness here . 

7 new whisky distilleries opening in Scotland this year - including Rosebank and The Cabrach

As the whisky market continues to grow, there are many new openings to look forward to this year..

Here we take a look at a range of new distilleries which are set to open this year in Scotland, from eye-catching builds, to long lost names from ‘ghost’ sites and sustainable projects.

Ardgowan, Inverkip

This sustainable distillery revealed plans for its distillery and visitor centre in early 2022.

The design for the Ardgowan distillery uses low environmental impact composite cladding, timber and steel materials to create a light-filled modern Nordic long hall.

The building is designed to provide an ergonomic energy efficient distillery and to maximise the visitor experience and will incorporate a glass-walled ‘sky platform’ with views of the Clyde.

Planning was secured in 2019 and ground was broken last year. It is thought that the distillery will open later this year.

Eden Mill, St Andrews

Scottish distillers Eden Mill are in the latter stages of constructing their gin and whisky distillery on the banks of the Eden Estuary in Guardbridge, St. Andrews.

Based on The University of St Andrews' Eden Campus, the distillery is being built with sustainability at its core.

All electricity will be sourced from renewable sources including the University's own solar array farm and Co2 from the fermentation will be captured and re-used by the University.

Eden Mill's new distillery will be operational later this year, and will open to the public early 2025.

Portintruan Distillery, Islay

Famous whisky destination, Islay, is set to get another distillery, as planning permission was granted to Elixir Distillers and ground broken for Portintruan Distillery in 2020.

Born from a love of Islay and its whiskies, co-founders of Elixir Distillers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh plan to combine elements of tradition and modernity in both design and production for their new distillery.

The design of the distillery features an exterior that ties in with the traditional look of the other south coast distilleries on Islay, alongside some modern touches that reflect the landscape of the site on which it will be built.

Inside there will be floor maltings and plans also detail an on-site, a visitor’s centre and a multi-purpose educational facility.

Work is well underway on the distillery site, with distilling anticipated in 2024, led by distillery manager Georgie Crawford.

Benbecula Distillery, Benbecula

This outer Hebrides distillery plans to start distilling this year. Owned by father and son team, Angus E and Angus A MacMillan, the duo have also recently released a whisky, rum and gin under the MacMillan spirits brand.

Benbecula Distillery will pay homage to the island’s rich maritime heritage. These include a storytelling corner, a seafood bar and a Lighthouse offering 360 degree views over Benbecula looking as far as Skye, Harris and the Monach Isles.

Benbecula Distillery has the ambition to be producing 500,000 bottles of whisky per year and it is estimated that this will create an initial 10-12 local jobs.

Port Ellen, Islay

Back in 2019, Diageo submitted plans that would see the I s lay distillery reopen more than 35 years after it was closed.

The detailed plans set out proposals following community engagement and pre-application consultation with key stakeholders.

The distillery’s buildings, which are located on the south coast of the island, have gone through many changes since it first opened in 1824, with the distillery closing and largely being demolished in the 1930s, before being rebuilt in the 1960s.

Following its most recent closure in 1983 very few of the original buildings remain.

In mid-March 2024 Port Ellen officially reopened in a brand new, carbon neutral site. Visitors can book for a reborn tour, priced at £200 including drams, or an open day, which is free of charge, but doesn't' include whisky tasting.

Rosebank, Falkirk

Ghost distillery, Rosebank , has reopened after its redevelopment under new owners, Ian Macleod Distillers.

Situated on the banks of the Forth and Clyde canal between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the famous distillery lay dormant for a quarter of a century, after it was mothballed in 1993 by former owner UDV (now Diageo) and its maltings were converted into a restaurant.

At the time, it was feared the whisky - which was often referred to as the ‘King of the Lowlands’ – would be gone forever, until Ian Macleod Distillers acquired the Rosebank brand and last remaining stocks in October 2017.

In January 2019 they were granted permission to revive the distillery and have since been putting plans in place to breathe new life into the grounds.

The distillery will be open to the public from June, with tours available to book online.

The Cabrach, Moray

The Cabrach, a remote, upland area in the North East of Scotland, was a once thriving community of over 1,000 residents and a legendary haunt of rebellious Jacobites, illicit distillers and smugglers.

Now, after announcement of multi-million-pound funding in 2021, it will be home to a distillery and heritage centre.

Moves to regenerate the area as a sustainable community have been driven by The Cabrach Trust, who confirmed it secured the £3.5million needed to activate this anticipated project which will be delivered in harmony with the natural environment of the Cabrach.

This historic development is set to open this year as a social enterprise. There will also be an inaugural whisky release: The Feering, this year.

Ones to watch

Machrihanish distillery, campbeltown.

While this new distillery won’t open this year, it broke ground in 2023.

The plans for the distillery come from the owners of the Isle of Raasay Distillery, R&B Distillers, who want to add a second single malt whisky brand to their portfolio by building The Machrihanish Distillery to create Campbeltown’s first farm-to-bottle single malt.

Laggan Bay, Islay

Set to be the twelfth distillery on Islay, planning permission for Laggan Bay was submitted in 2022.

The distillery and brewery site covers some two hectares, just opposite Islay’s airport in the centre of Islay, and is situated less than a mile from Islay’s longest beach, the Big Strand in Laggan Bay, from which the distillery takes its name.

As part of the project, The  Islay  Boys have announced a partnership with family-owned Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd to help bring the new distillery to fruition.

The Scotsman

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Holyrood Distillery Gin Tasting Experience

Sip your way through our award winning Height of Arrows Gin range with our relaxed, interactive and conversational Gin Tasting Experience!

Allow us to warmly welcome you to our Distillery home, while you get to know your guide and group for the evening.

Moving through to our Spirits Lab and Gin Distillery, you’ll taste your first gin as you learn to mix, make and shake your very own cocktail!

As your guide takes you through the origins of our gin-making journey, learn more about the sophisticated and complex flavour of our gin with an extra dash of neat spirit to enjoy.

Explore the direction of modern gin production in Scotland with a behind the scenes sample of our future projects, accompanied by a delicious Gin Chocolate Truffle (made in partnership with Edinburgh’s own COCO Chocolatier).

Finally, create your own perfect serve Gin & Tonic with our Height of Arrows range and a selection of premium mixers and garnishes to enjoy in our cosy distillery bar.

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Unlock the Best of Scotland: Your 72-Hour Glorious Guide

I f there’s one thing to know about Scotland, it’s that 72 hours isn’t nearly enough time to take in this epic country and its variety of experiences. Nevertheless, we found ourselves with approximately three days to do exactly that and we definitely made the most of it. As one might expect, we weren’t able to visit certain cities or entire regions so we’ll throw them on our bucket list for next time (here’s looking at you, Islay). Until then, may our little travel guide offer you a glorious glimpse into this unique and incredible nation.

Table of Contents

Where we visited in scotland.

Our brief journey through Scotland spanned multiple cities and towns and made up part of a broader UK-based experience. We ended up cramming an impressive amount of activity into a 72-hour window but easily could have spent twice as much time in any given area, which isn’t to mention all the other areas we would have liked to visit. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Flew into the city of Aberdeen and drove to Dufftown.
• Spent the night in Dufftown and drove back to Aberdeen the next day.
• Spent the night in Aberdeen and took the train to the city of Edinburgh the next day.
• Spent the night in Edinburgh and took the train to London the next day.

Located in the historic Speyside region, Dufftown—aka ‘The Malt Whisky Capital of the World’—reportedly produces more whisky than any other burgh in Scotland. Visitors come from near and far to visit a bounty of distilleries, including Mortlach, Glenfiddich , Balvenie , and others. Fun fact: a number of these distilleries take their names directly from geographical areas and landmarks. For instance, Glenfiddich was founded in the glen (i.e. valley) of the River Fiddich.

The drive into Dufftown from Aberdeen is almost exactly what someone would expect if they’ve ever heard anything about Scotland. Picture green hills filled with grazing sheep and cattle, rolled haystacks dispersed across dry farmland, and the occasional stone cottage and you get the idea. Should you be coming in from a city, the landscape provides a welcomed respite from any urban hustle and bustle.

Eat – Seven Stills French Restaurant and Malt Whisky Bar/Lounge

If you’re hoping to grab a delicious meal in Dufftown, this semi-private whisky lounge and restaurant would be the place to do it. Within a restored building, chef and co-owner Patrick draws from French and Scottish influences to whip up a menu of culinary delights. An adjoining whisky lounge and its impressive selection round out the one-of-a-kind experience.

Drink – Quaich Whisky Bar at The Craigellachie Hotel

Just a few minutes outside of Dufftown is the small village of Craigellachie, home to both the namesake distillery as well as Speyside legend The Macallan. It’s also where one will find ‘Scotland’s oldest whisky hotel,’ wherein lies the historic Quaich Whisky Bar. To enter this cushy domain is to spoil yourself silly with a selection of over 1,000 single malts from around the world.

Stay – The Highlander Inn

This modest inn across the street from The Craigellachie Hotel is more affordable and understated by comparison. Yet what it lacks in sophistication it makes up for in terms of authentic experience. Book a room upstairs and head down to the bar to discover another smorgasbord of whisky, including mega-rare expressions that you probably won’t find anywhere else. And when we say anywhere else, we mean anywhere else .

Do – Take a Tour of the Glenfiddich/Balvenie Distilleries

In an era where virtually every major distillery is owned by a massive conglomerate, Glenfiddich and The Balvenie make for brilliant exceptions. Founded by William Grant & Sons over a century ago, both distilleries are still family-owned and operated to this day. They also happen to sit right next to each other, allowing one to take two separate tours without leaving the general area.

At Glenfiddich, past and future collide by way of an operation that’s firmly committed to tradition while also continuing to expand. Over at The Balvenie, meanwhile, painstaking craftsmanship goes to superlative extremes (for example, they’re among the few whisky-makers that still perform their own floor maltings). Separately or together, the distilleries take up enough acreage to render the impression of a full-blown campus. No trip to Dufftown is complete without a stop here.

After an unforgettable experience in Dufftown and its surrounding environs, we cruised back to Aberdeen. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the day, spent the night on the outskirts of the city, and then disembarked the next morning. But we’ll be damned if we can’t throw out a few solid suggestions for any future travellers.

Stay – Maryculter House

Perched on a river bank and across from a golf course, Maryculter House has the unique power to make time stand still. This is the kind of hotel where a brass key gets you into your spacious room and where you’re always close to an epic view. Grab a delicious meal, sip on whisky, take in the surroundings, chat with strangers in the courtyard, and prepare to remember your stay for a long time to come.

Do – Take the Train from Aberdeen to Edinburgh

The train ride from Aberdeen to Edinburgh clocks in at about two hours and twenty minutes and frequently runs adjacent to the Scottish coastline, thereby offering no shortage of breathtaking views. It’s a seamless and comfortable ride that brings the country further into focus by way of land, sea, and quaint village alike.

And now for the main attraction! Voted by Time Out as the “best city in the world” in 2022, Edinburgh blows your mind from the moment you arrive. In any given direction is visually sumptuous and historic architecture, which doesn’t so much blend with the modern businesses as much as it does swallow them whole. Yes, you’ll find plenty of contemporary shops, bars, restaurants, municipalities, and businesses, and yet the centuries-old vibes persist via the clock towers, churches, castles, and cobblestones.

Speaking of castles, they’re so high in number that to visit them all would take up an entire day (if not more). Given that we were on a time crunch, we regrettably didn’t visit a single one and, therefore, didn’t include any in our guide. But based on reputation alone, landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are surely worth checking out should you have the time.

So what did we do during our brief stay? Drank plenty of whisky, naturally. We also enjoyed an incredible dinner and toured a local distillery, amongst other things. Here are some suggestions.

Eat – Wedgwood the Restaurant

You wouldn’t expect Scotland to deliver one of our best dinner experiences in recent memory, but that’s exactly what we encountered at this fine dining establishment. The team of Paul and Lisa Wedgwood combines local ingredients with global influences to redefine Scottish cuisine for the modern era, bringing in an expertly curated wine selection and all-hands-on-deck service. We opted for a seasonal tasting menu and left no bite behind, as to do so would be to miss out on some truly spectacular flavours. We can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough.

Drink – The Waverley Bar

Edinburgh is absolutely littered with high-quality whisky bars so it’s hard to isolate one over the others. But if you’re looking for a nice selection at good prices in a no-frills setting, The Waverley Bar in Old Town easily fits the bill. It’s located just a short walk uphill from the Royal Mile, the area’s main thoroughfare.

Do – Take a Tour of Holyrood Distillery

If we told you there was just a single whisky distillery operating in all of Edinburgh, we wouldn’t blame you for Googling it to be sure. That distillery goes by the name of Holyrood and it’s so new that its most- anticipated output is still resting in the barrel. That debut single malt is right around the corner and its arrival is called…well…Arrival. In the meantime, they’ve been churning out a fantastic selection of gin, vodka, and new-make spirit (i.e. young whisky).

Do – The Scotch Whisky Experience

If you love whisky not just for the taste but for everything from the history to the bottle designs and more, then The Scotch Whisky Experience belongs on your list of things to do. It goes down near Edinburgh Castle and offers whisky-themed tours and tastings as well as an acclaimed restaurant. Oh, and did we mention it’s also home to one of the world’s largest bottle collections?

Stay – Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian

By Waldorf standards, this one on Princes St. is relatively affordable but still predictably luxurious. It’s also right next door to the Johnnie Walker Experience, which we visited —and absolutely loved—on a previous trip. When in Rome, drink whisky.

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4 replies to this topic

There’s a footpath from st Leonard’s bank onto Queens drive. Going from the distillery to the palace is very much downhill! You can show an elevation profile on google maps,

Its a fairly gentle incline uphill from the Palace. Nothing steep.

@edinem They are going from Palace to distillery. So your response would become "very much uphill"

There are really 2 routes (that I can think of). On Queens Drive then up the pretty uneven/steepish footpath. Or the second needs a gentle uphill climb along Holyrood Road followed by a short steep climb near the Pleasance. So definitely uphill.

I'm LOLing at "upright and mobile." Upright is definitely good!!!

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