distillery tour from edinburgh

THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Distillery Tours

Distillery tours in edinburgh.

• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• Distillery Tours
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• Stockbridge & Dean Village
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• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
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• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
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• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Eat Walk Edinburgh

2. Edinburgh Black Cab Tours

3. Scottish Whisky Tours

4. Trike Tours Scotland

5. Once Upon a Whisky

6. Wee Scottish Tours

7. The Secret Garden Distillery

8. The Wanderer

9. The Kilted Guide

10. Wind & Cloud Travel

11. Drams without Drama

12. MTB Private Hire

13. Paul James Stewart

14. ScotlandTrips International

15. Whiskywheels Tours

16. Crosby & Bruce

17. Your Scotland Tour

18. Scottish Routes

20. Go Scotland Tours (Private Tours)

21. Your Scottish Tour

22. Cameron & Co. Tours

23. Private Driver Scotland

24. Edinburgh and Scotland Tour Co

25. Lang Atholl Experience

26. Tardis Tours

27. Scholarly Sojourns

28. Hidden Trax

29. Alasdair Northrop

30. Scottish Food and Drink Trails

What travelers are saying.

• Eat Walk Edinburgh
• Paul James Stewart
• ScotlandTrips International
• Alasdair Northrop
• Hidden Trax
• Wee Scottish Tours
• The Wanderer
• Edinburgh Black Cab Tours
• Trike Tours Scotland
• The Kilted Guide
• Scottish Whisky Tours
• Once Upon a Whisky
• The Secret Garden Distillery

Experience world famous whisky

Welcome to The Scotch Whisky Experience, a five star visitor attraction at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, where we've been inspiring visitors to Edinburgh about the joys of Scotch whisky for over 30 years.

Plan your visit

To see our FAQs page click here.

Welcome to The Scotch Whisky Experience, Ceud Mile Fàilte  (A hundred thousand welcomes in Gaelic)

Whether you take a tour, visit our shop and restaurant, or enjoy an event or tasting here, we guarantee you a sensational experience.

Our Experiences

The perfect journey through the world of Scotch whisky. We are storytellers; passionate about sharing with you our love for Scotch whisky and Scotland. Take one of our tours to widen your knowledge, explore flavours and create whisky memories.

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The Collection

The latest content from Scotch whisky's Edinburgh home.

The best whisky distilleries to visit in and around Edinburgh

When visiting the capital it can be very tempting to only stay within its walls, even for a whisky fan..

• This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

What with the educational fun of the Scotch Whisky Experience, the inviting atmospheres of the bars and the knowledgeable and friendly shops selling bottles galore.

And now with Holyrood Distillery opened to the public , all of your whisky whims are catered for.

However, should you venture outside of the city, there are a few of the country's top distilleries that are within a couple of hours drive from the capital.

Here is a list of the closest distilleries to Edinburgh that you can visit - so grab your designated driver and go see some whisky making.

The city centre...

Holyrood distillery  .

(15 minute walk from the Royal Mile - 19 St Leonard's Ln, Edinburgh EH8 9SH)

The first single malt whisky distillery in the city centre in almost a century has just opened to the public.

Though this exciting modern distillery doesn't have its own whisky (yet) it does have its own gin and a variety of tours including a masterclass with head distiller Jack Mayo, a gin experience and a walking tour led by Justine Hazlehurst, founder of Kask Whisky and Fife Whisky Festival.

You can browse the Holyrood Distillery range here .

Tours: Basic - £8 per person, gin and whisky experiences £22 per person and whisky masterclass £80 per person. 

• READ MORE: Holyrood Distillery: First look inside Edinburgh's newest whisky distillery

Within 40 minutes..., glenkinchie distillery .

(40 minutes from Edinburgh, Pencaitland, Trenant, EH 34 5ET)

Picture: Diageo

Only 15 miles from the capital lies Edinburgh's unofficial distillery, home of the 'Edinburgh malt' and one of the best equipped in the country for tours.

With an incredible scale model to show the process involved in whisky making, a state of the art visitor centre and an intimate tour, it's well worth checking out.

Best of all, they even offer a shuttle service from the centre of Edinburgh to Glenkinchie twice a day, 7 days a week, which you can book by calling the distillery.

You can browse the Glenkinchie range here .

Tours: £10 per person

• read more:  glenkinchie distillery in east lothian opens the doors to its newly extended visitor centre, within an hour or so..., deanston distillery .

(One hour and 10 minutes from Edinburgh, Doune, FK16 6AG)

Deanston Distillery and River Teith. Picture: Colin Smith\Geograph

Having played a starring role in the Ken Loach film, The Angels' Share, (well for the interior shots) Deanston distillery isn't too far to get to by car from Edinburgh, and is another exciting example of whisky making in action.

Though it's not the prettiest of the distilleries on this list, be in no doubt that it produces some tasty liquid, while also sporting some excellent visitor facilities - which show how the distillery grew from a cotton mill to a modern day production site.

You can browse the Deanston range here .

Tours: £9 (basic) to £35 per person

Clydeside distillery .

(One hour and 12 mins from Edinburgh, 100 Stobcross Rd, Glasgow G3 8QQ)

Picture: Trip Advisor

Let's face it, Glasgow is only an hour from the capital and though the two cities are like chalk and cheese, they both know whisky and in the Clydeside Distillery, the first in Scotland's biggest city with a fully functioning visitor centre (Glasgow Distillery being the first to produce single malt) they have a cracking excuse to make your way there for a day trip.

Learn all about the whisky barons and Glasgow's rich history of shipbuilding and sea trade, before finding all about how this pretty distillery is making its first ever single malt which should be available in a few years or so.

It's within walking distance from the city centre and also has an incredible whisky shop and cafe that are both worth visiting if you make your way there.

You can buy a bottle of Clydeside's first release, Stobcross, by clicking this link .

Tours: £15 (basic) to £150 per person 

• read more:  spirit flows on the clyde as glasgow’s clydeside distillery officially opens, lindores abbey distillery, (abbey rd, newburgh, cupar ky14 6hh).

The spiritual home of Scotch whisky is also not far from the capital, it was here, that in 1494 that King James IV sent a commission to a friar living at the Abbey to make for him aqua vitae.

This would be the first recorded (in written form) reference to (whisky) spirit making in the country, nowadays what was once home to Friar John (the original spirit maker) is now home to one of Scotland's new distilleries, and perhaps rather aptly, Aqua Vitae is being made there once again.

Enjoy a tour around the fledgeling distillery and learn all about the history of the Abbey and the production site itself before enjoying an Aqua Vitae .

You can browse and buy the Lindores range here .

Tours: £12.50 per person (basic) to £75

Within an hour and a half..., kingsbarns distillery , (kingsbarns, st andrews ky16 8qe).

Picture: Kingsbarns

This shiny new distillery is part of the resurgence of whisky making in the kingdom of Fife and is another great production site doing things their own way.

Check out one of their excellent tours before relaxing with a  soup, coffee or a sandwich on the south-east facing cafe and terrace. Don't worry, if you have a larger group and want to stay for dinner, there are no less than two impressive rooms you can rent out for private dining.

Check out the Kingsbarn range here .

And should you want to try something other than whisky, why not check Kingsbarns sister distillery, Darnley's, where the exciting Darnley's gin is made.

Tours: Three different tours ranging from £10 (basic) -£50 per person with gin tours also available

The scotsman, get in touch.

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
• The Hills Of Aberfeldy Experience
• Aberfeldy 40 Highland Experience
• WHISKY TASTING EVENTS
• Virtual Experiences
• Explore events
• Event Rooms
• Our Distillery
• Heritage museum
• Whisky Lounge/cafe
• Whisky Bar & Cocktails
• Distillery Shop
• Plan your visit
• Accessibility
• #HomeofDewars
• Mailing list sign up
• Manage My Booking

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.

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!

• Isle of Skye & West Highlands – 4 Day tour with Rabbie’s
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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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holyrood distillery tour

Walk around a working distillery.

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BOOK YOUR holyrood distillery tour

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.

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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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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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SPEYSIDE WHISKY DISTILLERY PRIVATE DAY TOUR FROM EDINBURGH

‘Good To Go’, providing Covid-19 safe tours

Reschedule at any time if your plans change

Fully transferable, secure deposit

• Private day tours from Edinburgh /
• Speyside Whisky Private day tour from Edinburgh /

The Speyside Whisky day tour from Edinburgh is the perfect opportunity to experience three of Scotland’s most iconic whisky distilleries in undoubtably the most famous whisky region in the world. Departing from Edinburgh this tour not only takes in some stunning distilleries, but also some beautiful scenery and historic locations along the road. Your driver and private tour guide will explain the story of these places with stories and folklore as you travel between whisky distilleries. Each one of our private tours is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans , ensuring your comfort as we venture along the road north to Speyside and the narrow back roads of this beautiful region of Scotland. Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.

• Departs Edinburgh: 8am
• Returns Edinburgh: 7pm - 8pm

This tour doesn't run in December or January because of lack of daylight hours

Inclusions:

• Dedicated private tour guide and driver
• All travel costs
• Hotel pick up / drop off
• Luxury Mercedes tour van

Exclusions:

• Lunch / drinks
• Entrance to distilleries

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TOUR DURATION 11 hours (typically 9am - 8pm)

BOOK DIRECT FOR BEST RATE You will not find a better rate for this tour

INSTANT CONFIRMATION Receipt for your booking immediately

KEY SIGHTS ON THIS TOUR…

This long-day tour includes quite a lot of travelling but is a very rewarding day. However, if you have more time and prefer to experience speyside at a more relaxed pace, perhaps our two day Speyside whisky tour is better suited to your needs?

Each tour we operate is completely customisable to your interests and desired distilleries. Below are a few of our favourite whisky distilleries to visit but if you have a particular Speyside whisky distillery that you want to see, we can make that happen in the day from Edinburgh.

Typically we will visit one distillery for a full production tour and tasting and then enjoy whisky flights at two other distilleries with time for lunch at one of the riverside taverns along the Spey.

The Macallan Distillery

The Macallan Distillery is a major step away from the traditional image of a whisky distillery. The distillery traces its routes back to 1824, however a new and striking visitor centre opened its doors in 2018. The building is a unique blend of steel, glass and nature, brought together to create an awe-inspiring destination in Speyside.

We visit the Elchies Brasserie for lunch. The Brasserie offers inspired Scottish dishes matched to the Speyside setting. After lunch we visit the Macallan bar to discover their fine whisky range.

Please note that The Macallan is currently only avaialble Saturday & Sunday on a very restricted basis

Established by John and Helen Cumming, these trailblazing whisky entrepreneurs have a fascinating story that is told through the Cardhu whisky tour experience. started in 1811 John had a reputation as a whisky smuggler but it was his wife who was selling bottles of whisky from the kitchen window.

Seeing the opportunity of The Excise Act of 1823, John Cumming built a new distillery further down the valley. John Walker & Sons took control of Cardhu in 1893 and today the quaint distillery is known as the ‘Speyside home of Johnnie Walker’.

Strathisla Distillery

Established in 1786, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Located in the quaint town of Keith it was the first distillery owned by the Chivas Brothers of Chivas Regal fame and Strathisla produces both a fantastic Single Malt and is the soul of each and every Chivas Regal bottle.

The Glenlivet Distillery

Founded in 1824, Glenlivet is the largest producer of single Malt Whisky in Scotland. On the 75 minute tasting tour you will learn how the distillery works and of course have a dram or two of this iconic distilleries whisky. If you prefer not to take the guided distillery tour at this location you can instead experience a whisky ‘flight’ (tasting).

Along the road

As well as visiting these world-renowned distilleries there is plenty of scenery and history along the route. We will pass famous landmarks including The Forth Bridges, Pitlochry for comfort stop, Ruthven Barracks and travel through the stunning Cairngorm National Park.

Distilleries are subject to availability and where one of our suggested distilleries is not available a suitable alternative will be provided based on your preferences

SUGGESTED TOUR ROUTE…

Each tour we operate is unique and designed to your requirements. Here is an example of this tour’s route, but we can add in and remove anything you want

• Distance Instructions
• Distance 357 miles
• Time 7 h 34 min
• Speed 47 mph
• Min altitude 0 ft
• Descent 0 ft

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These are some of the frequently asked questions about our Speyside Whisky Private day tour from Edinburgh, however if you have a specific question please contact us

Can I customise the tour?

Yes, we can customise any itinerary. We’ll email you shortly after booking to ask if you have any customisation requests and suggest additions you may wish to make.

Can the tour start at the airport / cruise port

Yes, we regularly pick up guests from the airport or cruise port. Read more about shore excursions from cruise ships

Do I need to bring anything with me?

We recommend bringing a jacket (even if the forecast is good!) and comfortable shoes. We’ll provide everything else including umbrellas, binoculars refreshments and a wee treat or two!

Do you provide car seats for children?

Yes, by law children under 135cm (4.4 foot) must travel in a booster seat. We can also provide baby seats. Please advise us if you need this.

How do I pay for the tour

When you book you pay a 20% deposit. The final payment is due on the date of departure and is taken from your card automatically. We don’t accept cash for your tour payment.

I need to change my tour date

No problem, as long as we have availability we can change the tour date. The deposit is transferable to your new date

What about ‘comfort stops’

There are plenty of toilet opportunities! Each of our tours is designed to have regular breaks and tour guide can accommodate most requests for bathroom stops.

What about lunch on tour

Scotland is full of amazing places to eat and we’ll recommend stops that champion the best in Scottish quality and make the most of your time.

What is the maximum number of guests

We have two versions of our minivan; either 6 or 7 passengers. Find out more about our premium minivans

Where do I meet the tour

We pick you up from your hotel or accommodation. In some instances parking in the city centre is restricted so there might be a short walk to your vehicle, but your guide will walk with you to the vehicle.

ALL OF OUR TOURS COME COMPLETE WITH…

Kilt wearing tour guide, we are passionate, professional and full of personality. let us share our knowledge of scotland, hotel / cruise berth pick up, we’ll collect & return you at the start and end of the tour, bottled scottish water, `chilled, premium still and sparkling scottish water is provided, premium mercedes minivan, our minivans offer luxury interiors and excellent legroom for up to 7 guests and their bags, onboard wifi, stay connected to friends and family on tour with unlimited super-fast wifi, recent customer testimonials.

Guide picked us up and dropped us off on time (very important since we were coming from a cruise ship) and was very friendly and knowledgeable. Drove us to all the key points of interest, and the van was very clean and comfortable. Communication from [...]

From the moment Sandy picked us up, we knew we were in for a wonderful day trip experience around Edinburgh. His historical knowledge of the city and surrounding area is top notch! He tailored our day to take in some hidden gems and provided us [...]

Annemarie D

We had so much fun with Andy! He was a pleasure to spend an afternoon with. We visited Rosslyn Chapel and some other places that were in keeping with our interests, like the oldest pub in Scotland (I know, many make the claim, but I'm [...]

Mary Carol S

Fantastic day with Michael! Great views of Loch Lamond. A nice hike and lunch there as well. Michael was really informative about Sterling Castle and all of Glasgow. I would highly recommend this tour and Michael.

ISLAY WHISKY TOUR

Do you love Islay whisky?

Explore the best whisky distilleries in Islay with our 4 day Islay whisky tours from Edinburgh.

Edinburgh to Oban

Depart at 10:00am from 242 Morrison Street, Malones Pub, Edinburgh.

On our way to Islay, we make the journey from Edinburgh to Oban. On the way to Oban, we drive through and past the world-famous Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park.

Although this is an Islay Whisky Tour, we know that Highland distilleries provide a great introduction to traditional whisky distilling.

Our usual lunch stop is the Drover’s Inn. With over 300 years’ worth of visitors, the walls of the Drover’s Inn could certainly tell a tale. This historic and well-known building has welcomed hundreds of thousands of people, including Rob Roy and Gerard Butler! Other places, we use for lunch are Deanston distillery, Glenturret distillery and the Tyndrum Green Welly.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a national park in Scotland centred on Loch Lomond and the hills and glens of the Trossachs, along with several other ranges of hills. It was the first of the two national parks established by the Scottish Parliament in 2002, the second being the Cairngorms National Park.

The Park consists of many mountains and lochs, and the principal attractions are scenery, walking, and wildlife.

When we arrive in Oban, we will visit the Oban distillery.

Most people agree that the best way to travel to Islay on an Islay Whisky Tour is to break up the travel time with a stop in the Highlands. The time in Oban includes: a fantastic distillery tour and tasting at Oban distillery. Time to visit Oban town, have a meal and relax before we travel to Islay on day two. The small and historic Oban distillery is located in the charming coastal town of Oban.

Oban distillery takes its name from the town where the Highland mainland meets the Islands and nestles below the steep cliff that overlooks Oban. This coastal location is said to be reflected by the character of the Oban 14-year-old single malt whisky.

Duration: 7 hours. No meals included on this day. Accommodation included: Overnight B&B or Guesthouse stay at a local accommodation in Oban.

We use well-reviewed accommodation such as the Whisky Vaults.

Oban to Islay and Islay distilleries

Depart early morning depending on Ferry times.

Stop At: Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroaig

Lagavulin distillery.  Distillery tour and tasting. At least three whiskies included with the tour. Lagavulin distillery is a single malt whisky distillery in the village of Lagavulin on the south of the island of Islay, Scotland. It distils spirit that is destined to become Islay single malt Scotch whisky.

A firm favourite among locals and international whisky fans. The Lagavulin tour is a great way to start your tour on Islay!

After we visit Lagavulin, we move to Ardbeg for a whisky tasting and time for lunch.

At least four whiskies are included along with a tutored tasting from the bar staff. Lunch is excellent at Ardbeg.

The restaurant is frequented by whisky fans and locals because of the quality of food and experience.

One of the most popular stops on our Islay Whisky Tour is the tour and tasting at Laphroaig distillery. Two or three whiskies included. With a history dating back to the early 1800s and a reputation for producing some of the world’s most famous malt whiskies, the Laphroaig distillery is a great choice for whisky afficionados.

Duration: 10 hours. Breakfast included on this day. Accommodation included. Well reviewed guesthouses or Bed and Breakfasts.

Islay Whisky Tour

Depart your hotel around 9:00am

Tour and tasting at Kilchoman distillery – gain a behind scenes look into the day-to-day running of the distillery starting on the malt floor with a dram of their 100% Islay whisky.  You will have the opportunity to walk through the distillery production area accompanied by one of their friendly guides, visit the warehouse and finish with a dram in the lovely Visitor Centre.  A tasting glass is included and driver’s drams are available if required.

Bruichladdich Distillery, a stop for a quick tasting and look around the fantastic gift shop. Bruichladdich distillery is located on the southwestern tip of Islay. Bruichladdich distil four unique spirits and home to Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore single malt whiskies and the Botanist Islay dry gin.

Bowmore Distillery, shop visit and a quick taste. The distillery, which lies on the South-eastern shore of Loch Indaal, is one of the oldest in Scotland and is said to have been established in 1779. The distillery is owned by Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd, a holding company owned by Japanese drinks company Suntory. Morrison Bowmore also own the Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch distilleries and produce the McClelland’s Single Malt range of bottlings.

Lunch in Bowmore at the Bowmore hotel – situated in the island’s ‘capital’, Bowmore, in Jamieson Street and close to all the village amenities.

The lounge bar is used as the main lunchroom serving great food. Homemade soup, toasted sandwiches, fish and chips, baked potatoes, pasta bake etc all feature on the lunchtime menu.

The hotel stock a good range of beers and lagers. However, the 700 malt whiskies, mostly from Islay are what brings the majority of people to the most famous whisky bar on the island. This hotel is a fond meeting place for many whisky enthusiasts on an Islay Whisky Tour.

Tasting at Bunnahabhain – Very picturesque part of the Island. The Bunnahabhain Distillery was founded in 1881 near Port Askaig. The Bunnahabhain whisky is one of the milder single malt Islay whiskies available and its taste varies greatly from other spirits to be found on the island of Islay. The majority of its spirit is unpeated. Great selection of rare casks and styles to be found here.

Shop visit and a quick tasting at Caol Ila distillery, the new home of Johnnie Walker on the Island and a must visit.

Tour at Ardnahoe distillery – Ardnahoe prides itself on being a modern distillery, set beautifully in a stunning location, which employs rigorously traditional methods and values. The spirit being produced is sweet, smoky and smooth yet peaty and spicy – unique and dynamic to its very core.

Duration – 9 hours. Breakfast included. Accommodation included: We pick well-reviewed B&Bs and hotels for accommodation.

Islay to Edinburgh

Stop at Loch Fyne Whiskies. A whisky shop with friendly staff and an impressive selection of whiskies, liqueurs and gins, including exclusive and independent bottlings you won’t find elsewhere. Time for lunch in Inveraray.

On the way back from Loch Fyne Whiskies, we can stop at The Clydeside Distillery for a tasting or shop visit. All visitors to the Clydeside can enjoy lunches and bites in the sumptuous Pumphouse Café. Presenting all of Scotland’s bounty for you to enjoy. The food is freshly prepared using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and our menu is carefully chosen to showcase regional specialities (Food not included).

Breakfast: Breakfast served at your local B&B in Islay. No accommodation included on this day.

From £590 per person.

We can also tailor the tour to your needs and create a customised tour. For more information and to book a bespoke customised Islay Whisky Tour please contact us.

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 Islay whisky tour ticket price include?

What isn't included in your islay whisky tour ticket price.

• Whisky Experiences or whisky tastings over the six included
• Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
• Evening Transport – most places within walking distances and local taxi telephone numbers are provided

What group size is the whisky tour?

When does the whisky tour run, 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 islay single malt scotch whisky with whiskywheels.

We provide bespoke whisky tours in Scotland.

07549 839 684 (UK)

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Whisky Tours From Edinburgh: 1-4 Day Options

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Discover more about Scotland’s water of life by booking one of the following whisky tours from Edinburgh. Set off from the Old Town on a journey along winding roads, through lush landscapes, visit working distilleries, and sample some drams while an expert guide reveals why scotch has such a hold on the Scots and its visitors.

Note: In Scotland, whisky is spelt without an “e”. Whiskey is how our Celtic cousins, the Irish, refer to their liquid gold.

Distillery Tours From Edinburgh

1-day perthshire whisky day tour.

This whisky day tour is the most popular, according to its number of reviews.

Leaving Edinburgh in the morning by coach, the group tour travels over the iconic Queensferry Bridge at the Forth Bridges in South Queensferry .

Then it heads to its first stops in Dunkeld, The Hermitage trail, Black Linn Waterfall, Pitlochry, and the Queen’s View, overlooking the vast Loch Tummel, a popular spot for autumn foliage.

After sightseeing in the very picturesque Perthshire, a whisky expert takes you on a tour of the 1890s Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, where you also get the chance to try a dram of whisky!

Although the day is long, the route is divided up by many tourist stops, so the longest you spend on the bus is around 1.5 hours, according to reviews.

• Duration: 9.5 hours, with lots of stops
• Travel: By coach
• Number of Distilleries: 1

Reserve a spot here .

1-Day West Coast and Stirling Tour

This 10-hour tour leaves Edinburgh early morning, heading west to Glasgow’s Clydeside Distillery, which is set on the River Clyde.

Here, guests can pay an additional fee to tour the copper stills and learn about the scotch-making process, go for a walk along the Clyde, or visit the Riverside Museum.

The next stop is Trossachs National Park and its bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.

The remainder of the afternoon is spent at Stirling Castle, learning about William Wallace and Braveheart (additional fee) or visiting the city of Stirling.

• Duration: 10 hours
• Travel: By bus

1-Day Whisky Tour of Two Distilleries

Why visit one distillery when you can explore two?

The Ultimate Whisky Experience from Edinburgh tours Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and The Glenturret Distillery (Crieff), Scotland’s oldest working distillery, meaning that whisky aficionados can compare experiences and drinks.

A lunch stop in Aberfeldy is sandwiched between the distillery visits.

The price does not include the guided distillery tours.

• Number of Distilleries: 2

1-Day Kelpies and Whisky Day Tour

Learn about the whisky-making process at the 1775 Glenturret Distillery during this 1-day bus tour .

The bus trip leaves Edinburgh for Falkirk to see the magnificent 100ft Kelpies before the guided distillery tour.

The afternoon itinerary features the town of Dunkeld and the nature spot, The Hermitage.

• Duration: 9 hours, with lots of stops

1-Day Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Tour

Similar to previous options, this 1-day tour leaves Edinburgh for Stirling Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned at nine months old; this part of the trip also features the River Forth at the meeting point between the Lowlands and Highlands.

After Stirling, the bus drives to Loch Lomond at the Trossachs National Park before visitors taste the “water of life” at Glengoyne Distillery.

The tour ends with a visit to the Kelpies before disembarking in Edinburgh.

Reserve a spot via GetYourGuide or Viator .

You may also enjoy our guide to 1-day tours leaving from Edinburgh that feature a mix of history, culture, and landscapes.

1-Day The Whiskies & Liqueurs of East Lothian Tour

While East Lothian is known for its dreamy coast and summer holiday towns, a lesser-known fact is that it produces a number of liqueurs that can be toured during this small group trip .

The trip kicks off at Glenkinchie, a whisky distillery near Edinburgh, which is one of Johnnie Walker’s Four Corners of Scotland.

Here, you’ll tour the copper stills and casks, learn about the field-to-glass whisky process, and taste the produce too.

A lunch stop is provided in a very cute town called North Berwick, which is home to vast stretches of beaches and Bass Rock.

The last stop before returning to Edinburgh is Buck & Birch Distillery, a fresh face in the brewing and distilling industry where artisan spirits such as sipping rum, Scottish spritz, and elderberry liqueur are produced.

• Duration: 8 hours
• Travel: 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach

Half Day Whisky Tour

If you are a little short on time and don’t want to devote a full day, this 4.5-hour option might be right for you.

The day plans a visit to two distilleries: the 1949 family-owned Tullibardine Distillery, which is located close to the scenic Ochil Hills, and Lindores Abbey Distillery in the Kingdom of Fife.

Distillery tours are not included in the price.

• Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail

If you want to visit the region that produces two of the most popular single malts in the world, consider the Speyside whisky tours from Edinburgh, which are suited for visitors with a keen interest in the distilling process.

Day one visits Fife’s Lindores Abbey Distillery, the first recorded distiller in the country, before lunch in the Aberdeenshire village, Braemar.

The second distillery stop is at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery (Abergeldie Estate), near Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside, then it’s a scenic drive through Cairngorms National Park to Grantown-on-Spey where your accommodation is located.

Day two is jam-packed, or should I say mash-packed, with stops along the Speyside Trail, a tour of Glen Moray, Speyside Cooperage, lunch in Aberlour, and then the final day’s tour at Cardhu Distillery.

Day three starts at Scotland’s highest distillery, Dalwhinnie, departing the Highlands for a lunch stop in Pitlochry in Perthshire before returning to Edinburgh over the Queensferry Crossing and the Firth of Forth.

• Duration: 3 days
• Number of Distilleries: 6

Reserve a spot at GetYourGuide and Viator .

4-Day Islay Whisky Tours From Edinburgh

Visit Islay Queen of the Hebrides , sampling peaty whiskies at several distilleries.

Day one starts with a trip through the Trossachs National Park to Oban before hopping aboard the 2-hour ferry to Islay, pronounced eye-luh.

Day two’s itinerary is a mix of beaches, such as Saligo Bay and Machair Bay, and distillery visits to Bowmore Distillery, Ardnahoe Distillery, Bruichladdich or Bruichladdich Distillery for tours and samples.

Day three explores the southern side of Islay and world-renowned distilleries Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, as well as some historical landmarks like the ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle.

Day four, the final day, departs Islay via ferry, then through the West Highlands, stopping by Inveraray and Loch Fyne, then Scotalnd’s largest body of water, Loch Lomond, before heading back to Edinburgh.

The tour includes an expert guide, transport, ferry and bridge tolls, and accommodation.

Distillery entrance fees, food, and drink are not included.

• Duration: 4 days
• Travel: Luxury mini-coach

Reserve a spot on GetYourGuide or Viator .

Final Words

In summary, there are many options to explore Scotland’s whisky heritage on tours from Edinburgh, with most combining the country’s biggest tourist landmarks and serene scenery!

Which tour will you choose? Tell us in the comments below.

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THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Distillery Tours

Distillery tours in edinburgh.

• Private Tours
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1. Eat Walk Edinburgh

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4. Trike Tours Scotland

5. Once Upon a Whisky

6. Wee Scottish Tours

7. The Secret Garden Distillery

8. The Wanderer

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10. Wind & Cloud Travel

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21. Your Scottish Tour

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What travellers are saying.

• Eat Walk Edinburgh
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• The Kilted Guide
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Whisky Day Tours from Edinburgh

Taste the spirit of scotland on a day trip from edinburgh, where in scotland do you want to go.

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Those who want to experience our national drink do not have to travel much further than Edinburgh. Base yourself in the capital city and take one day tours to a different distillery every day. There are a few group tours you can hop on or you can tailor-make your own be-spoke private whisky tour. While on tour you will experience the stunning landscapes of the Highlands, Lowlands and Borders. Take a break from the whisky and go to a castle or historic house. Soak in the history and culture! Our guides are passionate about Scotland and the Water of Life. We will tell you all you need to know about whisky. From how to make it, the history, industry and of course how to drink it. Slàinte Mhath! Distilleries within reach of Edinburgh include Glenkinchie, Glenturret, Deanston, Glengoyne, Auchentoshan and Kingbarns. Even within the city of Edinburgh you can go to the Scotch Whisky Experience, Johnnie Walker, Holyrood Distillery and the brand new Leith Distillery. Check out the tours below and start planning your Edinburgh Whisky experience now! 

Group Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

Loch Lomond, Whisky, and Stirling Castle Tour Experience from Edinburgh - 1 Day - 9 hours 30min approx.

Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders and Glenkinchie Tour - 1 Day - 8 Hours approx.

The Ultimate Whisky Tour from Edinburgh - 1 day - 10 hours approx

Private whisky tours from edinburgh.

Highland Whisky Private Tour from Edinburgh - 1 day - 9 hours approx

Glenkinchie Distillery and Johnnie Walker Experience Private Tour from Edinburgh - 1 Day - 8 hours approx.

Private Tour to Blair Castle and Blair Athol Distillery - 1 Day - Duration: 9 hours approx.

Private Tour of Glasgow and Clydeside Distillery from Edinburgh - 1 Day - 7 hours

Private Tour to Stirling Castle, the Trossachs and Loch Lomond - 1 Day - 9-10 hours approx.

Private Tour to St Andrews and Fife - 1 Day - 8 hours approx.

Other distilleries you can add to your itinerary are abefeldy (world of dewars), lindores abbey, tullibardine, borders distillery and eden mill. contact us and plan your edinburgh whisky tour..

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Closing our doors in january 2024.

The Edinburgh Gin Distillery in the city's west end closed its doors on Sunday, the 21st of January 2024 in preparation for an extraordinary new chapter.

The opening of our new, state-of-the-art Edinburgh Gin at the Arches Distillery, nestled in the heart of the Old Town. This multi-million pound investment is a testament to our commitment to providing you with the best possible Edinburgh Gin experience.

Anticipate a spectacular unveiling as we open our new Edinburgh Gin at the Arches Distillery. We can't wait to share the unique atmosphere of the Arches with you.

During the transition, we're not going to leave you without your favourite Edinburgh Gin! Keep an eye out on our social channels for our pop-up events in the city centre. We're bringing the spirit of Edinburgh Gin closer to you, ensuring you can still enjoy our exceptional products during this exciting period.

Stay tuned for updates on our opening through our social media channels and our newsletters.

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