Whisky & whiskey · EDINBURGH WHISKY TOURS

Edinburgh Whisky Tours: The 15 Best Tastings and Distilleries

124 tours  ·  from $17 a head

Edinburgh is the easiest whisky city in the world: tastings on the Royal Mile, vault cellars under the Old Town, new distilleries at Holyrood and Leith. The 15 below are the strongest.

Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting - The first lesson: how Scotch becomes whisky
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Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

1.Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,213 reviews · 50 - 75 minutes · from $33Our pick

At the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a live guide leads you through Scotch whisky production, maturation, regional aromas, blending, and tasting. The standard tour includes one tutored dram or a soft drink and a crystal glass for adults. Choose Gold for four extra single malts in the McIntyre Gallery.

“Very interactive and fun to do. Robyn was a fantastic guide, very friendly and knowledgable. She happily answered all our questions”

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Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky - Meeting at Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile
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Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

2.Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,685 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

Meet at Mercat Cross for a two-hour evening walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town, then descend into the Blair Street Underground Vaults. Storytellers such as Michael, Steph, Jack, and Sophie lead the English-language tour, using audio devices so you can hear clearly. Finish with whisky, beer, or a Scottish soft drink in a candlelit cellar.

“Linda was amazing and very engaging and full of knowledge and interest. We loved her 🫶”

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Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling - Hot Toddy, just off the Royal Mile
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Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

3.Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,451 reviews · 2 hours · from $24Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at Hot Toddy, just off the Royal Mile, for a two-hour tasting of four single malts from Scotland’s main whisky regions. You’ll learn how to taste whisky, follow its history through stories of kings, smugglers, and outlaws, and receive tasting notes. Alternatives are available if whisky is not for you.

“Cannot recommend this enough. Great whisky, great atmosphere, and the guide Alistair is one of the funniest and most charismatic fellows I've had the pleasure of meeting. Absolutely worth the time and money, and the only mark against this was a distinct lack of any mention of Australian whisky. Despite that, an easy 5/5.”

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Edinburgh: The Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience - Starting with the flavour quiz
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Edinburgh: The Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience

4.Edinburgh: The Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,670 reviews · from $40

Follow the 90-minute Journey of Flavour at Johnnie Walker Princes Street with an English-speaking guide, live performances, sensory effects, and three drinks matched to your flavour quiz. Guides such as Paula, Anton, Leah, and Eleanor have earned praise for making the tour friendly and clear. Non-alcoholic drinks are available.

“The tour is well organized! Despite not being a whiskey lover, still gain a lot knowledge from the tour.. the flagship store is a great place for souvenir.. definitely worth your time. Recommend!”

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The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky - Five whisky regions and the first aroma lesson
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The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction to Whisky

5.The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction to Whisky

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,578 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $35

At Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience, a guide leads you through a theatrical distillery model, whisky aromas, regional styles, and one tasting. You’ll see a collection of more than 3,000 unopened bottles and receive a crystal tasting glass if you are an adult or concession ticket holder. Under-18s receive Irn-Bru instead.

“Great introduction to Scottish whiskey! We learned a lot in a short bit and it even kept my teenagers engaged. Very well done and Eric, our guide, was friendly and enthusiastic.”

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Edinburgh Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, a Secret Dish & More - The Royal Mile connects the food with the city
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Edinburgh Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, a Secret Dish & More

6.Edinburgh Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, a Secret Dish & More

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,172 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134Top rated

Spend about three hours walking from St Giles’ Cathedral through Edinburgh’s Old Town, stopping for haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink, Scottish cheese, cakes, scones, whisky, and a secret dish. Guides such as Carlos, Nyssa, Nichola, Craig, Joanne, and Madge add food lore, city history, and practical recommendations. The group is capped at 10.

“Our guide Nichola was great! She was very knowledgeable and passionate. We would recommend this tour.”

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Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour - Starting with a cocktail and Edinburgh’s distilling past
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Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour

7.Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 982 reviews · 1 hour · from $36

Visit Holyrood Distillery, a short walk from the Royal Mile, for a one-hour English-language tour led by guides such as Courtney, Dave, Neal, and Thais. See the gin lab, washbacks, copper stills, and cask room, then taste gin and single malt whisky with a welcome cocktail.

“Our guide and expert Courtney made the tour especially interesting. We had a small group and a lot of opportunities to converse about the distillation process and the experimentation the company is conducting on different yeasts. Highly recommended. Great value.”

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Scotch Whisky Tasting & Stories — Bespoke Whisky Lounge - Scottish folklore adds more than decoration
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Scotch Whisky Tasting & Stories — Bespoke Whisky Lounge

8.Scotch Whisky Tasting & Stories — Bespoke Whisky Lounge

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 972 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Spend about two hours at Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street, tasting four single malt Scotch whiskies from Scotland’s main whisky regions while a local storyteller explains the drinks, folklore, and Edinburgh’s whisky culture. Guides such as Ben, Euan, Alasdair, Max, and Angus bring different personalities to the evening. Alternatives are available if whisky is not your drink.

“A fun afternoon sampling Scotch Whisky while listening to a masterful storyteller. We particularly enjoyed his family stories.”

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Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission - River Tay and lunch in Pitlochry
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Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 641 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $80

Spend 10 hours exploring the Highlands in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. Walk through the Hermitage, see Dunkeld Cathedral and Queen’s View, stop for lunch in Pitlochry, then tour and taste whisky at Dewar’s Aberfeldy. Guides such as Shea, Rhys, Ally, and Simon are known for local stories, music, and smooth driving.

“Awesome tour for a one day adventure ! Packs a lot into just a few hours . Our tour guide , William was Really cool . Everything on time and really diverse things to see”

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From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands Tour with Whisky Tasting - The Hermitage and Black Linn Falls
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From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands Tour with Whisky Tasting

10.From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands Tour with Whisky Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 628 reviews · 9.5 hours · from $63

Leave Edinburgh with an English-speaking driver-guide and travel through Perthshire to Dunkeld, Black Linn Falls, Pitlochry, Queen’s View, and Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. Expect a small minibus, woodland walking, free time for lunch, and a whisky tasting. Guides such as Duncan, Graeme, Kylie, and Sean are known for lively stories, music, and Scottish history.

“Had a fabulous day out. Duncan (Or Big Dunc, as I'm told there are two of them working as drivers in Edinburgh) is an excellent storyteller, knows all the ins and outs of the places you stop, and works very hard to make sure everyone has a good day out. During the tour he clearly tries to have a little chat with everyone as you get off or on the bus and as you have a little walkaround (which definitely is appreciated as a solo traveller). Small van, which seats max 16 people I think. which makes storytime during the drive even better as people can just shout out any…”

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Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting - Seeing the world’s tallest distillery from the inside
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Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting

11.Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 579 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $41

Spend 90 minutes at Edinburgh’s Port of Leith Distillery with an English-speaking guide such as Olivia or Ellie. See the world’s tallest distillery, bottle a miniature of new make spirit, and taste new make, port, sherry, and table whisky. The tour is educational, but the distillery’s own whisky is not yet ready.

“Beautiful new distillery, and the second vertical one in Europe. Our tour guide Olivia was knowledgeable and fun. We got to bottle and keep a small bottle of their "hearts" distilled spirit. The tasting was good. ***WARNING: Given it's a new distillery they have yet to release their own whisky. Thus that is not part of the tasting.***”

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Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky and Gin Tour & Tasting - What happens during the one-hour visit
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Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky and Gin Tour & Tasting

12.Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky and Gin Tour & Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 533 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $37

Spend about an hour at Holyrood Distillery, near Edinburgh’s Old Town, learning how gin and single malt whisky are made. Your English-speaking guide leads you through the working distillery before tastings at the bar. Guides such as Diego, Brice, Chris, Courtney, and Neil have been praised for clear, lively presentations.

“It was interesting to see the process. The goods were creative in the way that the distillery made so many variations with the base product. David was a friendly and informative guide.”

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Edinburgh: Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, Secret Dish & More - Cullen Skink brings the Highlands to the table
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Edinburgh: Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, Secret Dish & More

13.Edinburgh: Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, Secret Dish & More

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 493 reviews · 3 hours · from $128

Spend three hours tasting Scottish classics and hearing Edinburgh stories in a small group of up to 10. Guides such as Nichola, Nyssa, Craig, Madge, Carlos, and Joanna lead the walk, with haggis, Cullen Skink, cranachan, cheese, fudge, whisky, and a surprise dish included. Arrive hungry and tell the provider about dietary needs when booking.

“The food was great. Madge was the best guide, very friendly and insightful”

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Edinburgh: The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whisky Tasting - How the guide shapes the evening
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Edinburgh: The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whisky Tasting

14.Edinburgh: The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whisky Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 474 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $53

Meet your English-speaking guide outside John’s Coffee House & Tavern, then head below Edinburgh’s Old Town for four Scotch whiskies from major Scottish regions. Guides such as Eleanor, Mark, Rosie, and Sarah bring the history to life. Upgrade for rarer or top-shelf drams, and expect a cosy, intimate setting.

“Great tasting and unique venue. Hayley was informative and fun!”

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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Scenic Walk, Glencoe & Whisky Day Tour - The Hermitage waterfalls provide an easy start
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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Scenic Walk, Glencoe & Whisky Day Tour

15.Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Scenic Walk, Glencoe & Whisky Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 393 reviews · from $101

Travel from Edinburgh in a small group of up to eight with guides such as Mark, Richie, Owen, Karen, and Georgie. Expect a 12-hour loop through the Cairngorms, the Hermitage waterfalls, Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond, with a whisky dram, optional cruise, Highland cow sightings, and fish and chips.

“I recently had the pleasure of joining the Loch Ness, Scenic Walk & Glencoe Tour led by Karen, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, Karen made the journey engaging, informative, and incredibly fun. The scenery was absolutely stunning. Glencoe’s dramatic landscapes, especially Three Sisters, were spectacular. Charming stops along the way made for the perfect day out. The scenic walk through The Hermitage was breathtaking views that felt straight out of a postcard. If you're looking for an incredible way to explore the Scottish Highlands, I highly recommend this tour! Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing yet adventurous…”

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