Whisky & whiskey · WHISKY TASTINGS IN EDINBURGH

The 15 Best Whisky Tastings in Edinburgh

30 tours  ·  from $17 a head

The good whisky tastings in Edinburgh fill up at weekends and in summer. Below: the 15 worth booking ahead, what each includes and how they differ.

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

1.Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,451 reviews · 2 hours · from $24Our pick

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

2.Scotch Whisky Tasting & Stories — Bespoke Whisky Lounge

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

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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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

3.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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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

4.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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90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town - What happens during the 90 minutes
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90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Old Town

5.90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Meet at John’s Coffee House & Tavern in Parliament Square for a 90-minute tasting beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town. A guide such as Mark, Dan, Haley, or Eleanor explains Scotch whisky, its regions, and how to taste it while you sample four drams. Intermediate and high-end tasting options are also available.

“Lots of information on Scotch Whisky making, how to drink and also information on areas of Scotland differing in distillation of the whiskey. Good 4 sampling of Whiskey as well. Would be better if the guide asked if I liked Smoky or not. I got a smoky as my first sample and I am not a big fan of that.”

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Luxury Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Underground Vaults | 90min - Five whiskies from five Scottish regions
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Luxury Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults | 90min

6.Luxury Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults | 90min

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 140 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $131

Meet at John’s Coffee House in Parliament Square for a 90-minute tasting in The Lost Close. A guide such as Mark, Eleanor, Sara, or Nicky leads you through five whiskies from Scotland’s main whisky regions, along with stories of Edinburgh, distilling, and the characters behind the industry. Groups are capped at 10.

“Super informative and welcoming. Your guide was very polite and professional. The luxury whiskeys were all so different and tasty. Would highly recommend.”

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Scotch Whisky Tasting - The True Spirit of Scotland - Four pours that show how whisky changes
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Scotch Whisky Tasting – The True Spirit of Scotland

7.Scotch Whisky Tasting – The True Spirit of Scotland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Start near John Knox House on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, then join a guide such as Marcos, Nick, Victoria, or Richard at a central whisky bar. You’ll taste three single malts from different Scottish regions plus a new make spirit while learning how Scotch is produced, aged, tasted, and tied to Scotland’s past.

“Nick was very knowledgeable and thorough. History was fascinating. Identified the 5 areas of whiskey distilling in Scotland and why they differ. Whiskey was good too.”

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ScotchandScran OldTown Tour, Whisky Tasting, Scottish Charcuterie - John Knox House and the older face of the Royal Mile
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ScotchandScran OldTown Tour, Whisky Tasting, Scottish Charcuterie

8.ScotchandScran OldTown Tour, Whisky Tasting, Scottish Charcuterie

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $89

Spend about three hours with Iain on an Old Town walk through closes, landmarks, ghost stories, and Harry Potter sites. Then join whisky expert Hector Maclean for selected Scotch tastings paired with haggis bon bons, venison, pork salami, cheddar, and Brie. Groups are capped at 15.

“This was an exceptional tour of Edinburgh that exceeded all expectations. Our host was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also engaging, bringing the city’s rich history and culture to life with fascinating stories and insights. The food and whisky pairing experience was truly outstanding — a perfect blend of authentic Scottish flavours and expertly chosen whiskies — all set in a beautiful location right in the heart of the city. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, making the tour both educational and thoroughly enjoyable. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the Scottish capital who wants to discover its heritage in a memorable and immersive way.”

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Afternoon Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar - Why four whiskies are enough for a first tasting
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Afternoon Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar

9.Afternoon Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $54

Meet Neil at 2:30pm near Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket for four single malt Scotch whiskies in the Jolly Judge, a traditional city bar. Over 90 minutes, he explains production, flavors, and whisky regions in plain language. Groups are limited to six, and he can suggest local shops and bars for what to try next.

“Neil was extremely knowledgeable about whiskies and his passion for them was obvious in his eagerness to share his knowledge. It was a fun and educational experience”

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The Mountebank Comedy Whisky Tasting - Meeting Daniel Downie at the Waverley Bar
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The Mountebank Comedy Whisky Tasting

10.The Mountebank Comedy Whisky Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $16Best value

Meet comedian and historian Daniel Downie at the Waverley Bar for a 90-minute tasting of four malt whiskies from across Scotland. Expect clear whisky lessons, Scottish history, adult humor, and friendly dog Brahan. The 3:15 pm start makes it a handy opener for an evening in Edinburgh.

“We had so much fun with Daniel during this whisky tasting. He was quite knowledgeable about how Scotch whisky is made, the various types, and the regions they come from. Daniel's jokes were hilarious, and I have to say this was one of my favorite events we booked during our stay in Edinburgh.”

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Edinburgh: Scotch Whisky Tasting - Scotland's True Spirit - Starting at John Knox House with a black umbrella
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Edinburgh: Scotch Whisky Tasting – Scotland’s True Spirit

11.Edinburgh: Scotch Whisky Tasting – Scotland’s True Spirit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 21 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $51

Meet your guide beneath a black umbrella at John Knox House, then walk toward Tipsy Midgie for a 90-minute tasting of three single malt Scotch whiskies and one new make spirit. Guides such as Valeria and Nick explain production, maturation, regional styles, and Edinburgh’s whisky past. English, Italian, and Spanish tours are available.

“Bonnes explications, guide, prévenant et gentille. On aurait apprécié qu’il parle français.”

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Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Whisky Tasting - Waverley Station and Edinburgh New Town
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Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Whisky Tasting

12.Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Whisky Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 20 reviews · from $101

Spend two hours tracing Edinburgh’s Harry Potter connections with an English-speaking Potter-head guide, then sample Scotch whisky in The Lost Close with a local expert. You’ll see Waverley Station, Old College, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh Castle views, Victoria Street, and the Elephant Café area. The tour is limited to eight people and is for adults 18 and older.

“Great tour! Easy walk, great guide. Lots of fun information”

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Whisky tasting experience - Hector and Daniel give the hour its character
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Whisky tasting experience

13.Whisky tasting experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $48

At Jeffrey Street Whisky & Tobacco in central Edinburgh, you’ll taste five Scotch whiskies with hosts such as Hector or Daniel. The one-hour session covers tasting technique, whisky-making, and Scotland’s political and cultural past. Groups are capped at eight, making this a personal introduction for both beginners and whisky fans.

“We just returned from an incredible tasting experience, and I can’t recommend this place enough. One of the co-founders guided us through the whiskeys while also sharing fascinating insights into the history of alcohol. It was both fun and informative—a truly great time.”

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Private Whisky Tasting, Scottish Food & Wine Pairing Tour - Princes Street Gardens connect wine and food
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Private Whisky Tasting, Scottish Food & Wine Pairing Tour

14.Private Whisky Tasting, Scottish Food & Wine Pairing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $611

Join local guide Joanne for a three-hour Edinburgh tasting walk through three city-centre venues. Learn simple tasting skills as Scottish dishes meet sparkling, French and Italian wines, then finish with two contrasting single malts, Scottish cheese and oatcakes. The group is limited to 10, and all participants must be over 21.

“We had a brilliant time with Joanne. The tour was informative and both the wine and food were of the highest quality. We would recommend to anyone, a thoroughly enjoyable day.”

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Edinburgh: Scottish Whisky Tasting with a Local Expert - Four drams, four ways to understand Scotch
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Edinburgh: Scottish Whisky Tasting with a Local Expert

15.Edinburgh: Scottish Whisky Tasting with a Local Expert

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 17 reviews · 3 hours · from $152

Spend three private hours with an English-speaking local host, tasting four Scottish whiskies from peaty malts to blended Scotch. Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town, visit a whisky cellar and a local pub, and shape the route around your interests. The host contacts you before the tour to arrange the meeting point and tailor the experience.

“Great seeing the city history on the way to the pubs”

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Newly reviewed: Whisky Tastings in Edinburgh

★ 5.0Whisky Tasting at Edinburgh’s Award Winning Whiski RoomsFrom $525 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh Whisky Tasting and History on the Royal MileFrom $454 reviews
★ 5.090min Connoisseur Underground Whisky TastingFrom $722 reviews
★ 5.0Castles, Coastline and Whisky Tasting Tour with AdmissionFrom $1662 reviews
★ 5.0Holyrood Distillery Gin Tasting ExperienceFrom $392 reviews
★ 4.7Edinburgh: Harry Potter Guided Tour With A Whisky TastingFrom $816 reviews
★ 4.7Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting in one of the oldest pubsFrom $336 reviews
★ 4.5Edinburgh: Scotch Whisky Tasting Experience with CanapésFrom $672 reviews
★ 4.6Edinburgh: Mountebank Comedy Whisky TastingFrom $536 reviews

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