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Scotch Whisky Experience

Last updated: 06 February, 2024

If you can’t make it to a distillery, this is the next best thing.

Fully guided tours educate and inspire visitors about Scotch whisky, covering all aspects of production, geography and appreciation. You can experience the whisky-making process and pick up some fascinating snippets of history along the way. Tours also include a nosing and tasting, as well as a glimpse of the largest Scotch whisky collection in the world (3,384 bottles of Scotch Whisky).

If you’re not up for the full, tutored tour, the whisky sommelier in the downstairs bar ‘Amber’ will select your perfect dram from over 450 whisky varieties. They can also advise on a Scottish cheese or tapas accompaniment.

While you’re there

The excellent Amber restaurant serves traditional Scottish cuisine, with seasonal menus showcasing the country’s abundant natural larder – combine a tour with lunch or dinner.

Logistics

Price from: £17
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The attraction is in the shadow of the castle, at the top of the Royal Mile.

There’s a range of tours to choose from, starting with the hour-long Silver Tour (pegged as perfect for families and first-timers) and culminating in the Morning Masterclass for real enthusiasts. Places are limited, so book ahead online.

The Taste of Scotland option includes dinner in the Amber restaurant, with bite-size Scottish starters and a dram with dessert.

When to do it

Tours run all year round, seven days a week.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky

  • Edinburgh

The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky

Viator

This 50-minute guided tour, ideal for whisky novices and families, is the perfect introduction to the world of whisky. Discover the whisky making process. Explore the five Scotch whisky producing regions and learn how the geography and weather combine to create regional characteristics shaping a single malt whisky's unique flavour. Delve into the history and alchemy of blending, and learn how the art of creating a perfectly balanced blended Scotch whisky came about. Finally, enjoy a guided tasting of your chosen whisky as you explore one of the world's largest collections of Scotch whisky. The Tour cannot be changed to a different time.

Price £23

Min age 6

Rating 4.64 / 5 [1087 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

  • Edinburgh Region, United Kingdom (UK)

An overview of Old town Edinburgh and Edinburgh castle in Scotland. thousands of buildings covering the ground with on a blue sunny day with a scatter of white clouds

Destination guide

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.