The Edinburgh Distillery Experience - Whisky

These are our favourite bars, pubs and tours in Edinburgh for a sample of Scotland's best whisky.

In Edinburgh more and more people are paying attention to gin and up-and-coming rum, but whisky is still Scots' and tourists favourite. So, where should you go in Edinburgh to learn about and delight your curious palates with whisky?

Enjoy whisky at Edinburgh Distillery Experience

Edinburgh and whisky share together a long and fruitful history.

Some records show how 'uisge beatha' (Scottish Gaelic for whisky) was produced in the capital around the 1500 by the Guild of Barbers and Surgeons.

Since then, copper-pot stills have kept on distilling malt whisky (single malt), grain whisky and blended whisky for all the world to enjoy.

During recent years, In Edinburgh more and more people are paying attention to gin and up-and-coming rum, but whisky is still Scots' and tourists favourite.

So, where should you go in Edinburgh to learn about and delight your curious palates with whisky?

These are our recommended bars, pubs and tours in Edinburgh.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

This is a fantastic interactive whisky exhibition. Learn about whisky by region and discover different flavour.

You will find a range of different tours that cater the curious and the drinks professionals. Each tour ends in the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky.

Where? 54 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE

More info: https://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/

Glenkinchie distillery

Just fifteen miles from the capital, this picturesque distillery is the perfect place to learn about whisky. 

It offers different tours from standards to VIP and Connoisseur tours.

Starting from the exhibition room on the original Malting Floors, going through the distillery production area, finishing into the bar for a complimentary tasting of Glenkinchie Single Malt Whisky. 

The redbrick Victorian building will take your breath away as you enter and see the two old copper pot stills, the largest wash still and the traditional single cast-iron worm tub used to cool the spirit.

Where? Pencaitland, Tranent EH34 5ET

More info: https://www.malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/glenkinchie/

The Whiski Rooms

The Whiski Rooms is conveniently located close to the Royal Mile and it combines a bar, bistro, and a whisky shop and tasting room.

It is in the latter room that you can delight your palate with different flavours from around Scotland or enjoy unique whisky-based cocktails. 

If you prefer a more relaxing experience you can drink your whisky while savouring some delicious local dishes.

Where? 4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LP

More info: http://www.whiskirooms.co.uk/whisky-tastings

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

The SMWS is located in two venues around the city. One close to the city centre, and the other (The Vaults) just close to the harbour in Leith. 

The elegant, Georgian building on Queen Street has breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the waters of the Firth of Forth. 

With a brand new Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar and stunning Dining Room Restaurant are open to all. 

SMWS has varied Whisky tasting sessions, trying a whole range of unique whiskies that you could not find anywhere.

During the year you can take part in many whisky related events, from music to guest speaker events. Of course, you can delight your taste buds with delicious and hearty meals too.

Where? 28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX and The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ

More info: https://www.smws.com/about/venues/28-queen-street

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