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Best Whisky Tours in Edinburgh: Distilleries, Experiences & Tastings

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Immerse yourself in educational yet entertaining whisky tours in Edinbugrh that teach visitors about the scotch production process, from malting and fermentation to distillation and ageing. Use all five senses, taking in flavours, aromas, and textures that bring Scotland’s water of life alive during the following distilleries, fun experiences, and whisky-tasting sessions!

Note: In Scotland, whisky is without the “e”. Whiskey is the Ireland and US spelling.

You may also enjoy our guide to gin tours in Edinburgh and whisky excursions in Scotland .

Whisky Distillery Tours in Edinburgh

Holyrood distillery for a local single malt.

Holyrood Distillery (19 St Leonard’s Ln) first opened the doors to its century-old Engine Shed in 2017, making it the first distillery in Edinburgh to produce single malt since 1925!

Learn about the vision of the founders, Rob and Kelly Carpenter and former Macallan master distiller David Robertson, and the process of making whisky during this 1-hour tour .

Visitors can also try four different drams, from new age to mature, the latter being launched in October 2023!

Holyrood Whisky Distillery is located close to the Royal Mile in the Old Town , perfect for those who don’t want to travel too far from the City Centre.

Reserve your spot  here .

Note: Most of the tours in our Edinburgh whisky experience guide require proof of age, as drinking participants are required by law to be over the age of 18.

• Duration 1 hour
• Drinks included: Yes

Pory of Leith Distillery For a Unique Take

Port of Leith Distillery (11 Whisky Quay) is the UK’s first vertical distillery located in the lively neighbourhood of Leith , which can be reached by foot, bus, and tram.

Leith is steeped in whisky heritage, dating back to 1822 when it received one of only six licences to store whisky.

Today, visitors can join this 1.5-hour tour , which includes visiting the copper stills on the ground floor, a tasting session, and the opportunity to fill your own 10ml bottle of the Port of Leith Distillery spirit.

Be sure to make time for a drink and snacks at the rooftop bar on floors eight and nine, which has floor-to-ceiling windows to the Firth of Forth and Leith skyline – an Ev Ed favourite!

This Edinburgh whisky distillery tour stipulates no high-heeled shoes.

• Duration: 1 hour

Whisky Experiences in Edinburgh

The scotch whisky experience – the city’s first whisky attraction.

The original whisky museum operating since 1988, The Scotch Whisky Experience (354 Castlehill), knows how to educate while entertaining visitors on the Royal Mile.

There are two tour options.

The 50-minute tour is ideal for those looking for a quick introduction to the nation’s drink and features a guided tour with one dram.

The 75-minute tour provides the same tour but with four single-malt whiskies.

The tour includes a ride in a barrel, beautifully shot movies with footage from the five whisky-producing regions, a lesson in the Blenders’ Sample Room, and the cherry on top is a walk through one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky, which has nearly 3,500 individual bottles.

Tour guests also receive a crystal glass to take home; we still use ours!

Reserve your spot h e r e .

• Duration: 50 mins or 75 mins

Johnnie Walker Princes Street For a Multi-Sensory Tour

Even as a non-whisky drinker, I thoroughly enjoyed this 1.5-hour tour in Edinburgh’s West End .

Johnnie Walker Princes Street (145 Princes St) offers a super modern experience starting with a taste test and a narrated story featuring Walker.

A professional and passionate guide then introduces the different stages of the Johnnie Walker whisky process, which is spread out over several diverse rooms, two of which give plenty of scope for trying neat whisky or highball cocktails; the latter was my preference.

If you have time, reserve a table at the rooftop bar, which also has an outside patio with views over Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.

After doing this tour ourselves, we have purchased gift vouchers for multiple family members, again not all of whom are huge whisky fans.

• Duration: 1.5 hours

Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh

Royal mile whisky tasting in a pub.

If the sound of a distillery tour sounds too daunting and an experience is a little bit too much effort, consider this 2-hour session that marries Scottish storytelling with single malt tasting in one location.

The event takes place in the upper level of a coffee/whisky specialist cafe, so the group has a private space to try their hand at sampling four whiskies and taking notes about each dram.

This is one of the best whisky-tasting tours in Edinburgh for couples and groups where some members don’t enjoy whisky, as they can request alternatives or non-alcoholic beverages.

• Duration: 2 hours

Small Group Whisky Walking Tour

Do you prefer to be on your feet while learning about the history of Uisge Beatha and its significance in Edinburgh?

This 2-hour tour follows in the footsteps of royalty, King James IV, who is said to have put whisky on the map, allowing Scotland’s capital to have a monopoly in its production.

The tour takes guests around the Old Town before concluding in the cosy Megget’s Cellar for a four-dram tasting session, which customers love.

Underground Tasting Session

Did you know that Edinburgh has a city that lies beneath the cobbled streets of the Old Town ?

This 1.5-hour tasting tour invites guests to join them in an underground vault to try whiskies from four of the producing regions of the country.

Eager whisky aficionados can upgrade to the five-tasting session, which features more rare options.

Private Whisky Tour

This 3-hour tour is completely personalised to your taste and is delivered by a professional tour guide who knows Edinburgh as much as they understand malt!

The price includes a walking tour, a visit to a whisky cellar, and four whisky samples.

Reserve your spot  here .

If you are serious about scotch, check out these 1-4 whisky day tours too.

• Duration: 3 hours

Final Words

In wrapping up our guide to the top scotch tours in Edinburgh, we’ve uncovered the city’s rich whisky heritage through its new distilleries, sampling sessions, and unique storytelling.

Don’t forget to say Slàinte Mhath with every cheers !

Which of the tours will you choose? Tell us in the comments.

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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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holyrood distillery tour

Walk around a working distillery.

GIN AND OUR SPIRITS LAB

Discover our modern approach to scotch whisky making.

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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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.

Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the Holyrood Distillery offers a captivating one-hour tour that transports visitors on a journey through the art of craft spirit production . From a seasonal cocktail welcome to a guided exploration of the innovative distillation methods, this experience promises an immersive glimpse into Scotland’s burgeoning whisky and gin scene. As guests traverse the distillery, they’ll uncover the fascinating history and brewing heritage that shaped this modern-day pioneer, whetting their appetite for the tasting to come. With expert insights and a chance to sample award-winning expressions , the Holyrood Distillery tour entices spirit enthusiasts to discover the secrets behind the city’s newest distilling gem.

Guided exploration of Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh, providing insight into the craft production of their award-winning gin and single malt whisky.

Visitors can sample Holyrood’s spirits during a tutored tasting in the Cask Room, including learning about whisky aging myths.

The tour highlights Edinburgh’s rich brewing heritage and Holyrood’s role as the city’s first single malt whisky producer in nearly 100 years.

Guests can observe the distillation processes, including the use of washbacks and copper stills, as well as the gin botanical infusion.

The wheelchair-accessible experience is priced at $35.69 per person and includes a welcome cocktail, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
• Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise From Edinburgh
• The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
• Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Tour Overview

The Edinburgh Whisky & Gin Tour offers a guided exploration of Holyrood Distillery , lasting approximately one hour.

Priced from $35.69 per person, the tour provides a wheelchair-accessible experience and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors will learn about the gin and whisky production processes, explore innovative craft methods, and sample award-winning spirits , including a welcome cocktail.

The tour takes guests through the Spirits Lab, Gin Distillery, and whisky distillery floor, providing insights into Holyrood’s history as the first single malt whisky producer in nearly a century.

Visitors can also enjoy a tutored tasting of single malt whisky in the Cask Room.

Experience Highlights

Exploring the innovative craft production methods is a highlight of the Edinburgh Whisky & Gin Tour.

Guests will learn about the intricate processes behind gin and whisky creation at Holyrood Distillery . They’ll observe the distillation procedures , including the use of washbacks and copper stills, gaining insights into the distillery’s history as the first single malt whisky producer in nearly a century.

The tour also features a tutored tasting of the distillery’s award-winning single malt whisky in the Cask Room. Participants will discover Edinburgh’s rich brewing and distilling heritage while discussing flavor creation and whisky aging myths with the knowledgeable guides.

Tour Details

Participants typically begin the tour with a seasonal cocktail in the Lounge, welcoming them to the distillery.

They’ll then learn about Holyrood’s history as the first single malt whisky producer in nearly 100 years.

Next, they’ll observe the distillation processes , including the washbacks and copper stills , gaining insights into the innovative craft production methods.

The highlight of the tour is the tutored tasting of single malt whisky in the Cask Room, where guests can discuss the myths and realities of whisky aging.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guides share their expertise on the flavour creation behind Holyrood’s award-winning gin and whisky.

Location and Meeting Point

Holyrood Distillery sits in the heart of central Edinburgh , just a 10-minute walk from the iconic Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace.

The distillery’s convenient location makes it easily accessible for visitors. Guests should arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts to ensure they don’t miss any of the immersive experience .

The distillery’s address is easy to find, and the meeting point is right at the entrance, making it straightforward for attendees to meet up and begin the tour.

Whether visitors are coming from nearby attractions or further afield, Holyrood Distillery ‘s central position ensures they can easily find their way to this renowned Edinburgh landmark .

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Edinburgh Whisky & Gin Tour at Holyrood Distillery. Based on 573 reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5.

Visitors particularly praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides , who earn a remarkable 4.8 out of 5 rating. The value for money is also well-received, scoring 4.3 out of 5.

However, the service rating is slightly lower at 3 out of 5, suggesting room for improvement in this area.

Gin and Whisky Production

The tour’s fascinating exploration of gin and whisky production processes takes visitors behind the scenes at Holyrood Distillery.

Attendees observe the innovative craft techniques utilized to create the award-winning spirits. In the Spirits Lab, they learn about the science behind distillation, including the critical role of the copper stills.

The tour then moves to the Gin Distillery, where guests witness the vibrant botanical infusion that imparts Holyrood’s gin with its distinct flavors.

Tasting and Flavour Profiles

After exploring the innovative production methods, visitors can look forward to the highlight of the tour – tasting Holyrood’s award-winning gin and single malt whisky .

The guided tasting in the Cask Room offers a chance to sample the distillery’s signature spirits. Guests are led through a tutored tasting, learning about the nuances of flavor profiles and whisky maturation myths.

The single malt whisky, crafted using traditional techniques, exhibits rich, complex notes, from subtle hints of vanilla and caramel to bolder undertones of oak and spice.

Similarly, the gin boasts a distinct botanical blend , creating a smooth, well-balanced sipping experience for visitors to savor and appreciate.

Holyrood’s Brewing Heritage

For over a century, the capital city of Edinburgh has been renowned for its rich brewing heritage. Holyrood Distillery, the city’s first single malt whisky producer in nearly 100 years, proudly continues this legacy. Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the distillery’s tour takes visitors on a journey through the region’s storied past in craft distillation.

Guests can explore the innovative production methods and sample the award-winning gin and whisky that pay homage to this celebrated brewing tradition.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
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• Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English
• Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh
• Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands With Lunch From Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour With Entry Ticket

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol to the Tour?

No, bringing your own alcohol is not allowed on the Holyrood Distillery tour. The tour includes samples of their award-winning gin and whisky, so you’ll get to enjoy their spirits during the experience.

Are There Any Dietary or Allergy Requirements?

The tour doesn’t mention any specific dietary or allergy requirements. However, visitors should inform the staff of any dietary needs or allergies prior to the tour to ensure their experience is accommodated.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to take photos to capture the distillery’s unique production processes and award-winning spirits. However, the use of flash photography may be restricted in certain areas.

Can I Purchase Products Directly From the Distillery?

Yes, visitors can purchase products directly from the Holyrood Distillery after the tour. The on-site shop offers the opportunity to buy the distillery’s award-winning gin and whisky products, as well as other merchandise.

Are Group Discounts Available for Larger Bookings?

Group discounts may be available for larger bookings. Customers should check the distillery’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any group pricing options or special offers. Discounts can provide savings for those booking tours in larger parties.

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• Holyrood Distillery Gin Tasting & Cocktail Making Experience
• Edinburgh: The Dark Side of Edinburgh Tour
• Edinburgh: Harry Potter Guided Tour With A Whisky Tasting
• Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland & Alnwick Winter Adventure
• Professional Private Photoshoot
• Edinburgh: Evening Underground Ghost Tour
• From Edinburgh: Full Day Scottish Highlands and Whisky Tour
• Private Tour: History and Mystery in Edinburghs Old Town
• From Edinburgh: Glencoe and Loch Lomond Private Day Trip
• From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & Highlands Private Tour
• Four Cities, One Day: St. Andrews, Dundee, Perth & More
• Private Outlander Tour for Small Groups

The Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour offers a captivating exploration of Scotland’s craft spirits production. Visitors embark on a guided journey , seeing the distillery’s innovative methods, from seasonal cocktails to a tutored tasting that unveils the nuances of whisky aging. Located in central Edinburgh, this tour is a must-visit for spirit enthusiasts seeking an intimate and informative experience.

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Our distilleries & tours, 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.

Our Distilleries

Coming this Winter

Bringing wonder to the very heart of Scotland's capital city, The Arches on East Market Street will soon be home to the highly anticipated Edinburgh Gin state-of-the-art Distillery and Visitor Experience opening this winter

Edinburgh Gin Flavour Pioneers