6 Best Edinburgh Whisky Tours (Tried & Tested)

I never thought I’d enjoy a whisky tour in Edinburgh.

When I lived in the city, the idea of tagging along with a bunch of tourists sipping smoky drams just didn’t appeal. I rarely drink whisky, and I figured most tours were overpriced sales pitches in disguise.

Then I booked one—for my dad, as a Father’s Day gift—and it totally changed my mind.

The Scotch Whisky Experience wasn’t stuffy or overwhelming. It was engaging, welcoming, and surprisingly fun.

Since then, I’ve tried or thoroughly researched nearly every whisky tour in Edinburgh—whether it was for visiting friends, curious readers, or just personal curiosity. I’ve kept notes, paid attention to what locals actually recommend, and sorted out which ones feel immersive… and which are mostly just gift shops.

So if you’re curious about adding a whisky tour to your Edinburgh trip—but don’t know where to start—this guide is for you.

From immersive distillery-style tastings to underground theatrical shows, these are the six whisky experiences I’d recommend to my closest friends. Whether you’re new to whisky or just want to avoid the tourist traps, there’s something here for your travel style.

Short on time? Here are my top 3 whisky tours to book now:

Here are the three tours I’d actually spend my own money on again — each tested and loved.

1. The Scotch Whisky Experience

Best for: Beginners, families, and anyone who wants a fun, easy intro to whisky
Duration: 50 minutes

This was the first whisky tour I ever did — and the one that changed my mind about them entirely.

I booked it for my dad as a Father’s Day gift, not really expecting much.

We were in Edinburgh, and I figured it’d be a bit gimmicky… some dram samples, a pushy gift shop, maybe a couple of fun facts.

But it turned out to be one of the most memorable things we did together on that trip.

Back then, it started with a barrel ride — literally, you sat in a whisky barrel that took you through the story of Scotch.

It was a little cheesy, but fun in the best way. Now, they’ve upgraded it to a more modern immersive walk-through experience that’s sleeker and easier to follow.

Same idea: you learn how whisky is made, how the different regions influence the flavours, and what to expect when you finally take that first sip.

The tour finishes in the Diageo Collection Room, surrounded by glowing shelves of whisky bottles — it’s part museum, part tasting room, and it feels special without being intimidating.

You get to pick your dram, learn how to taste it properly (no snobbery, I promise), and even if you’re not a whisky fan, there’s something fascinating about the whole experience.

My dad and I walked out smiling, arguing about whether we liked the peaty one best, and honestly? I was already planning which one to try next.

This is still the first tour I recommend to people visiting Edinburgh, especially if you’re not sure where to start. I

t’s central, easy to book, and beginner-friendly without feeling basic.

If you’re travelling with family, kids are welcome too — they get a soft drink during the tasting and can join the tour at a reduced price.

🥃 Book the Scotch Whisky Experience – perfect for first time whisky drinkers

2. Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour

Best for: Curious drinkers or couples with mixed tastes
Duration: 60 minutes

If you’re more into small-batch craft spirits than big-brand polish, Holyrood Distillery has a completely different feel to the larger, flashier tours in town.

While I haven’t done this one myself yet, it’s been on my radar for a while.

I’ve looked into it for readers planning trips and swapped notes with friends who’ve gone.

What keeps coming up is how genuine the whole experience feels — it’s less about theatrics and more about showing you how things actually work.

The tour takes you through the working production floor, with bubbling tanks and gleaming copper stills, and the guides are passionate without being overly scripted.

They walk you through the full process — from ingredients to fermentation to flavour — and it’s paced in a way that even beginners can follow without getting overwhelmed.

What makes Holyrood stand out is that it leans into education, without losing that easygoing vibe.

The tastings are generous, and you come away not just with a few drams in you, but with a real sense of how whisky is made and why it tastes the way it does.

It’s especially suited to adults who want something more immersive — whether you’re travelling solo, visiting with a partner, or just enjoy seeing how things come together behind the scenes.

It’s not built for kids or families, but it’s ideal if you want to swap souvenir shops for something with more substance.

🥃 Reserve your Holyrood Distillery Tour – ideal for whisky and gin lovers

3. Edinburgh Whisky Walking Tour

Best for: Travellers who want whisky with a side of architecture, local history and city exploration
Duration: 2.5 hours

This one feels less like a tour and more like being shown around Edinburgh by someone who’s both a local and a whisky nerd — in the best way.

You visit multiple bars across the Old Town, trying five different whiskies in places you’d probably never wander into on your own.

It’s relaxed and low-key, with just enough historical context to keep things interesting without turning it into a classroom.

The guide gets high praise for balancing storytelling with solid whisky knowledge. You get insight into how the bars were chosen, why certain whiskies were picked, and what to notice as you sip — all while wandering through cobbled closes and past tucked-away pubs.

It’s a good mix of whisky tasting and cultural immersion, especially for travellers who prefer something a little more social and flexible than a distillery tour.

There’s also a snack pairing included, which helps pace the tastings and makes it feel more like an extended pub crawl with purpose than a rushed tour.

It works well for adults of all experience levels — no prior whisky knowledge needed — and it’s ideal if you’d rather walk, taste, and explore than sit in a single location.

🥃 Join the Edinburgh Whisky Walking Tour – the best way to sip and see the city

4. Johnnie Walker Princes Street Experience – Best for Casual Sippers

Best for: Brand fans, cocktail lovers, and travellers who want a sleek, curated experience
Duration: 90 minutes

This is the boldest, most theatrical whisky experience in Edinburgh — and it’s nothing like a traditional distillery tour.

Housed in a sleek, modern building at the west end of Princes Street, this feels more like a theme park for whisky lovers than a historic tasting room.

It’s immersive from the moment you walk in, with sound design, custom lighting, interactive scent pods, and digital displays that guide you through the story of Johnnie Walker and blended Scotch.

It’s definitely designed to impress, and it does. You’re given a flavour profile based on a short quiz, and your whisky tastings are tailored from there — which makes it surprisingly accessible even if you’re not usually a whisky drinker.

You’re not stuck with something you can’t stand, and the whole thing feels more like an experience than a lecture.

If you’re travelling with someone who’s into design, branding, or theatre, they’ll love it.

It’s polished and sleek, with an attention to detail that makes you feel like you’re in a luxury experience — without being pretentious.

It’s not what I’d suggest if you’re after something quiet, rustic, or craft-focused. But if you want to see how big brands do whisky tourism with style, this is an easy win. The views from the rooftop bar are a bonus.

🍹 Book the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Experience – for sleek design and signature blends

5. Whisky & Storytelling on the Royal Mile – Best for Cultural Insight

Best for: Travellers who value heritage, folklore, and a slower-paced tasting
Duration: 2 hours

This is one of the more unique whisky experiences in Edinburgh — a blend of guided tasting and traditional Scottish storytelling, all tucked into an atmospheric pub setting.

I haven’t done this one personally, but it comes highly recommended by readers who were after something cozy, social, and a little different.

Instead of walking around or touring a distillery, you settle in for an evening of whisky flights and local legends.

Think dark wood, candlelight, and a charismatic storyteller weaving tales between sips.

It’s a small-group setting, which adds to the intimacy. The whisky selection is varied enough to give you a sense of Scotland’s different styles, without being overwhelming.

And the focus really is on the folklore — ghost stories, myths, strange traditions — all delivered with a wink and a dram in hand.

This one suits anyone who likes the idea of whisky, but maybe isn’t sold on the whole distillery or production angle.

It’s especially good for couples, solo travellers, or small groups looking for an easy evening out — something fun and local-feeling without needing to leave the city centre.

Book Whisky & Storytelling on the Royal Mile – for whisky with a cultural twist

6. The Lost Close Underground Tasting – Best for Unique Settings

Best for: Travellers who want something atmospheric and a little unexpected
Duration: ~1 hour

If you’re after something moody, theatrical, and off the beaten path, this underground tasting experience is unlike anything else in the city.

Set in one of Edinburgh’s historic “closes” — those narrow alleyways and hidden rooms tucked beneath the Old Town — the tour combines a deep dive into whisky history with a bit of local legend.

It’s atmospheric from the start. The space itself feels ancient, and the guide doesn’t just pour your drinks — they walk you through the role whisky has played in Edinburgh’s darker chapters: trade, taxes, rebellion, even smuggling.

The whiskies are well-chosen and poured with purpose. You get a full tasting experience, but the storytelling and setting are what make it memorable.

It’s dimly lit, slightly dramatic, and feels like something you’d only find if someone tipped you off.

Because of the location and format, this one’s best suited for adults — it’s not a family-friendly option, and the small space and tone might be a bit intense for younger travellers.

But if you’re looking for a whisky tour that leans more into the history and ambiance than modern production, it’s a standout.

Book the Lost Close Whisky Tasting – for an unforgettable underground experience

Which Edinburgh Whisky Tour Should You Choose?

There’s no shortage of whisky experiences in Edinburgh — and they each offer something unique.

Whether you’re into bold blends, quiet craft distilleries, folklore by candlelight, or underground secrets, there’s a dram and a vibe to match your style of travel.

But if you’re still on the fence or feeling overwhelmed, The Scotch Whisky Experience is where I’d start.

It’s central, well-organised, and designed to make even the most hesitant whisky drinker feel welcome.

It changed my mind about whisky tours — and I’ve kept recommending it ever since.

It’s also the most family-friendly of the bunch, making it a safe bet if you’re travelling with mixed ages or want something easy to book and enjoy.

The others are all worth doing, depending on your interests — but if you’re short on time or just want one sure-fire winner, this is the tour I’d send my closest friends on.

👉 Check availability for The Scotch Whisky Experience

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