Edinburgh: Guided Whisky Tasting & Walking Tour

Edinburgh’s whisky heritage is a captivating story waiting to be discovered. On this guided tour, visitors can enjoy the city’s rich distilling tradition, exploring iconic neighborhoods while savoring the nuances of four distinct whisky samples. Led by knowledgeable guides, the 2.5-hour experience promises an engaging and flavorful adventure, blending history, architecture, and the art of whisky appreciation. Whether a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this intimate tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the depths of Scotland’s celebrated spirit within the enchanting setting of the Scottish capital.

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour guided experience in Edinburgh featuring tastings of various whisky drinks, including blended Scotch, single malt, and whisky cocktails.
• Opportunity to learn from knowledgeable experts how to detect the nuances between different whisky types and enjoy paired appetizers.
• Exploration of Edinburgh’s captivating history and architecture through a 2-mile walking tour, with insights into the city’s enduring whisky legacy.
• Tour starts at The Barony Bar and visits iconic bars in the Old and New Town for the whisky sampling experience.
• Convenient meeting point with accessibility via public transportation, and clear directions for timely arrival.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Edinburgh Whisky Tasting Tour is a guided 2.5-hour experience that allows participants to savor a variety of whisky drinks, including blended Scotch, single malt, and whisky cocktails.

Priced from £96.92 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and is offered in English. Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

During the tour, guests will learn to detect differences between whiskies and sample appetizers paired with the tastings.

Led by a local guide, the experience also includes exploring Edinburgh’s history and architecture, visiting iconic attractions like royal burghs, garden squares, and medieval alleys.

Activity Highlights

During the Edinburgh Whisky Tasting Tour, participants frequently savor 4 different whisky drinks, including blended Scotch, single malt, and whisky cocktails.

They’ll learn to detect the nuances between each type, guided by knowledgeable experts.

The tour also includes:

1. Enjoying paired appetizers that complement the whisky tastings.
2. Exploring Edinburgh’s captivating history and architecture with a local guide.
3. Visiting iconic attractions, like royal burghs, garden squares, and medieval alleys.
4. Hearing engaging anecdotes and stories about whisky’s enduring legacy in the city.

This immersive experience allows participants to explore Scotland’s whisky culture while discovering the charming sights of Edinburgh.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at The Barony Bar, one of the first cask ale bars in Edinburgh. From there, you will embark on a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) walking tour through the city’s major neighborhoods. Along the way, they’ll visit iconic bars in both the Old and New Town to sample a variety of whiskies, including blended Scotch, single malt, and whisky cocktails. The guide will share anecdotes and stories about whisky’s history in Edinburgh, enhancing the tasting experience.

Location	Whisky Sample	Appetizer
The Barony Bar	Blended Scotch	Haggis bon-bons
Royal Exchange Square	Single malt	Smoked salmon blini
Victoria Street	Whisky cocktail	Oatcakes with cheese
Bow Bar	Peated single malt	Shortbread

Meeting Point

Where does the tour begin? The meeting point for this Edinburgh whisky tasting tour is The Barony Bar on Broughton Street. This iconic bar is one of the first cask ale bars in the city and serves as the starting point for the 2.5-hour experience.

The Barony Bar is:

1. Conveniently located, just an 11-minute walk from Waverley Station and a 5-minute walk from the York Place tram stop.

2. Easy to access via nearby bus stops, including routes 8, 13, 23, and 27.

3. The perfect setting to kick off the tour with an introduction to Edinburgh’s rich whisky heritage.

4. Easily found, with clear directions provided to ensure participants arrive on time and ready to embark on their whisky journey.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

What to Bring

Participants are encouraged to bring a few key items to fully enjoy the Edinburgh Whisky Tasting Tour. First and foremost, travelers should carry a valid passport or ID, as this may be required to verify their age at the various whisky establishments.

Comfortable shoes are a must, as the tour involves walking for approximately 2 miles through the city’s historic neighborhoods. Plus, a light jacket or sweater is recommended, as the weather in Edinburgh can be unpredictable.

Prohibited Items

Baby strollers, as well as bikes and other wheeled conveyances, are prohibited on the Edinburgh Whisky Tasting Tour. This rule ensures the safety and comfort of all participants throughout the 2.5-hour walking experience.

Plus, the tour prohibits the following:

1. Smoking indoors at the bars and pubs visited during the tour.
2. Intoxication prior to or during the tour, as responsible drinking is essential.
3. Large bags or luggage that could impede the group’s movement through the historic streets.
4. Pets, as they aren’t permitted in the establishments featured on the tour.

These restrictions aim to create an optimal environment for enjoying the whisky tastings and exploring Edinburgh’s rich history and architecture.

Customer Ratings

The Edinburgh Whisky Tasting Tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from its participants, with an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 7 customer evaluations.

Reviewers consistently praise the excellent guides, who possess extensive knowledge of both whisky and Edinburgh’s rich history. Participants describe the experience as informative and enjoyable, highlighting the opportunity to savor a variety of whisky drinks, including blended Scotch, single malt, and cocktails, paired with appetizers.

The tour’s focus on exploring the city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods while learning about the local whisky culture has been widely recommended for travelers interested in seeing Edinburgh’s vibrant spirit.

Getting There

Conveniently situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the meeting point for the Edinburgh Whisky Tasting Tour is The Barony Bar on Broughton Street.

Getting there’s easy, as the bar is just an 11-minute walk from Waverley Station and a 5-minute walk from the York Place tram stop. Nearby bus stops, including routes 8, 13, 23, and 27, provide additional public transportation options.

For those arriving by car, there are several parking garages within walking distance.

The tour’s convenient location allows participants to start their whisky journey in the perfect setting – a historic cask ale bar that serves as the launching point for an immersive exploration of Edinburgh’s rich whisky heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Whisky to Sample?

No, bringing your own whisky is not allowed on this tour. The tour includes a pre-selected tasting of four different whisky drinks, and the focus is on learning to appreciate the distinct flavors through the guided experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

No, the tour is not suitable for children. The tour involves sampling alcoholic whisky drinks and is limited to adults aged 18 or older. Children are not allowed to participate for safety and enjoyment reasons.

Can I Purchase Bottles of Whisky During the Tour?

No, participants cannot purchase bottles of whisky during the tour. The focus of the experience is on tasting and learning about different whisky varieties, not purchasing full bottles. The tour does not include any opportunities to buy whisky.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, there is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is fixed at 2.5 hours, which includes 4 whisky tastings, paired appetizers, and a guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s historic neighborhoods.

Are Any Dietary Requirements Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour accommodates dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options for the paired appetizers. Guests should inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking to ensure their needs are met.

Recap

This guided whisky tasting and walking tour offers an immersive experience into Edinburgh’s rich whisky heritage. Participants can sample various whisky expressions, including blended Scotch and single malt, while exploring the city’s iconic neighborhoods and learning about its history. Led by knowledgeable guides, this intimate adventure promises an engaging and flavorful exploration of Edinburgh’s whisky culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: