Edinburgh: Port of Leith Distillery Tour & Tasting

The Port of Leith Distillery in Edinburgh provides whisky enthusiasts with an immersive experience into the art of vertical distillation. This 1.5-hour guided tour unveils the intricate process behind crafting new spirits and aged whiskies. Visitors can savor tastings of the distillery’s offerings and even fill a miniature bottle as a memento. With stunning views and a commitment to accessibility, the tour promises a memorable adventure for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Scotland’s renowned whisky culture. What secrets lie within the distillery’s innovative design and production methods? Dive in to uncover the answers.

Key Points

• The Port of Leith Distillery offers a 1.5-hour immersive tour showcasing its vertical whisky production process and providing tastings of new spirits, ports, sherries, and whiskies.
• Visitors can fill a miniature bottle with a new spirit as a memento, and the distillery’s event space is available for private dining and gatherings.
• The tour and tasting experience is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and the distillery’s knowledgeable guides provide detailed insights into the intricacies of vertical whisky distillation.
• Ticket prices start from £76 per person, and the distillery’s online booking system allows easy reservation with a "Reserve now & pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The distillery is located in Edinburgh’s historic Leith district, with convenient access via multiple transportation options, and its vertical design offers an exceptional and visually striking visitor experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Distillery Overview

The Port of Leith Distillery stands as the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery, proudly situated in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith.

Founded by two friends seeking a modern approach to whisky production, the distillery’s building spans four floors, housing the production facilities on the lower levels and visitor amenities on the upper floors.

This unique vertical design allows for a comprehensive visitor experience, showcasing the entire whisky-making process under one roof.

Blending traditional techniques with innovative practices, the Port of Leith Distillery aims to offer a cutting-edge yet authentic exploration of Scotland’s renowned spirit.

Tour and Tasting Experience

Spanning 1.5 hours, the tour and tasting experience at the Port of Leith Distillery offers guests an immersive journey into the world of modern whisky production.

Visitors can expect to taste a variety of new spirits, ports, sherries, and whiskies during this engaging program. As a highlight, each participant will fill their own miniature bottle with a new spirit, creating a personalized memento.

The distillery also features an event space available for private dining and gatherings, catering to those seeking a unique and memorable experience.

With knowledgeable guides leading the way, the tour provides an opportunity to explore the intricacies of vertical whisky distillation.

Accessibility and Important Information

Fully accessible for wheelchair users, the Port of Leith Distillery caters to guests with diverse needs.

However, the tour and tasting isn’t suitable for children under 7 years old. Visitors must wear sensible footwear – high heels and open-toe shoes aren’t allowed.

The tour begins at the Reception on Level 6, so guests are advised to arrive 10 minutes early.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a corporate event, the distillery’s event space is available for private dining and gatherings.

With its combination of modern facilities and historic setting, the Port of Leith Distillery provides an inclusive and memorable experience for all.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The ticket price for the Port of Leith Distillery tour and tasting experience starts from £768 per person.

Visitors can opt for the "reserve now & pay later" option, which allows them to secure their spot without immediate payment.

The distillery offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for guests.

To check availability for specific dates and times, visitors can easily access the booking system on the distillery’s website.

With these straightforward booking and cancellation policies, the Port of Leith Distillery ensures a hassle-free experience for all its guests.

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Customer Reviews and Highlights

Guests have enthusiastically praised the Port of Leith Distillery‘s tour and tasting experience, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 54 reviews.

Highlights cited by visitors include:

1. The knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide a unique vertical distillery experience.
2. The stunning views from the distillery’s bar, which offer a breathtaking perspective of Edinburgh’s historic whisky district.
3. The exceptional quality of the tastings, which allow guests to sample new spirits, port, sherry, and whiskey, as well as fill their own miniature bottle with a new spirit.

The distillery’s commitment to accessibility and attention to detail have also received positive feedback, making the tour and tasting a must-do experience for whisky enthusiasts visiting Edinburgh.

Getting to the Distillery

Conveniently located in Edinburgh’s historic Leith district, the Port of Leith Distillery is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

Visitors can arrive by bus, with several routes serving the area. The nearest train station is Waverley, which is just a 10-minute walk away.

For those driving, the distillery has a public car park available. It’s worth noting that the venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users, making it a great option for all guests.

Whether you’re coming from the city center or further afield, getting to the distillery is a breeze.

Whisky Production Process

At the heart of the Port of Leith Distillery’s operation lies a meticulous whisky production process meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the finest Scottish ingredients.

The distillery’s three-step process involves:

1. Malting and milling the grain to extract the sugars needed for fermentation.
2. Fermenting the wort with carefully selected yeast strains to convert the sugars into alcohol.
3. Distilling the resulting liquid through the distillery’s unique vertical stills, imparting the rich, complex flavors that define the Port of Leith’s signature whisky.

This exacting approach ensures each bottle showcases the depth and character of the distillery’s terroir-driven spirit.

Vertical Distillery Design

The Port of Leith Distillery’s innovative vertical design sets it apart from traditional whisky distilleries.

As the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery, the production facilities are stacked over the first four floors, with visitor amenities on the upper levels. This unique layout allows for a more efficient and streamlined production process, as the different stages of distillation can be carried out on different floors, reducing the distance the spirits need to travel.

The vertical design also creates a visually striking and immersive experience for visitors, who can witness the entire production process from various vantage points as they tour the distillery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Has the Distillery Been in Operation?

The Port of Leith Distillery was founded just recently by two friends aiming for a modern approach to whisky production. As the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery, it’s been in operation for only a short time.

What Types of Whisky Are Produced at the Distillery?

The distillery doesn’t currently produce any whisky, as it’s the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery and was only recently founded. It instead offers tastings of new spirits, port, sherry, and whiskey as part of its tour experience.

Are There Any Special Events or Festivals Held at the Distillery?

The distillery hosts various special events and festivals throughout the year, including private dining experiences, cocktail masterclasses, and seasonal celebrations showcasing the distillery’s production and the local Leith community. Check their website for the latest event schedule.

Can Visitors Purchase Bottles of the Distillery’s Whisky On-Site?

Yes, visitors can purchase bottles of the distillery’s whisky on-site. The distillery offers a selection of their new spirits, ports, sherries, and whiskies for purchase at the end of the tour and tasting experience.

Does the Distillery Offer Any Other Tour or Tasting Packages Besides the One Described?

The distillery offers several tour and tasting packages besides the 1.5-hour experience. Visitors can choose from shorter tastings, extended tours with more in-depth exploration, and private events tailored to their preferences and group size.

Recap

The Port of Leith Distillery Tour & Tasting offers an immersive experience into the world of whisky production in Edinburgh’s historic Leith district. With its vertical distillery design, guided tour, and tastings, the tour promises a memorable adventure for whisky enthusiasts. Guests can even fill a miniature bottle as a keepsake, making it a unique and accessible experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: