Whisky is one of Scotland’s most classic drinks and has been there since the 15th century. There are many different varieties, one being the thrice-matured Triple Wood Scotch. And—shocker—there are loads of whisky bars, tours, and experiences to choose from. Having tried some of the local liquors, I’d recommend sampling some whisky in Edinburgh. The good news is that you’ve got the pick of the litter on where to stretch your taste buds.
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Where To Stay in Edinburgh
Now, where to stay if you want some whisky? I’d recommend the first hotel I stopped at, which offered some complementary whisky upon arrival, but that was in Glasgow. (Also, it was just sitting on a side table, and I didn’t trust it not to poison me.)
Instead, let’s choose a more hygienic option, like the Radisson Blu Hotel in the city center. This hotel is right next to the Royal Mile and just a 5-minute walk from the number one bar on this list. It’s the perfect place to retreat after a long night out (whether or not you’re imbibing whisky).
PHOTO CREDITS: RADISSON BLU HOTEL VIA HOTELS.COM
PLANNING A TRIP TO EDINBURGH SOON?
Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans!
Popular Tours & Activities in Edinburgh:
- Tour of Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery
- Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
- Edinburgh Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, a Secret Dish & More
Top Places to Stay in Edinburgh:
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Best Spots to Drink Whisky in Edinburgh
The Black Cat for Fun & Live Folk Music
For some, listening to any kind of country music has them convulsing like a vampire getting a faceful of garlic oil. But for everyone else, the Black Cat’s live folk music nights are just the thing to warm a weary heart. (Plus, it’s Scottish folk, so totally different from US country.)
You can see the details of when they host live music on their Facebook page. They’ve got tons of positive reviews and a cozy, tight-knit atmosphere. Not to mention a quiz night every Tuesday with a cash prize. Talk about a fun place to hang out!
Scotch at the Balmoral for Some High-End Whisky in Edinburgh
Not to be confused with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, the Balmoral Hotel’s bar, aptly named Scotch, goes above and beyond to make your experience memorable. As a higher-end place, it’s best to make a reservation beforehand, but they’ll accept walk-ins if it’s not too crowded.
That’s doubly true for their whimsically titled “Whisky Journeys,” which are kind of like the Whiski Room’s tasting events but with a much higher price tag. (75 pounds/91 US dollars for five whiskies!!) To be fair, the service and the liquor are top-of-the-line, and the only non-five-star review on TripAdvisor is from someone who didn’t make a reservation beforehand. So, it’s definitely worth it for die-hard whisky aficionados out there.
The Kaleidoscope Bar at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is exactly what it sounds like—a group dedicated to whisky. They have several venues in the UK, but you don’t have to be a member to spend the evening at their Kaleidoscope Bar.
It’s located on the ground floor of their Queen Street venue and is legendary for its one-of-a-kind whisky offerings. Whisky Magazine even named it the Global Whisky Bar of the Year for its 2022 awards. You can also grab a bite or have other libations, like beers and cocktails, or try to get in on one of its events or masterclasses.
Old School Comfort at Whiski Rooms
Whiski Rooms has it all: classy, old school décor; friendly, knowledgeable staff; and, of course, some damn fine whisky. They also host whisky tastings that make for a nice way to spend an hour. You can sample a few different liquors while learning about whisky’s history and how it’s made.
They’re a pretty good deal – the basic package is 30 pounds (37 US dollars) and lets you try out four whiskies.
Holyrood Distillery for a Whisky-Making Tour
Holyrood Distillery probably offers the best whisky tour in Edinburgh. Visitors get to see the distillery machinery and whisky-making process firsthand, and reviewers praise the guides for being both informative and enthusiastic about the craft.
If you’re curious, they’ll let you taste-test some samples. Alternatively, you can head straight to the bar at the end of the tour. Either works.
Teuchters Landing for a Huge Variety of Whisky in Edinburgh
Teuchters Landing restaurant and bar sits on Leith’s waterfront, about 2.5 miles away, so you’ll probably want to take a taxi. It serves some fantastic fish and chips, plus over 120 malt whisky varieties.
Some of the more recent reviews are a bit mixed, with long-time goers saying it’s going downhill and newer customers saying it’s amazing. After reading through, I’m guessing that the menu or kitchen staff has gone through some changes, and it’s not to everyone’s taste. Given how many glowing reviews it’s still getting, I’d say it’s still a great place for a bite and a drink.
Glenkinchie Distillery
Glenkinchie Distillery, nestled amidst the picturesque East Lothian countryside 15 miles outside of Edinburgh, offers visitors a captivating whisky experience. With its idyllic setting, immersive tours, and exceptional whisky offerings, Glenkinchie Distillery promises a memorable and rewarding experience for those willing to venture beyond Edinburgh’s city limits.
The distillery tour culminates in a tasting session, where visitors can sample a selection of Glenkinchie whiskies. Each variety boasts distinct flavors and aromas derived from the region’s pure water source and traditional production methods.
If you don’t make it to Glenkinchie, some of its varieties are famously used in Johnnie Walker blends (in addition to being sold as single malts). So, if you go to the Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience, you may be sampling some of its whisky anyway!
The Bow Bar
Bow Bar, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, is a cozy and welcoming whisky bar renowned for its extensive selection of Scotch whiskies. With over 300 bottles lining its shelves, including rare and limited editions, Bow Bar offers whisky enthusiasts a diverse array of options to explore.
The knowledgeable staff are passionate about whisky and can provide recommendations based on your preferences, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner. Visitors can enjoy the warm and inviting ambiance while savoring a dram of their chosen whisky, making Bow Bar a must-visit destination for whisky lovers in Edinburgh.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh is a super cool place that you can’t miss. It’s a combination of a tour, museum, and tasting all in one, giving you a unique journey into the world of Scotch whisky.
You’ll explore exhibits that showcase the history, production process, and regional diversity of Scotch whisky, giving you insights into its significance in Scottish culture and heritage. The best part of the experience is the whisky-tasting session, where you can try different types of Scotch whiskies with the help of super-knowledgeable experts.
For those with limited time in Edinburgh, this is a great option! It’s right near Edinburgh Castle and a few other must-see sites. Some tours sell out, so you can book your experience up to three months in advance.
Cheers to Sampling All the Whisky in Edinburgh!
Whisky lovers, rejoice! Scotland’s iconic drink, with its rich history dating back to the 15th century, awaits your tasting adventure in Edinburgh.
Cheers to making your way through Edinburgh one dram at a time. Whether you’re squeezing it all into an epic Edinburgh in one day kind of sprint or lingering long enough to uncover some seriously unusual things to do in Edinburgh, there’s no wrong way to tackle this city, especially with a whisky in hand.
If you somehow manage to drink your way through all of these spots and still have energy left, it might be time to look beyond the city limits with a few day trips from Edinburgh without a car. Because yes, Scotland keeps the good stuff coming well past the Royal Mile.
And if this is just one stop on a bigger adventure, go ahead and stitch it into a full-blown Scotland itinerary. More castles, more countryside, and, let’s be honest, more whisky. Always more whisky.