The 3 easiest Whisky Distilleries to visit whilst in Edinburgh
When visiting Scotland, one should not miss the opportunity to explore its renowned whisky distilleries. The country’s rich history and stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for immersing oneself in the art of whisky-making. A visit to a distillery offers a unique experience to learn about the intricate process of crafting Scotland's national drink, from malting and mashing to fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Engaging with passionate distillery guides unveils the secrets behind each dram, making the tasting experience even more special. Furthermore, the chance to sample a variety of whiskies, each with its distinct flavours and characteristics, is a true delight for whisky enthusiasts and novices alike. Incorporating a whisky distillery tour into your Scotland itinerary promises a memorable and authentic experience that truly captures the spirit of this remarkable country but if you are only visiting Edinburgh, this is also now remarkably easy with 3 whisky distilleries right on our doorstep.
The 3 easiest Whisky Distilleries to visit whilst in Edinburgh
There are around 150 active whisky distilleries in Scotland that are broken down into five regions
Lowlands - whisky such as Bladnoch and Annandale. This whiskies here are light, traditionally unpeated and are renowned for their sweet, grassy notes and gentle style.
Highlands - whisky such as Glenturret and Brora. Whiskies are usually lightly peaty, spicy and heavy.
Speyside - think Macallan and Balvenie. These whiskies are usually sweet and fruity - expect ripe pears, sultanas, nuts and Christmas cake.
Islay - for Ardbeg and Lagavulin. The peat and maritime climate give Islay whiskies their characteristic pungent peaty, smoky and oily flavours.
Campbeltown - Springbank and Kilkerran. Whiskies from here are robust, fill-bodied single malts. Some are peaty or smoky, some powerful but others surprisingly delicate.
The three whisky distilleries that are open to visitors in Edinburgh fall under the Lowlands. We have Glenkinchie, Holyrood and Port of Leith. Edinburgh is also home to Bonnington Crabbies Distillery but as yet does not have a visitor centre.
Glenkinchie Distillery - Pencaitland, East Lothian, EH34 5ET
Glenkinchie serves as one of the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries of Johnnie Walker and is one of the whiskies used to make the Johnnie Walker blends. The distillery is located in East Lothian (15 miles from Edinburgh) and takes around 30 minutes by car or taxi to get there. So although not technically in Edinburgh, its very close and worth visiting.
An Uber taxi will cost you between £30-£40 for a one way trip but if there are a few of you, it’s definitely worth it! They also have a large car park area and do provide drivers drams.
Their visitor centre is interesting and is set within a charming garden. They have numerous distillery and tasting tours as well as a superb bar and restaurant.
Tours start from £19.00pp. Book HERE
It is also worth visiting the Johnnie Walker Princes Street for a fully immersive tour and whisky tasting.
Holyrood Distillery - 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh. EH8 9SH
Located about a 5 minute taxi ride from Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, this is the most Edinburgh City Centre distillery you will find. They have just bottled their inaugural whisky and can now provide whisky tours. They also have their own gin - Height of Arrows - which is a must purchase too.
They have a great courtyard outside and during the Summer hold numerous events and pop-ups.
Tours start from £22.00pp. Book HERE
The Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar, 67 St Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, EH8 9SB
Scotland’s Whisky Bar of the Year and home to Whisky Guru of the Year, is located across the road from Holyrood Distillery and behind St Leonards Police Station and is well worth adding this into your visit to Edinburgh. Tipsy Midgie has one of the largest collections of whisky with over 1000 bottles open!
Open Thursday to Monday from 5pm.
Distillery Discovery Nights where master blenders/ brand ambassadors etc visit the bar for special tastings are held on most Thursdays. Check the website for details. You’ll get to taste 5+ specially selected drams for £20.00pp.
Sunday Flight Exploration Flights where they showcase a particular distillery flight for £10.00pp.
Splendid Blended Mondays where you can be a whisky archaeologist and explore over 100 blended whiskies for £3.00 a dram!
All info of upcoming distillery showcases are always posted on their social media. Follow them on Instagram HERE
Port of Leith Distillery - 11 Whisky Quay, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6FH
The UK’s only vertical distillery, this distillery is perched right on the waters edge at Leith Harbour. They’ve started their whisky production but won’t have whisky available for a few years yet (whisky can only be whisky after 3 years and 1 day!).
The tour is worth it though, even if you just visit for the views!. They also have a great bar and restaurant.
Tours cost £26.00pp. Book HERE
The distillery is easy to visit. Alight a tram from Princes St or York Place to the stop at Ocean Terminal. Operating every 7mins, 6am - midnight 7 days a week.
You can drive down - there is plenty of free parking available in Ocean Terminal which is located right next to the distillery. Drivers drams are available.
Bus service - hop on Number 10, 34, 35, 36 and 200 Airport Bus from Princes Street.
Bonnington Whisky Distillery - not open to the public but you can sample their whisky at Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar.
Fairly new, it was commissioned in 2019 and started production in March 2020. They have just released their inaugural release - a single cask release of 502 bottles finished in a Ruby cask.
For more info on Bonningtons Crabbies, visit their website HERE
A visit to a whisky distillery in Edinburgh is not just a tour; it's an immersion into the heart and soul of Scotland's most famous export. And you can’t visit Edinburgh or Scotland without drinking this liquid gold!
Sláinte to the magic of whisky!
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.
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