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Edinburgh drinks tours and experiences
Whisky is Scotland’s most famous export, and you can learn all about this celebrated spirit during your stay in Edinburgh. But gin and beer production is also big here, with a growing number of distilleries and craft breweries popping up across the country. There are plenty of great drinks attractions to discover in Edinburgh, such as tours, distilleries, visitor centres and experiences. Along with a fantastic collection of bars and restaurants, which specialise in these popular tipples.
Explore Edinburgh drinks experiences below…
Drinks tours and attractions
Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a fun introduction to the world of whisky. This five-star attraction offers a guided tour, tutored whisky tasting and a barrel ride adventure. Or, for tastings, tours and immersive experiences in the New Town, visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street visitor centre. Where you’ll learn all about this popular whisky brand while soaking up magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle!
There are also several distilleries and breweries, which offer tours and tastings, and a fascinating insight into how alcoholic drinks are produced here in Edinburgh. Holyrood Distillery is a modern whisky and gin distillery with a vibrant visitor centre, tasting bar and shop. The first whisky distillery in Edinburgh for almost 100 years, its innovative and experimental approach makes it an exciting place to explore. Edinburgh is also home to popular gin brands Edinburgh Gin and Pickering’s Gin and breweries such as Bellfield Brewery and Stewart Brewing. All of which offer tours or experiences.
Specialist bars and restaurants
Lovers of whisky, gin, beer and cocktails will not be disappointed when it comes to eating and drinking in Edinburgh. With a wide array of bars dotted across the city, you can sip on your favourite drink in fashionable surroundings. Take part in a cocktail masterclass at The Alchemist or mix a magic potion at the Department of Magic tavern. Or enjoy a range of beer experiences, tours and masterclasses at craft beer bars, such as the Cold Town House, Brew Dog and Innis and Gun.
The Scotch Whisky Experience has its own whisky bar and restaurant, Amber, which specialises in fine whiskies and complementing dishes. Whiski Bar on the Royal Mile and its sister venue Whiski Rooms offer a choice of over 300 whiskies, a traditional Scottish menu, along with whisky experiences and entertainment. While Usquabae is a whisky bar and larder serves up delicious Scottish food to go with their vast whisky menu, and puts on various events and tastings.
In addition, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a private members club, with two venues – Queen Street and Leith Vaults. Regular visitors may consider signing up for full access and great member benefits. However, non-members are welcome for dining and drinks at Kaleidoscope Bar on Queen Street. The bar has an extensive offering of single malts, exclusive to the society, and they also run some fantastic events and masterclasses.
‘A lovely little find close to everything. A lovely cosy welcoming hotel. The staff were helpful. I would definitely book again. Close to restaurants, John Lewis and the shops of Princes Street.’
– Tripadvisor Review
